NW Outdoor Explorer

In the midst of this COVID-19 stay at home order, we all just have to get out now and then. After Washington closed all recreational fishing, Oregon quickly followed suit and closed the Columbia for all salmon and steelhead fishing. They allowed fishing on the Columbia for all other species which tells me this closure […]

The stars and moon were in alignment. The tide was just right. No wind, not even a ripple on the water. We launched and had lines in the water just before sunrise. There was a light fog hovering just over the water. The water temp was a cool 46.4 degrees. The air temp was about […]

After the Fall salmon season has ended, if you are like me, you start thinking about the next years springer season. Yes, there is plenty of Winter steelhead fishing to be done, but I am a big salmon junkie. It is that time of year now and I am itching to get out there. Typically, […]

WOW! I have mixed feelings about the fishing trip today. We took our old neighbors from Sherwood, Mark and his son Alex, out for a second day hoping to repeat what we experienced yesterday. The drive out to Ilwaco was typical. Nothing to report. Got to the boat and prepped the crab traps. Today, we […]

The weather synopsis is not always 100% accurate. The ocean conditions on paper looked to be similar to the flat conditions we experienced last week. Reality was something a bit different. Crossing the bar was not too bad, but once outside, the water never layed down. We headed straight out West from the river till […]

We are a week late due to some mechanical problems on the truck, but the wait was definitely worth it. Last week, we had a small issue with the truck not starting. I first thought it was a failed starter, but with a replacement starter, it still would not engage. At least I thought it […]

It was a cold day in early March, but it was a beautiful one none the less. After getting the motor 100 hour service completed, we decided to get out for a little “Here fishy fishy!!” We launched from the Ridgefield, WA ramp and had a short run to the Columbia River. DFW decided to […]

We were fortunate to have a couple weekends of good weather heading into the end of 2018.  This made crabbing limits even more enjoyable this time of year. Here is some of the equipment we have decided to use. If you would like to purchase your own, click the links below. Danielson Pacific FTC Crab […]

Even though the ocean is closing after this Sunday, we jumped at the opportunity to fish the river with Hotline Guide Service LLC (Jason Berg).  It was a pleasure to take a break from being captain, just drink beer and watch the rod.  We have enough coho for now and were on the hunt for […]

This was the best day of fishing so far. Crossed the bar a little late.  I think it was about 0830.  A good hour after the tide change. On our way out, we started seeing boats returning from the ocean.  Holy crap, did we miss the bite???? Our plan was to head north, but with […]