For January 3, 2025, if you're planning to hit the Pacific Ocean off the Oregon coast, here's what you need to know:
First, let's look at the tides. Today, the high tide at Depoe Bay is around 3:25 AM PST at 7.97 ft and the next high tide will be at 3:53 PM PST at 7.34 ft. Low tide is at 9:43 AM PST at 3.15 ft and again at 10:11 PM PST at 3.44 ft[2][5].
Weather conditions are crucial, and as of the latest reports, the ocean conditions were challenging last week, but they seem to be moderating. Early last week, anglers at Newport had good fishing with catch rates around 4 fish per angler, and lingcod landings were close to 1 fish per angler. At Depoe Bay, the fishing was pretty fair with about 2 fish per angler, and lingcod was good with an average of 1.5 fish per angler[1].
For today, you can expect moderate ocean conditions, especially in the morning. The best spots to try your luck would be Depoe Bay and Newport. At Depoe Bay, focus on the areas just outside the 40-fathom regulatory line if you're using longleader gear, as this can help you reach the 10-fish bag limit for bottomfish[1].
In terms of fish activity, rockfish and lingcod are your best bets. Yesterday, boats that made it out from Charleston saw limits of rockfish and half limits of lingcod despite low effort due to challenging conditions[1].
For lures and bait, when targeting rockfish and lingcod, use jigs or baited hooks with squid, anchovies, or herring. These baits tend to attract both species effectively.
If you're looking for specific hot spots, Depoe Bay and Newport are your go-to places. At Depoe Bay, the fishing was fair last week, and at Newport, the early week saw good catch rates. For those willing to venture a bit further, Charleston, though it had low effort last week, showed promising results for those who braved the conditions[1].
Remember to check the swell and wind conditions before you head out, as these can significantly impact your fishing experience. Optimal surf conditions for fishing are usually when the surf is between one and five feet, and the wind is not too strong[3].
Sunrise today is at around 7:53 AM PST, and sunset will be at 4:43 PM PST, giving you ample daylight to enjoy your fishing trip.
Stay safe, and good luck on the water
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