“It’s going to be a pretty tricky launching situation this weekend with big swells and low tides.” said Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “I would try to avoid coming or going during low tide. My guess is it will be fishable on Saturday and questionable on Sunday. The cove can surprise you quite often, for better or worse, and you never really know until you see it. The launch hours have yet to be determined, but they will be there at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday. They won't be launching boats without side bunks during big swells as it's too dangerous.” Anglers are encouraged to call Matt Kempe, who operates the Shelter Cove launch for the Humboldt Bay Harbor District, ahead of time at 707-223-3399. Cost to launch is $35.

“With all the rough weather we've had, there hasn't been much time to go scouting,” said Mitchell. “It's been a while since I've been out, but there was some good sign down on the inside near the crab gear. Also, there seems to be quite a few whales hanging around on the outside of the whistle so that may be a good spot to go look as well. And it’s been a good spot the past few years on the opener.”

As of Wednesday, winds were forecasted to blow from the N 10 to 20 knots on Saturday with NW waves 12 feet at 15 seconds. Sunday is looking worse, with winds out of the NW predicted at 15 to 25 knots and waves out of the NW 14 feet at 15 seconds. Visit forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-123.82128&lat=39.44792 for an up-to-date marine forecast. On Saturday, a low tide of -0.4 will be at 9:35 a.m. and Sunday’s low will be -0.34 at 10:40 a.m.