2018 Oregon bottom fishing regulations set

Lingcod season runs Jan. 1-Dec. 31 in 2018, with a two-fish limit for lingcod and five-fish limit for rockfish.

BROOKINGS, Ore. - Anglers fishing off the coast of Oregon will be allowed to keep seven bottom fish in 2018, including two lingcod and five rockfish.
The limits were set during the Dec. 8 Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Salem. While the limit of rockfish was reduced compared to 2017, Oregon remains the only state on the West Coast with a year-round rockfish and lingcod season. California, Washington and Alaska have winter closures for bottom fishing. Oregon's season will remain open January through December.
The 2018 limits do no include sub-bag-limits for rockfish, meaning anglers can keep any combination of black, blue, canary, vermilion, yellowtail, China, copper and quillback rockfish.
The lingcod limit remains two a day with a 22-inch minimum size.
"While we had hoped to keep a higher limit of rockfish, we are glad we will have a year-round fishery and anglers will still be able to leave with seven fish a day," said Capt. Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters.
Capt. Andy was one of the charter boat captains who testified before the Fish and Wildlife Commission, which had considered tighter limits of three or four rockfish a day.
Brookings has the safest bar crossing on the Oregon Coast. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, boats are able to cross the bar more days out of Brookings than any other port in Oregon or Washington.
"Since we have the greatest chance of being able to get out and fish during the winter months, this year-round season is very important for Brookings," Martin said. "Some of our best lingcod fishing takes place during the winter months, so we will be able to run charters in January, February and March, when the lingcod are close to shore and easier to catch."
Brookings Fishing Charters will begin its ocean charter season Jan. 1. Capt. Andy and Capt. Travis will be running trips daily, weather permitting.
Brookings Fishing Charters has opened a new booking office and tackle shop at the Port of Brookings, located at 16399 Lower Harbor Road, Suite B.
Visit www.brookingsfishing.com to book a trip, or call (541) 813-1082.