Late Summer Fishing Tips on Oregon’s Adventure Coast

08/03/2010

Photo From Fishing Oregon's Adventure Coast

Love to fish?  Sport fishing is a popular outdoor recreation activity and the Oregon Coast has a bounty of incredible fishing options. Fishermen can venture offshore for salmon, halibut, Albacore tuna and a variety of bottomfish – from lingcod, to rockfish, to flatfish.

Here are some tips and resources to help you plan your fishing trip along the Oregon Coast!

  • Visit www.fishingcoosbay.com to get current weather and water condition updates and stay up to date on the newest rules and regulations.
  • For more fishing season information rules & regulations and license requirements check with the  Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.
  • Check with local tackle and bait shops for local information about specific seasons, catch limits and conditions.  Find these businesses at www.baitnet.com
  • Contact one of our local charter fishing operators and/or experienced fishing guides for more local information:

More Tips:

Albacore tuna tend to be offshore from mid summer through early fall and Bottomfish are available year around – weather permitting – and a charter trip usually ends with an ice chest full of fish.

Oregon’s bay area also offers several unique fisheries; surf fishing from local beaches for striped bass and surf perch and in-bay fishing for White sturgeon. The best information about these fishing opportunities is available from local tackle shops

7/22/2010 Fishing Report from www.fishingcoosbay.com

Bottom fishing can’t be beat. Charters from Charleston and Bandon have continued to send people home with their limits in fish. All trips have been selling out, so if you want to go, book well in advance.

That said, over the past week, big winds have forced charter boat operators to cancel a few trips. What’s up with the wind anyway? At times, it’s blown hard in the morning and quieted in the afternoon. Recreational fishermen who’ve had to stay in the bay, have been catching mostly black rockfish.

The weekend outlook for fishing in the bay is good. Herring moved in Wednesday. They’re good-sized, too, according to Matt at Fishermen’s Wharf. If there’s bait in the bay, there will be more fish. Salmon fishing is slow, despite decent conditions and tuna is far offshore (100-120 miles). Sport boats may get lucky and catch a few in closer to shore, but the commercial boats have followed the tuna wave north toward Newport.

Crabbing is improving from the docks, now that the minus tides are gone. Crabbing in the bay is improving, too. Commercial crabbing has been slow, and that prompted Fishermen’s Wharf to fly in some Maine lobster today to add to its stock. The Crab Shack has some crab, and it’s stocking spot shrimp now, too.

Visit the following sites for more information:

Charleston Marina and Launch Ramp

Oregon Outdoor Radio Show with Richard DeChambeau

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

The Fin – Oregon Fishing Reports

Amato Publications – Many books & videos on Coastal Recreational Hunting and Fishing

Scott Haugen – Outdoor Writer and Photographer



By AmyD | Posted in Charleston, Coos Bay, Environmental News, Local Features, Local Secrets, Oregon Coast Fishing | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

What is Your Favorite Oregon Coast Beach?

07/12/2010

Photo Added to our Facebook Page by Joe Drew

I want to feature one of our gorgeous beaches this week- but I am having a hard time decided which one (I love them all).  Which beach is your favorite?

Runners tend to love Horsfall Beach, while dog lovers (like me) love to bring their 4 legged friends to Bastendorff Beach.   But everyone knows Shore Acres is one of the gems of the Oregon Coast?

With so many choices- help me decide! I want to know which beach is your favorite (and why!).   Vote in my poll posted below- and/or Vote on our Facebook Page.  I will write a feature on your favorite beach- and will include your comments if I can on why you love it.  Make sure your favorite beach gets represented!

See the Oregon’s Adventure Coast Beach Resource page for more information on our beaches.

What is Your Favorite Beach on the Southern Oregon Coast?

View Results

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By AmyD | Posted in Local Features, Local Secrets, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Southern Oregon WATER Adventure

07/06/2010

Southern Oregon has a bounty of beaches, lakes and rivers to enjoy and July/August is the perfect time to take it all in. Travel Oregon has put together the utimate guide for water lovers visiting the Oregon Coast. Adventure seekers looking for something different come to the Oregon Coast for our fishing, beaches, views of the Pacific and more.

The Southern Oregon WATER Adventure features the best river and ocean adventure in the Pacific Northwest with recommendations for jet boating, hiking, fishing, horseback riding on the beach and more . Download your copy here; or visit our page for more itineraries that feature the best of the Oregon Coast. The resources listed in our site are ideal if you are traveling with a group and need an organized excursion; or if you just like to have someone map it out for you (after all, you’re on vacation). If you have ideas on other half and full day itineraries, please let us know!

Photo Credit: Scott Shelli Peters who submitted this beautiful photo on our Facebook page!

By AmyD | Posted in Featured Itineraries, Local Features, Local Secrets, Oregon Coast Fishing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Running with Pre…Coos Bay is Filled with Memories of Steve Prefontaine

06/22/2010

“I like to make people stop and say-I’ve never seen anyone run like that before. It’s more than just a race, it’s a style.  It’s doing something better than anyone else.”  – Steve Prefontaine

Running fans from all over travel to Coos Bay, Oregon each year to get a glimpse of home of one of the greatest running legends of all time: Steve Prefontaine.   Steve’s tenacity and style helped fuel the running craze born in the 1970s and captured the imagination of millions of fans around the world.

Famed University of Oregon Track Coach and future Nike co-founder and running shoe designer, Bill Bowerman, took notice and successfully recruited Pre to the U of O. During his short but brilliant career, Pre set 14 American records and earned international fame.  His goal was to compete and win the Gold Medal in at the Montreal Games of 1976 but died tragically in a car accident on May 30, 1975.

Though he lived for just 24 years, Steve made an enormous impact on the sports world and Oregon history.  We hold a very special place for Steve here in Coos Bay where he was born in 1951 and discovered his gift for running fast and far as a student at Marshfield High School. Many members of our community knew Steve personally, and enjoy sharing their memories of him growing up and watching him transform into an elite athlete with celebrity status.

Pre's classmate, Jay Farr, in front of Steve's childhood home

Jay Farr is one of our community members who knew Steve as a friend, teammate and classmate.  Jay, also a runner, is a 1969 graduate of Marshfield High School who went on to graduate from Yale.   He returned here and took over as the head of of Farr’s True Value Hardware in Coos Bay.  Jay has also been the Head Cross Country Coach at Marshfield and is a founding member of the Prefontaine Memorial Committee.

Jay begins each morning with a run in and around Coos Bay and will frequently bring along Coos Bay visitors and Steve Prefontaine fans who want to experience a more personal side of their hero.  He takes visitors back to Marshfield High School where the two graduated in 1969 and set numerous records (Steve still holds many of the records still on display at MHS).   Fans of “Pre” can also still see Steve’s childhood home and elementary school- and the track at their middle school where Steve’s passion and drive for the sport was born.

Steve Prefontaine still holds the #1 record in numerous Marshfield High School events.

Coos Bay is filled with memories of Pre.   There is a series of historical bronze plaques throughout the city, each containing an image of Steve Prefontaine and a different quote or record that he held.

To get personal accounts of Pre’s life- plan to stop by Farr’s True Value Hardwaret 880 S. 1st St to meet Jay Farr and maybe even arrange to go on one of his runs with him.  I promise the experience is worth it!  You can also stop by Huggins Insurance at 445 Elrod Avenue, Coos Bay and meet Bob Huggins, Executive Director of the Prefontaine Memorial Committee who has an amazing collection of Pre’s memorabilia on display.

For the ultimate Steve Prefontaine running experience, register now for the Prefontaine Memorial Run, a challenging 10K road race across one of his old training courses held Sep. 18, 2010!

By AmyD | Posted in Coos Bay, Local Features | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

Make Your Travel Plans Now to Attend the Oregon Coast Music Festival

06/14/2010

Music Festival Kicks Off July 17!

Poster Artist Jerry Baron

The 32nd Annual Oregon Coast Music Festival officially kicks off in Coos Bay, Oregon next month and the free Opening Day Event is scheduled to begin at 12pm on July 17 at Mingus Park with the Bay Area Concert Band.

Concert goers will enjoy wine, food, and wonderful music to start the celebration.  This annual summer festival features performances in a multitude of musical styles that reflects the diverse musical tastes of our community: jazz, traditional, Native American, blues, Celtic, chamber, and features our 80-piece symphony orchestra made up of outstanding musicians from all across the country.

The festival builds in popularity each year and is getting noticed by critics. Here are some of the reviews of the event from previous years:

“Coos Bay may be a long way from Portland or San Francisco, but the concerts of the Oregon Coast Music Festival rival the best heard in the bigger cities. Live orchestral classical music performed before a regional audience is a rare cultural jewel. It deserves our respect and support.” -Keith Henty, JEFFERSON PUBLIC RADIO

“The concert was wonderful — really quite an amazing performance. This was the third time I’ve been down to hear the OCMA orchestra, and the repertoire is always interesting, the performances spirited, and the auditorium an infinitely remarkable place to hear such music. Your festival and its orchestra are real gems.“-Peter Dammann, Producer PORTLAND WATERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL

The festival runs through July 31 has multiple dates and venues that include Marshfield Auditorium, Mingus Park, Shore Acres State Park, The Mill Casino, OIMB Boathouse, Black Market Gourmet and Hales Center. To see the full event schedule and to get ticket information, visit www.oregoncoastmusic.com

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Did you know the Oregon Coast Music Festival…

  • Attracts over 5,000 total patrons annually to concerts in Coos Bay, North Bend, Bandon, Shore Acres and Charleston.
  • Is the only festival of its kind in southwestern Oregon and features top caliber performing artists from throughout the United States.
  • Draws part of its audience from out-of-town, and to help boost the economy and popularity of Oregon’s Bay Area during the ten-day festival.
  • Has initiated a scholarship/musical instrument support program for promising young south coast musicians.

For more information about OCMF please call 541-267-0938 or toll free 1-877-897-9350

By AmyD | Posted in Events, Local Features | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Featured Oregon Coast Attraction: The Egyptian Theatre in Downtown, Coos Bay Oregon

06/07/2010

Each month, we like to feature a business or attraction that adds so much to our South Oregon Coast. When visiting our area, plan to visit the Egyptian Theatre in downtown Coos Bay, Oregon.  The Egyptian Theatre is one of those distinguised landmark sites that is recognized by anyone strolling through downtown Coos Bay. This beautiful historic building sits in the heart of downtown on S. Broadway (Hwy 101).

The theatre was originally a 1,240 seat silent movie and vaudeville house designed by Portland architect, Lee Arden Thomas. It opened it’s doors in grand fashion in 1925 and featured a dazzling $32,000 state-of-the-art Wurlitzer Theater Organ. Thanks to the restoration efforts of the community it remains to this day the largest movie house of its kind on the Oregon Coast.

Each weekend, the theatre is open to the general public and shows classic movies (movies that are 5 years or older).

Taking in a classic movies at the Egyptian Theatre is the perfect way to spend an evening with friends, family, or on a date for very reasonable rates. You can also enjoy a summertime treat at an old fashioned movie Concession Stand featuring Hot Popcorn, Cold Soda, Ice Cream and Candy. For more movie listings, visit www.Egyptian-Theatre.com or call 541-269-8650.

By AmyD | Posted in Coos Bay, Local Features, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Featured Oregon Coast Adventure: Explore the Cape Arago Beach Loop

05/26/2010

View from Shore Acres State Park

With so much to explore along the Southern Oregon Coast, we felt the need to create a series of itineraries to help Oregon Coast visitors make the most of their time here.  

The Cape Arago Beach Loop is a wonderful way to experience a variety of natural Pacific Coast beauty in a number of settings.  This loop will take you to beaches and state parks where you can take in the breathtaking vantage points and see the famous seals and sea lions on the Oregon Coast.  Be sure to dress comfortably and  bring your Camera!  What you will see:

  • Bastendorff Beach:Never crowded and always beautiful, Bastendorff Beach is a must see for beach enthusiasts.  
  • Sunset Bay State Park: Sunset Bay Park features beautiful sandy beaches protected by towering sea cliffs.
  • Cape Arago Lighthouse Viewpoint: There is no public access but there are great views from the viewpoint located on the Oregon Coast Trail.
  • Shore Acres State Park & Botanical Gardens: Shore Acres is an unexpected combination of beautiful natural and man-made features.
  • Simpson Beach You’ll find crashing waves, migrating whales, and views of hundreds of seals and sea lions and other wildlife. VERY IMPORTANT!  Please do not bother the seal pups you may find on the beach. They are not lost, only waiting for mom to return.
  • Shell Island Interpretive Stop Part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Shell Island and the surrounding reefs provide breeding and rest areas for sea birds and Marine mammals.
  • Cape Arago State Park

How to Explore The Cape Arago Beach Loop
From Hwy 101, head west on Newmark Avenue (just south of the Mill Casino). Follow the road until you reach the Stop sign at the End, follow the signs and turn left onto Cape Arago Hwy. Follow this road, once you cross the bridge into Charleston, the road will fork; veer to the right to head for the docks, or veer to the left to follow the Cape Arago Beach Loop. This road will eventually loop back around. Enjoy the views and pull over often!

For Complete Details, Download our PDF Guide for the Cape Arago Beach Loop

Bonus! While you are on your adventure, be sure to stop and visit some of the local stores and markets you will find along the way.  Here are some of our top picks:

Cranberry Sweets:Candy and Gifts.  All candies are made by hand, using only the finest natural ingredients. Free samples of products are always in good supply. 1005 Newmark Ave Coos Bay, OR 97420

Chuck’s Seafood Fresh seafood and more….91135 Boat Basin Drive Charleston, OR 97420 (541) 888-5525

Fishermen’s Wharf :Floating Seafood Market Known for their Dungeness crab.  Charleston Boat Basin, Dock D Charleston, OR 97420

If you explore the Cape Arago Beach Loop and send us your feedback and photos on our blog or inFacebook!  We would love to hear about your experience and suggestions and ideas for future itineraries!

By AmyD | Posted in Featured Itineraries, Local Features | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Says Sea Lion: “I’m not an explosives technician, but I did spend the night in Coos Bay”

05/24/2010

“Jake” shines in his new career after vacationing in Coos Bay. Credit: James Martin/CNET

Some of you may remember that story a few months ago about the missing San Francisco Sea Lions who abruptly disappeared from Pier 39.

Well we helped unravel a part of the mystery when we discovered them vacationing in the Coos Bay area.

But like all vacations, they must come to an end. Imagine our surprise and delight when we a friend sent us this story from CNET NEWS to let us know what’s become of them. It seems vacationing in the Coos Bay area can do more then just rejuvenate you…

Jake (also known as Sea Lion #1 in the video) was a little miffed that they left his name out of the story, but you can’t always control the media. This update just confirms our belief that there’s nothing better than a vacation on Oregon’s Adventure Coast.

Photo Credit: : James Martin/CNET

By OregonKat | Posted in Local Features | Tagged | Comments (0)

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Experience is Like No Other

05/12/2010

Each year, thousands of visitors from around the world come to the Oregon Coast in search of adventure and tranquility.  Many of them are able to fulfill their search by riding along the top of a massive sand dune overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  Off-highway vehicle riders love the thrill of riding across these expansive tracks of sand.

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area extends for 40 miles along the Oregon Coast including the Coos Bay Area. Formed by the ancient forces of wind, water and time, these dunes are like no others in the world. These are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America and they hold numerous opportunities for adventure and solitude.

The past couple of weeks have brought warmer weather to Coos Bay- making it the perfect time to hit the Dunes!  Spinreel Dune Buggy Rentals, Inc. is one of the local businesses in North Bend, Oregon that will rent vehicles so you can experience the thrill of riding the sand dunes yourself!

The view of the Pacific Ocean as you enter the beach area

Check out these  local recreational riding establishments to experience the Dunes for yourself!
Spinreel Dune Buggy Rentals, Inc.
67045 Spinreel Road
North Bend, OR 97459
(541) 759-3313; Fax (541) 759-4777
www.ridetheoregondunes.com
Doon Bugs
Located at the Myrtlewood Factory
68752 Hauser Depot Road (off Hwy 101)
North Bend, OR 97459
(541) 660-5300
www.oregondunebugrentals.com
Steve’s ATV Rental
68512 Highway 101
North Bend, OR 97459
(541) 751-1800
www.StevesATVRentals.com
By AmyD | Posted in Local Features | Comments (0)

The Oregon Coast Shipwrecks Exposed: The Sujameco on Horsfall Beach

04/12/2010
the-oregon-coast-shipwrecks-exposed-the-sujameco-on-horsfall-beach

Visitors to Horsfall Beach were treated to an extraordinary view this week of the remains of the steamship Sujameco that ran aground in March of 1929 in heavy fog.  High seas and low tides each winter help to expose portions of the shipwreck; but conditions this year have exposed the shipwreck from bow to stern- allowing visitors to catch the best views in years.

If you are visiting the Southern Oregon Coast this week- be sure to go by and see this piece of history for yourself!  To get there from North Bend: proceed north 1.5 miles to Transpacific Lane. Turn left and proceed 1 mile, turning right across railroad tracks. Travel 100 feet, turning right on Horsfall Beach Road. Proceed 3 miles to the Horsfall Beach Campground & Day Use Area.  The site of the Shipwreck is right by the last parking lot.

The Sujameco ran aground in 1929....Photo from the Coos County Historical Museum

View of the Sujameco Shipwreck now....Image Credit: KVAL- CBS 13

Here is a bit of history about the wreck.  To learn more about this and our other famous shipwrecks visit the Coos County Historical Museum

From The Wreck of the Sujameco story by Ann Koppy

…Submarine Boat Corporation of Newark, New Jersey designed and constructed the Sujameco for their fleet in 1920, but she was under charter to Transmarine Line, New York when she stranded. The 324′ Sujameco had left Newark in January. She was bound from San Francisco to Coos Bay in ballast with a crew of 32 men and officers…..

Captain John F. Carlson reported his position as fifty miles north of Cape Arago. Nevertheless, the U.S. Compass Station, a direction finder facility, reckoned he was close to the shoreline and advised him to change course. By then, the vessel was already in shallow water and couldn’t turn. She ran headfirst into the breakers and stayed in that position for eighteen hours. Waves then turned her broadside; she came to rest on the sandy beach, her bow pointing south. Captain Carlson later claimed he had steamed past the bar in thick fog, turned around, and was maneuvering south at full speed when the ship went aground….

The saga dragged on for several weeks…Most of the crew remained aboard for the duration, homesick and weary…..Finally, Lloyds of London, the underwriter, took over. The insurer had spent about $150,000 before selling the wreckage to Pacific Salvage Company in May.

The firm removed the engine, boilers, and everything else of value and left the hull to time and tide.

Much of the remainder was cut up for scrap metal during World War II to aid the war effort. Today, the site is easily accessible from the parking lot at Horsfall Beach in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. A short walk over the dune leads directly to this lonely, mute reminder of the hazards of coastal shipping.

By AmyD | Posted in Coos Bay, Local Features, South Oregon Coast Buzz | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (3)