Tag: Oregon charter boats

Winter charter trips bring back lingcod, rockfish and crab, while steelhead arrive in local rivers

BROOKINGS, Ore. (Feb. 22, 2025) – Limits of rockfish, lots of lingcod and a few Dungeness crab to end the day have made for exciting winter charter boat trips out of Brookings so far this winter, with good fishing on the nice weather days between storms. Chrome-bright steelhead, meanwhile, are entering local rivers, giving anglers plenty of options for February and March fishing trips.

Ocean lingcod and rockfish action has been above average so far this winter, with more lingcod than recent years in January and February. Steelhead fishing, on the other hand, has been slower than expected coastwide, with just a couple steelhead per boat on most days.

Customers with limits of lingcod aboard the Miss Brooke in February 2025.

The Miss Brooke, Nauti-Lady and Papa B have been running ocean charters as the weather allows between storms. The rockfish action has been hot, with lots of smaller fish released and a good grade for limits. Lingcod also are biting aggressively, with limits typical on the longer 6-plus-hour trips, and a fish or rod or better on the shorter 4-hour trips. On long-range trips to Mack Arch, the lingcod bite has been wide open, with limits and plenty of smaller lingcod released, as well as some larger breeders let go as well.

A large steelhead caught with Capt. Andy on the Chetco River in February 2025.

Steelhead fishing will remain a solid option well into March. Our ocean charter boat captains are also river guides, and fish out of drift boats during the fall and winter when the ocean is too rough to fish. They use light spinning tackle to drift tiny clusters of roe for steelhead. The scenic floats down the Chetco and Smith rivers are memorable, and the hard-fighting steelhead are among the most prized an angler can catch.

A limit of lingcod from the Miss Brooke in January 2025.

During the winter months, lingcod move into shallow water to spawn. Big numbers of fish congregate over rockpiles in 20 to 50 feet of water. Many of the lingcod are caught on typical rockfish gear, but once limits of rockfish are caught, our captains switch over to larger jigs and bigger baits to specifically target lingcod. The catch rate of the Brookings Fishing Charters crew speaks for itself – our captains have a well-earned reputation for catching quality rockfish and lots of lingcod using light tackle in shallow water.

Capt. Andy with a pair of nice lingcod caught aboard the Nauti-Lady in February 2025.
Deckhand Eric with a pair of lingcod caught aboard the Miss Brooke in January 2025.

Ocean fishing is open year round out of the Port of Brookings, which also has the safest bar crossing on the Oregon Coast. Our crew is ready to fish each time there is a break in the weather and it is safe to get out and fish for lingcod and rockfish. Trips are available aboard the Nauti-Lady, our 42-foot boat, as well as the 30-foot six-pack charter boats Miss Brooke, Kraken, Papa B and Dash.

The Nauti-Lady hovers of a big school of rockfish near House Rock in January 2025.

Ocean salmon dates will be announced in April 2025. Pacific halibut season opens May 1. The highly anticipated season at Point St. George Reef Lighthouse also opens May 1. Albacore tuna trips are offered in July, August and September, once the fish get within 30 miles of the coastline.

Here are some of the recent lingcod and rockfish catches aboard our charter boats out of Brookings.

Steelhead season closes March 31 on the Chetco, and April 30 on the Smith. Spring king salmon action runs mid-March through June. To book an ocean charter or spring king salmon trip, call (541) 813-1082. Learn more about ocean charters at www.brookingsfishing.com. Learn about river trips at www.wildriversfishing.com.

Here are some recent steelhead catches with our river guides.

Coconut-Crusted Lingcod with Sweet Chili Sauce

By Capt. Andy Martin – The satisfying crunch of panko bread crumbs combined with the sweetness of coconut flakes and sweet chili sauce makes for a surprisingly delicious fried fish treat that will have you coming back for a second and third helping. Coconut-crusted lingcod, which is also great with halibut or rockfish, is a simple spin on coconut shrimp often featured on seafood and steak restaurant menus. The sweet chili sauce is a great alternative to traditional tarter and cocktail sauces, and perfectly complements the sweet crunch of this easy-to-make recipe.

When we prepare Coconut-Crusted Lingcod at my house, we also cook up a heaping serving of shrimp to go with it. Combined with fries, it’s a great way to enjoy the catch of the day on our charter boats, or to use up some of the fillets in the freezer from earlier trips.

Coconut-Crusted Lingcod and Shrimp with sweet chili sauce is a sweet and crunchy treat.

Panko, and coconut, cook to an appetizing golden brown color quickly, so smaller portions of fish work best with this recipe. If the fish pieces are too thick, the crust will burn, while the fish in the middle is undercooked. This recipe works well pan fried or deep fried. I often cook up several pieces in my deep frier, then place on a baking sheet with a wire screen and put in a warm oven to finish off while I fry another batch of fish.

Start by cutting lingcod, halibut or rockfish fillets in small pieces. The tail section of a halibut or lingcod is best if the fish is large. Generally, two- to three-inch portions work best with this recipe. If the fillets are thick, cut into smaller pieces to quickly cook and avoid burning the panko. Season the fish with a small amount of salt and pepper.

Coating the fish and shrimp in egg wash and then panko and coconut can be messy. To make cleanup easier, I often place three bowls on a large baking sheet, and coat each piece of fish before frying, placing all of the coated fish on a plate. After dredging the fish in flour and dipping in egg wash, gently roll the fish and shrimp pieces, one at a time, in the panko mix, pressing the panko crumbs into the fish. The large baking sheet will catch most of the mess the coating process can create.

As a general rule, I’ll fry the fish in 350-degree oil for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or approximately 3 minutes if submerged in a deep frier. Cook just until the breading is golden brown, then transfer to the baking sheet in the oven to finish while the next batch fries up. Avoid over-filling the deep frier, just cook three or four pieces of fish, or half a dozen shrimp/prawns, at a time.

Start by cutting the fish into small portions, and removing the shells from the shrimp.
Set up three bowls to bread the fish and shrimp, one with seasoned flour, one with egg wash, and a third with a combination of coconut flakes and panko bread crumbs.

In the oven, at 300 degrees, the center of the fish will continue to cook without overcooking the fish. The hot oven and wire screen also allows the oil on the outside of the fish to drain off onto the baking sheet.

Dredge the fish and shrimp in the seasoned flour before dipping in egg wash and then in the panko mixture.
After completely submerging the fish in the egg wash, allow the excess egg wash to drip back into the bowl. This will prevent large clumps of egg wash from accumulating in the panko mixture.
Preparing all of the fish and shrimp before frying allows the oil to heat up to 350-400 degrees, and makes cleanup easier.
Deep fry for approximately 3 minutes, or shallow fry in a pan 1-2 minutes per side. Too long and the coating will burn. Fry just until the panko coating is golden brown.
After frying each batch, place on a wire rack and baking sheet in the oven at 300 degrees.
The finished product, perfectly combined with sweet chili sauce.
Capt. Andy with a limit of lingcod caught aboard the Miss Brooke.

To catch a limit or rockfish or lingcod to enjoy Coconut-Crusted Lingcod with Sweet Chili Sauce, take a trip with Brookings Fishing Charters. Learn more at www.brookingsfishing.com, or call (541) 813-1082 to book.

Coconut-Crusted Lingcod with Sweet Chili Sauce

1 pound fish fillets (lingcod, halibut or rockfish), cut into small pieces

1/2 pound large shrimp or prawns, back shells removed

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp paprika

3 eggs

1 1/4 cups sweet coconut flakes

3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Peanut or vegetable oil

1 lemon, cut into wedges

Sweet chili sauce

Instructions

Heat oil to 350-400 degrees in deep frier or in a large skillet.

Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees.

Remove shells from shrimp. Cut fish fillets into small pieces, no longer than 3 inches. For thicker fillets, cut into smaller portions.

Lightly season fish with salt and pepper.

Set up three bowls to coat fish and shrimp. Combine flour, garlic powder and paprika in first bowl, beat three eggs in second bowl, combine coconut flakes and panko in third bowl.

One piece at a time, dredge fish/shrimp in flour, completely coat with egg wash and allow excess egg wash to drip back into bowl. Gently press fish or shrimp into panko mixture, turn over and repeat, completely coating fish/shrimp with panko and coconut.

Set each piece of panko-coated fish and shrimp on a plate, and repeat until all the fish is coated.

If shallow frying, place four to five pieces of fish in a skillet with just enough oil to fry bottom half. Fry for 1-2 minutes, then turn over and fry for another 1-2 minutes, just until panko is golden brown. Place fish on baking sheet in oven and cook another batch. For shrimp, fry 1 minute per side, or until panko is golden brown.

If deep frying, submerge 3-4 pieces of fish in hot oil and fry just until golden brown, generally 2-3 minutes. Place fish on baking sheet in oven and cook another batch. For shrimp, cook until golden brown, generally 2 minutes.

Serve with lemon wedges, sweet chili sauce, and fries, coleslaw or pasta salad.

Salmon chowder easy and delicious

By Capt. Andy Martin – The thrill of catching hard-fighting king and coho salmon is a top draw to the Oregon Coast. Salmon also are highly prized because they are so delicious to eat. Whether grilled, baked or smoked, salmon are one of the most popular fish to eat. They also make great chowder.

Salmon chowder is one of my favorite ways to enjoy salmon, and was one of my daughter’s favorite seafood dishes as she was growing up. This chowder recipe was perfected by fishing guides in remote Alaska, who would prepare the tasty dish for their clients on the banks of the river after they caught their first fish of the day. The guide would cook the chowder for lunch while clients continued to fish. This chowder is a great way to enjoy salmon year round, as it can be made from fresh or frozen salmon. Canned or smoked salmon can also be substituted.

When I made this one the banks of the river in Alaska, where some fresh ingredients were not readily available, I used cans of evaporated milk, which work fine, but half and half (or even heavy cream) is better. Ingredients listed here are a good starting point, but you may want a little more salt and pepper, and vary amounts of potatoes, celery and onion (I never carried a measuring cup or measuring spoons in my gear bag during guided fishing trips!)

Alaska Guider Chowder

5-6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled, grease reserved

2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

1 cup diced celery

1/2 cup diced onion

2 cups cubed potatoes

1 cup water (or chicken broth)

Pinch of flour

2 tablespoons dried dill

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon lemon pepper

1 teaspoon garlic power

1-2 pounds salmon, bones and skin removed, cut into smaller chunks

2 cups half and half, or heavy cream

1 can corn, drained,   or 1 1/2 cup frozen corn

Bacon is a key ingredient in salmon chowder.

Start by cooking several pieces of bacon. Save the greese. The bacon adds flavor to the chowder.

Chopped celery and onion.

In a large pot, cook chopped onion and celery with butter or olive oil. One small onion and a few stalks of celery is all that is needed.

Add potatoes, and season with salt, pepper, garlic, lemon pepper.

Add four to six small to medium skinned, chopped up potatoes. Stir in chopped bacon, bacon grease, salt, pepper, lemon pepper and garlic. Add a pinch of flour and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.

Add just enough water to almost cover potatoes.

Add enough water to almost cover the potatoes. Be careful not to add too much, especially if you like thicker chowder. Add a generous amount of dried dill weed. Cook the potatoes until almost done.

Add raw salmon to the chowder.

Just as potatoes are almost done, add chopped up raw salmon. Remove the skin and bones before adding to the chowder. Stir and continue to cook over medium heat.

The salmon will crumble to small pieces as it cooks.

As the salmon cooks, it will break apart into small pieces. Continue cooking until salmon is done.

Add frozen or a can of corn, drained.

Once the salmon is cooked, add a can of drained corn, or a bag of frozen corn. Stir well.

Add one to two cups of half and half.

The final step is adding one to two cups of half and half. Heat, stirring frequently, until chowder is hot.

A dash of Tabasco sauce adds a little kick to the finished chowder.

Enjoy the chowder with a dash of Tabasco sauce, or a dab of butter. Serve with warm bread or crackers.

To catch a salmon on the Oregon Coast to make this delicious salmon chowder, visit http://www.brookingsfishing.com.

Long-rang lighthouse trips yield lunker lings

BROOKINGS, Ore. (May 19, 2023) – The highly anticipated lingcod and rockfish season opener at the Point St. Geoge Reef and lighthouse lived up to its expectations, with easy limits of lunker rockfish and steady action on big lingcod. Halibut fishing also is off to a good start near the lighthouse, and has improved off of Brookings.

Aside from local half-day bottom fishing trips out of Brookings, and all-day long-range trips to the lighthouse, anglers fishing out of the Port of Brookings also have an ocean salmon season to look forward to. The coho salmon season off the Oregon Coast begins June 17, and Brookings is often ground zero for the best action in late June and early July.

A pair of nice lingcod caught near the Point St. George Reef lighthouse in mid May.

The lighthouse area is a highly popular trip because of the Alaska-style fishing often found in the productive waters of Point St. George Reef. Aside from big lingcod and halibut, the thriving reef is home to massive schools of blue, black, canary and yellowtail rockfish. Tiger, vermilion, China, copper and quillback rockfish also are caught near the lighthouse, located halfway between Brookings, Oregon, and Crescent City, California. Few boats venture to the far side of the lighthouse, where the Brookings Fishing Charters fleet has a large number of tried-and-true hotspots for lingcod and rockfish.

Chris, a frequent Brookings Fishing Charters customer, fights a lingcod near the lighthouse on May 16.
Chris holds a limit of lingcod caught aboard the Nauti-Lady in May.

Each season, lingcod topping 40 pounds are caught near the lighthouse. Charter boats fish shallow pinnacles, catching lingcod in was as shallow as 30 feet, and deeper water up to 250 feet. The lighthouse area often has more consistent fishing for lingcod compared to reefs closer to Brookings or Crescent City.

An angler fights a salmon that hit a bottom fishing rig in May. The salmon was released without being removed from the water.

Brookings Fishing Charters has been running trips daily. Half-day local trips are offered for lingcod and rockfish, along with a longer-range 6-plus-hour targeted lingcod trip. The lighthouse trips run 8 hours. All-day halibut trips also are available. Halibut season runs through Oct. 31 out of Brookings, with the best fishing in later June, July and August.

A pair of 20-pound lingcod caught May 19 aboard the Nauti-Lady.

Salmon fishing is closed in all of California this summer, but will open out of Brookings June 17. Two hatchery coho, also known as silver salmon, may be kept each day. River fishing for salmon also will open as normal on the Chetco and Rogue rivers this fall. River fishing for salmon is closed in California this year.

During a charter in mid-May to the lighthouse, a large king salmon was released on the Nauti-Lady. Several salmon also have been released by anglers fishing out of Brookings. Plentiful boat is a good indication of healthy ocean conditions, which generally lead to good silver salmon fishing. The action is often fast and furious, with double and triple hookups common during coho season.

Fishing in California waters opened May 15, and the Brookings Fishing Charters fleet spent much of the first week of the season at the lighthouse. The Nauti-Lady and Miss Brooke ran several trips to the lighthouse during the opening week, with limits of big rockfish daily, and boat loads of big lingcod.

For more information on the lighthouse, visit www.brookingsfishing.com, or call (541) 813-1082.

Capt. Kirby holds a 22-pound lingcod caught in May aboard the Nauti-Lady.

Rockfish, lingcod targeted between storms

(BROOKINGS, Ore. – Feb. 15, 2023) – The new year has been off to a stormy start, as big swells, steep wind chop and overall rough conditions have kept charter boats on the Southern Oregon Coast at the docks. As the weather improves in late winter and early spring, expect good action for lingcod and rockfish.

The Brookings Fishing Charters fleet has run a handful of trips so far in 2023, with fishing only fair at best. Rough conditions and cold water has made the rockfish and lingcod more reluctant to bite. Generally, the better the weather, the better the fishing this time of year. As swells and seas subside, the rockfish and lingcod will aggressively feed, resulting in what can be wide open fishing.

Customers hold crab, rockfish and lingcod from a charter in January aboard the Miss Brooke.

During the winter months, lingcod move into shallow water to spawn. Large numbers of male lingcod, between 5 and 10 pounds, remain in shallow water to guard the nests of the spawning lingcod. The larger females, which can reach 30 to 40 pounds, quickly return to deep water, but while on their spawning run they are within range of sport anglers. During the most recent trips, the Miss Brooke caught limits of rockfish and a few lingcod, plus a few limits of Dungeness crab.

Crabbing has been decent this winter, and the Brookings Fishing Charters boats have dropped crab pots to check on the way back from the fishing grounds. The commercial crab season is now in full swing, reducing the number of crab available for anglers.

Local half-day and 6-plus-hour bottom fishing trips are available daily during the winter and early spring. The Point St. George Reef near the lighthouse opens to fishing May 15. This year, the Oregon limit for rockfish is five rockfish and two lingcod. Salmon dates will be adopted in April. Pacific halibut season opens May 1 out of Brookings.

A nice limit of lingcod caught aboard the Miss Brooke.

Our charter boats use light spinning tackle or light jigging rods to target rockfish and lingcod. Our six-pack boats are the fastest in the fleet, while larger groups, or people who like fishing on a larger party-style boat, can book trips aboard the 42-foot Nauti-Lady.

Catching rockfish three at a time aboard the Papa B in January.

To book an ocean charter, call (541) 813-1082, or book online at www.brookingsfishing.com.

Winter lingcod fishing yields trophies

BROOKINGS, Ore. (Jan. 14, 2023) – During the winter months, between storms, charter boats are able to venture out of the Port of Brookings for some of the best lingcod fishing of the entire year. From November through April, lingcod move into shallow water to spawn. The trophy-size females, which retreat to deep water during the summer, are briefly inshore, giving anglers a rare opportunity to catch them in shallow water.

Nice lingcod caught early last year aboard the Miss Brooke at Mack Arch. Some of the best lingcod fishing of the season takes place during the winter months.

Ocean conditions have been rough the past month. Gale warnings, swells to 20 feet, and huge breakers have kept the Brookings Fishing Charters fleet, and other boats, at the docks. But in late January and early February, there often is a window to get out and fish. Typically, the action is very good when boats can get out.

Stormy weather has kept charter boats at the docks the last few weeks.

Lingcod average 4 to 6 pounds. Fish to 10 pounds are common. But those really big fish, over 20 pounds, are most common during the winter months. In the summer, the large females hunker down in 200 to 400 feet of water, out of range of most sport boats. During spawning season, they make a quick trip to the shallow reefs, from 20 to 40 feet of water, to spawn and then return back to deep water. Smaller males stay behind to guard the nests. Often, half a dozen or more males will remain with each nest.

Capt. Andy holds a limit of lingcod for a customer aboard the Nauti-Lady.

State and federal biologists have determined lingcod populations are healthy and sustainable, so fishing them in the winter does not hurt the overall health of the fishery. Some anglers choose to release the large fish, but others want to take them home to eat. Lingcod are prized for their tasty fillets.

The Brookings Fishing Charters captains are among the most experienced lingcod fishermen in Brookings. Capt. Andy and Travis grew up in Brookings and have decades of experience fishing for them. Rye, Mick, Sam and Mike also have considerable experience fishing year round out of Brookings.

Mack Arch is a favorite winter lingcod spot. House Rock also is productive. The Point St. George Reef lighthouse is off limits during the winter, however, as California waters are closed until May 15.

Limits of lingcod are common during the winter.

Rockfish also are caught during winter time lingcod trips. Black, blue, canary, vermilion and yellowtail rockfish are all common out of Brookings. Limits of lingcod and rockfish are common during the winter months.

To learn more about winter time fishing, visit www.brookingsfishing.com or call (541) 813-1082.

Here is a video about winter time lingcod fishing with Brookings Fishing Charters. https://youtu.be/NwqAZNWL7Cw

Kraken joins Brookings Fishing Charters

The super-fast, heavy-duty Kraken, a 27-foot six-pack offshore boat built by Armstrong Marine, is the latest addition to the Brookings Fishing Charters fleet. The Kaken began running trips out of Brookings this month, and joins the Miss Brooke, Nauti-Lady, Papa B, Dash and Bout Time as a premier Oregon Coast charter boat.

The Kraken joined the Brookings Fishing Charters fleet in February 2022.

Capt. Andy Martin purchased the Kraken and repowered the boat with twin Mercury outboards, and a new kicker trolling motor. Previously, the Kraken was a charter boat in Newport, Oregon, and specialized in ocean salmon and albacore tuna. It is one of the fastest charter boats on the coast, and its super duty hull is built to specifications of six-pack charter boats used in Alaska. It is capable of handling rough water, and cuts through chop while staying on plane. The Kraken will be used for all of the charter offerings by Brookings Fishing Charters, with an emphasis on Point St. George Reef Lighthouse trips, halibut charters, albacore tuna and ocean salmon.

Capt. Michael lifts a rockfish into the Kraken during a hot bite near Bird Island.

After its repower, the Kraken was able to reach speeds in the mid-40 mph range, with a cruising speed close to 30 knots in moderate chop. It is designed to get to and from the fishing grounds quickly to maximize the fishing time for the customers on board.

The Kraken has the most advanced electronics in the fleet, with high-end sonar, radar and charter plotters from RayMarine. It is equipped with auto pilot, auto trim tabs, and multiple sonars to easily locate schools of fish.

The first lingcod caught aboard the Kraken after it joined the Brookings Fishing Charters fleet.

The Kraken can comfortably seat six customers, plus crew. It is captained by Capt. Michael, Capt. Sam and Capt. Andy, depending on the trip. With insulated fish holds, under-deck storage for ice, and rails and outriggers, it is designed for long-range tuna trips. The spacious under-deck fish holds will allow anglers to load up on albacore.

One of three under-deck fish holds.

To book a trip aboard the Kraken, visit www.bookingsfishing.com or call (541) 813-1082.

The Kraken on the way to the fishing grounds.

Limits of lings, rockfish at lighthouse

The first trips of the season to the Point St. George Reef Lighthouse by the Brookings Fishing Charters crew resulted in easy limits of lingcod and big rockfish, with lots of variety. The fishing was pretty much wide open.

The Nauti-Lady and Miss Brooke ventured to the lighthouse last week, a few days after the May 1 opener. Windy weather kept boats away from the highly productive reef the first few days of the season, but calm weather last Wednesday resulted in non-stop action for both of the Brookings charter boats that made it to the lighthouse.

Anglers on the Miss Brooke hold limits of lingcod caught in early May at the Point St. George Reef Lighthouse.

The fishing was so good that the Nauti-Lady, with 12 customers on board, caught full limits of lingcod and rockfish in just three drifts, while also releasing nearly a dozen keeper-size lingcod. The Miss Brooke had no trouble getting limits for its six anglers, with some large vermilion, canary, copper, quillback and black rockfish mixed in. The lingcod averaged 8 to 10 pounds, with a few fish in the high teens.

An angler on the Nauti-Lady holds his limit of lingcod from an early May trip.

The lighthouse is located in California waters approximately 11 miles straight out from the Port of Brookings. Several of the Brookings Fishing Charters boats, including the Nauti-Lady, Miss Brooke and The Dash are licensed to fish both Oregon and California waters. Only a few charter boats have both Oregon and California charter permits.

Some of the nice lingcod caught aboard the Nauti-Lady.

The lighthouse area borders a marine reserve. The area open to fishing is one of the most productive reefs on the entire West Coast for lingcod and rockfish. Big fish, and limits, are common on trips to this area. The season is open May 1-Dec. 31. Brookings Fishing Charters offers trips to the lighthouse during calm weather days. Because the area is in open water and often has strong currents and is exposed to offshore wind, the Brookings Fishing Charters crew carefully chooses the days it heads to the lighthouse.

Capt. Andy Martin holds a pair of tiger rockfish caught aboard the Nauti-Lady near the Point St. George Reef Lighthouse.

The Brookings Fishing Charters crew specializes in light tackle, often using spinning rods with flutter jigs or scampies to catch the lingcod and rockfish near the lighthouse. The reefs have a wide variety of fish, with lots of colors.

Some nice vermilion rockfish and lingcod caught aboard the Nauti-Lady.
A lunker lingcod and copper rockfish caught aboard the Nauti-Lady near the lighthouse.
One of the nice lingcod caught during the first trip of the season to the lighthouse on the Nauti-Lady.
Capt. Mike grills hot dogs on the trip back to Brookings from the lighthouse.

The historic Point St. George Reef Lighthouse is 11 miles offshore of Brookings.

To book a charter fishing trip to the lighthouse, call (541) 813-1082 or visit www.brookingsfishing.com.

Panko breaded fish easy and delicious

One of the easier and quicker ways to prepare rockfish or lingcod fillets is coating them with panko bread crumbs and frying with a small amount of oil. Delicious, with a crunchy coating, this is a standby recipe for many Oregon Coast anglers.

Panko breaded fish fillets make delicious fish and chips.

Pour enough oil into a skillet to completely cover the bottom. Heat over medium heat to 300 to 350 degrees. Panko can burn at hjgher temperatures, or when deep fried. Cut the rockfish or lingcod fillets into small pieces. One rockfish fillet will yield two to four pieces. Combine a cup of flour, salt, pepper and other seasonings (Johnny’s, Old Bay, creole, lemon pepper, etc.) in a gallon-size bag.

For best results, cut rockfish fillets into smaller pieces.

In a bowl, beat two or three eggs. Add panko bread crumbs to another bowl. Completely cover the small pieces of fish by shaking them in the bag of flour, then dip the fish into the egg wash. Coat both sides of the fish in the panko bread crumbs.

Coat the fish fillets in seasoned flour by placing them in a plastic bag and shaking.
After dipping the flour-coated fish in egg wash, cover both sides in Panko bread crumbs.

The fish will cook quickly in the hot oil. Cook one side of the fish for 1 to 2 minutes, then turn. Cook until golden brown.

A small amount of oil is used to cook each side of the fish until it turns golden brown.

The small pieces of fish will cook quickly. Place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Drain fish pieces on a paper towel and salt to taste.

Panko-breaded fish is especially tasty with a squeeze of lemon juice, and dipped in cocktail or tarter sauce.

Make tarter sauce by combining chopped onion, chopped dill pickle, mayonnaise, a small amount of lemon juice, salt, pepper and dill weed.
Cocktail sauce is a simple combination of ketchup, lemon juice and horseradish.

To catch a limit of rockfish or lingcod to make your own panko-breaded fish, book a charter with www.brookingsfishing.com.

Here are some of our other favorite fish recipes:

Easy, delicious rockfish chowder recipe
Oregon Coast fish taco recipe

http://brookingsfishing.blogspot.com/2016/03/easydelicious-beer-battered-fish-and.html

Back on the water, back on the bite

Our charters are back in operation after the temporary shut down caused by the stay-home orders, and when the weather cooperates, fishing has been very good. We have five six-pack boats running daily, as the weather allows, and they have been finding a very good grade of rockfish and lingcod up to 18 pounds. Recent trips have produced a variety of rockfish, with large canaries, quillbacks, coppers, Chinas, blacks, blues and vermillions. Lots of color!

Anglers hold lingcod and rockfish caught in mid-May 2020 aboard the Miss Brooke of Brookings Fishing Charters.
Michael, a deckhand on the Miss Brooke, holds a large copper rockfish caught in May 2020.
Nice lingcod and rockfish caught in May 2020 aboard the Miss Brooke of Brookings Fishing Charters.

May has been fairly stormy, so the boats have only gone out a handful of times since social distancing measures were eased. We are glad to report the motels and RV parks in the Brookings area have re-opened, and customers can once again dine inside of restaurants.

The size of the black rockfish has been excellent this month.
The schools of rockfish have been thick this season, with a very nice grade. We are catching them three at a time!
The crab spawn began in early May, sending rockfish to the surface to gorge on the small crustaceans. We’ve enjoyed wide-open surface action at times.

In early May, the crab spawn began. Tiny crabs float toward the surface, drawing up rockfish from deeper water. The rockfish can be seen splashing at the surface, giving us an opportunity to cast small jigheads and grubs for a wide-open topwater bite. This surface action, which is a unique thrill with light tackle, should last into early June. We are using ultra-light spinning rods to get in on the surface action.

A nice lingcod caught aboard the Miss Brooke on a jig.
The grade of rockfish has been excellent in May 2020.
Anglers of all ages enjoy light-tackle rockfish action,
Young anglers are always welcome aboard our charters.

The ocean salmon season opens June 20. The forecast for the Sacramento and Rogue rivers is strong, which should lead to good numbers of kings feeding on anchovies off the coast of Brookings this summer. We troll for the salmon with anchovies or herring. Late June and July are peak season.

The Dash off the coast of Brookings. We operate six-pack charters, meaning we have small groups, and are able to get to the fishing grounds very quickly.

We are now up to full crew, with five six-pack boats in the water. Capt. Travis and Michael are on the Miss Brooke, Capt. Andy has his 26-foot guide sled in the water, with comfortable seating for six anglers, Capt. Mike is on the Papa B, Capt. Rye and Capt. Mick are running The Dash, and Capt. Rich is on the Bout Time. Capt. Sam also is helping out this season. Michael, who has been a great deckhand, will be finishing his captain’s license course in July. The class was delayed because of the stay-home orders. We look forward to having him run a boat as well.

A nice lingcod caught aboard the Miss Brooke.

To book a trip, visit www.brookingsfishing.com for online bookings 24/7. You also can call our office at (541) 813-1082.

Lingcod and rockfish caught aboard the ‘Bout Time in mid-May 2020.