Despite its name, Lingcod is different to both Ling and Cod. But it's just as rewarding to catch as the two of them combined! The Lingcod fishing Oregon is known for is a perfect example. What makes them even more popular is the fact that they tend to stay in a lot of places. Young ones stick to muddy and sandy bottoms near the shore, while adult Lingcod like rocky surfaces anywhere up to 230 fathoms (1400 ft) deep. This means you can catch them on shorter trips, as well.
What to Expect
The easiest way to catch Lingcod is to head inshore. In Oregon, that means checking out the bays. Some of the most popular inshore Lingcod fisheries include Nehalem and Tillamook Bay. These are always a great option if you’re short on time but still want to have some fun fishing.
Anglers with time to spare can head a few miles out into the nearshore waters, where the Lingcod are bigger (and some would say tastier). You can expect these trips to last around 6–8 hours. That gives you plenty of time to also do some crabbing if they happen to be in town.
But if you want the biggest fish out there, you’ll need to go some 15–20 miles offshore and have heavy tackle ready. You’ll be fishing at up to 400 feet of water deep for some of the biggest Lingcod this part of the Pacific can offer. Fishing for deep water Lingcod is a tall order for anyone who doesn’t know the fishery intimately, as most captains keep the best spots for themselves. Take some time to find an experienced charter captain, and you’ll be rewarded for it.
Something to keep in mind is that the bag limit for Lingcod is two per person, which makes going after bigger ones even more worthwhile.
How to Prepare
While fishing itself is loads of fun, it’s important you come ready for it. That means you need to buy a valid fishing license for all anglers older than 12, which you can do online or from a licensed retailer. You should also take care to dress in layers (especially on longer trips) as well as bring along some snacks for longer trips.
You can go after Lingcod at pretty much any time of year, making any day a good day for fishing. The fish are out there, so come on down and have some fun!
