Let's Talk Bar Crossings

[Johnny Dollar]

There is also a 'flashing light' bar warning sign at the top-left of the boat ramp in WP.

[blowboater]

bajadan - lovely picture of your daughter in your avatar...

[Elkfins]

Some great info here...

Welcome to LeeRoy's Ramblings

Ocean Fishing from a Small Boat

steve

[Tower Todd]

Tides, Swell, Depth, Wind, River Currents, Vessel Traffic, Vessel Ability & Captain Ability are all important factors to consider.

Here is a tide chart. The bar will be at it's worst during the strong outgoing tides (Ebb), when rush of outgoing water is met with an incoming wave (Swell). This happens in the worst place where the water is very shallow (The Bar). Always try to cross at slack tide, preferably the high slack (the water is deeper). Remember that shallow water will make the swell stand up and get steep faces on them. If you absolutley can't cross at the best times, the next best would be during an incoming tide (Flood). With a flood tide, the swell and tidal current will not be opposing each other. During the Spring time there is strong river currents due to run-off from rain / snow further increasing currents at the bar.



THERE IS NO SUBSTITION FOR EXPIRIENCE! Just because there is a halibut opener on a particular day doesn't mean you have to risk it and try and cross in marginal conditions. Stay safe.

Returning from the ocean: When you are on the outside looking in, the bar will look better. That is because you are seeing the backs of the waves. Remember that it may be much worse than what you can see from the outside. After you have committed and are crossing the bar, your chances of turning around are poor and likely dangerous. I would much rather wait on the outside in deep water until a tide change, than try to cross on a nasty ebb.

[Johnny Dollar]

Damn good advice

[tinmanxx]

I like to head out of Westport with the coast guard in the morning. They sometimes make the call at 1st light so if they decide to close it I have already crossed. If it is closed before then you will have to wait. This stradegy isn't for the inexperienced but with 20 yrs of practice I know my boats capabilities more than the coast guard. I also check the noaa weather and bar forcast before I leave the house in the morn so we know what to expect.

[Johnny Dollar]

Under what conditions is it best to bear toward the South or North jettys in Westport?

I remember one scary experience when we were 'surfing' into the jaws at Tillamook. We started dead center, but unfortunately the waves were surfing us into the south jetty...

[Tower Todd]

Your on the outside fishing and didn't hear the warning from the USCG that bar was going to be restricted or closed soon. Or you were out far and couldn't get back across before the bar turned nasty.

Your stuck on the outside the BAR IS CLOSED. What do you do?

[Elkfins]

Your on the outside fishing and didn't hear the warning from the USCG that bar was going to be restricted or closed soon. Or you were out far and couldn't get back across before the bar turned nasty.

Your stuck on the outside the BAR IS CLOSED. What do you do?

Alert the CG and klep fishing or jog into the waves till the bar is opened!!!

[bajadan2000]

Your stuck on the outside the BAR IS CLOSED. What do you do?

Carry enough fuel to make the next bar north or south that is still open.

If no bar is open within your range, call (radio) the CG and let them know your situation.

First option is to head out to safe deep water and start fishing until the bar opens. If staying out becomes a safety risk for any reason, call the CG for a tow, or to plow a lane to lead you across the bar.