The Oregon Coast Anglers Conservation Scholarships ($1,000 each) have been awarded. The importance of the conservation scholarships has never been more obvious with water shortages, rampant forest fires and imperiled salmon. We need more professionals focused on mitigating the effects of global warming. Attached are pictures of the scholarship recipients Ellie Eklund of Coquille and Jacob Mitchell of West Bend. Both students received recognition and additional scholarships at their respective award ceremonies. Mark Teeter, OCA Director and I were at the award ceremonies to present the scholarship awards and congratulate Ellie and Jacob.

Ocean Hatchery Coho opened today, June 12th with a 120,000 fish quota. I fished last Tuesday and stayed inside 70’ water depth in hopes of catching a King Salmon or Halibut. That strategy didn’t payoff, however we did bring three wild Coho to the boat. All were released with no issues. Now that hatchery Coho are legal, I’ll start fishing for them, when ocean conditions allow.

Roman Smith of Florence notified me of an upcoming Marine and Fishing Swap Meet. It will be held on July 3rd in Florence at Breen Marine’s parking lot, 2530 Highway 101 from 9:00 am to 3:00 PM. This is an opportunity for anglers to sell equipment not needed, and to pick up some new equipment.

On June 16th I will be participating in the West Coast Recreational Angler Roundtable organized by NOAA. This will be a virtual meeting attended by recreational anglers from west coast states. The objective is to share regional community priorities and discuss current and emerging issues. What I learn will be reported in my next newsletter in July.

Last evening Joan and I dined with friends at a new restaurant in Reedsport, The Big Fish Café and Dinner House. It’s located next to Unger’s Landing Boat Launch, 345 Riverfront Way. The restaurant has been remodeled, creating a nice ambiance overlooking the Umpqua River. Service was excellent and the food was delicious. A menu can be found at bigfishcafereedsport.com., where reservations can be made. Numerous daily specials are posted in the restaurant. Masks are required at the entrance, but can be removed once seated. We enjoyed our dinner and will go back again, soon.

Good Fishing,

Steve