About Westport Nearshore Rockfish Reefs ("Afternoon Delight" area)

The Westport Nearshore Rockfish Reefs, known locally as the "Afternoon Delight" area, sit off the outer coast near Westport, Washington, where rocky bottom and kelp cover form structure in 30 to 90 feet of water. This exposed nearshore reef holds lingcod, which move onto the rocks and peak from February through April. Jigging drives most of the action here, with metal jigs, leadhead jigs paired with swimbaits, and bucktail jigs worked close to the rock. Anglers also take fish on live bait such as greenling, whole herring, or live perch, and on drifted swimbaits, curly-tail grubs, and cut bait across the reef. The kelp and broken rock give lingcod ambush points throughout the depth range, so tactics that keep offerings near the bottom and structure produce best.