Spearfishing in Port Orford

Jason and Cassandra escaped for the weekend to spear fish the Oregon Coast this last summer in late August!

The first day, arriving too late for the port to be open, a shore entry was planned. With spear guns in hand, the the plan to harvest unfolded.

The shore entry at Port Orford is challenging as you carefully go over the concrete wall, down rocks, and then fight the surge as you enter between pinnacles. A couple minutes to catch a breath floating in an area of open water where the fronds of kelp whirled around, then descent. The visibility was INCREDIBLE for the Oregon Coast. The color of the plumos anemones were contrasted against the wall of bright purple urchins. There was a plankton bloom that mildly limited visibility beyond 40 feet. Cassandra found the ling cod curiosity distracting from the task at hand, so Jason helped harvest their dinner. The numbers of fish were amazing.

The port was open day two. The zodiac was lifted up and over the wall and placed in the water. The boat entry was successful north of the jetty and about 100 yards from the last rock at low tide. Again visibility was good, but not as great as the first day, being around 20 ft as the plankton bloom was a bit more significant. Water temperature was a brisk 47 degrees so dry suits were in order and appreciated! There was more black cod then the eye could count. Dinner was harvested!

Can’t wait to return on adventure here again!