Hali

[Stein]

Outdoor line thinks it will open on the inside on May 14th with a 4 day season.  Unfortunately it's a month later than it was supposed to be, so I'll probably be choosing lings, anyone think they will still be around by then?  In my limited experience, by the beginning of May it's about a 1/3 chance for me to find one, so 2 weeks after that isn't sounding promising.

[Crunchy]

Talking about big water, or fishing inside the straits?  If big water, weather should be better and they should be plenty of fish. If inside, it depends on what the natives have been doing. 

[Mfowl]

I won't be out if they open it but I would think fish will be caught out of Port Angeles at that time. I personally have never done well in the far eastern strait/area 6 anyway. I tend to avoid it even in a regular year. 

[fishngamereaper]

Tribe's have been getting fish..

With that said middle of May is tail end of decent fishing in the straights. They migrate out on April. Still some fish around buy not in numbers. If we get a season on the 14th go as far west as legal..

As for the ocean I bet we won't see an ocean season until late summer.

[gasman]

Coastal seas is projected to be in August and September.

Had a charter plans for Thursday this week but it ain't happening.

Thought about going after some PS lings, but big tides this week 

[Stein]

Talking about big water, or fishing inside the straits?  If big water, weather should be better and they should be plenty of fish. If inside, it depends on what the natives have been doing.

Word is that only 6 through the sound will open.

My current plan is to whack some 8 inchers on Tuesday and then lings later in the week when the tides cooperate.

[fishngamereaper]

Talking about big water, or fishing inside the straits?  If big water, weather should be better and they should be plenty of fish. If inside, it depends on what the natives have been doing.

Word is that only 6 through the sound will open.

My current plan is to whack some 8 inchers on Tuesday and then lings later in the week when the tides cooperate.

Actually 5-10 should get the nod, but we will see. Its only closed right now, according to source's because wdfw has no fish checkers..

The reasons the coast won't open is because the tribe's aren't opening up to the public and the charters don't want to guide halibut during salmon season.. that's why the coast is slated for late summer.

[Stein]

The state seemed to have zero problem finding people to monitor the commercial fleet during the worst part of the virus, seems like they could find people to monitor halibut.  Shrimp is maybe 2 weeks away and they haven't even announced the dates yet.  It's not like they haven't had time to think about this stuff, we've been closed for what, 6-7 weeks?

[fishngamereaper]

The state seemed to have zero problem finding people to monitor the commercial fleet during the worst part of the virus, seems like they could find people to monitor halibut.  Shrimp is maybe 2 weeks away and they haven't even announced the dates yet.  It's not like they haven't had time to think about this stuff, we've been closed for what, 6-7 weeks?

Totally agree... don't hate the messanger, hate the message.

[Stein]

No, frustration is not directed at people on the boards here for sure.  They always seem to have a slew of reasons why they can't get stuff done. 

[MADMAX]

Bought all licenses and tags and punch cards today
Noticed no choice to request a halibut punchcard
Called WDFW
Lady said check back after June 1 to purchase one.
I said purchase one ?
She said yes they are $5 dollars now to cover the cost of monitoring/checkers etc
Love this money grabbing state

[fishngamereaper]

Bought all licenses and tags and punch cards today
Noticed no choice to request a halibut punchcard
Called WDFW
Lady said check back after June 1 to purchase one.
I said purchase one ?
She said yes they are $5 dollars now to cover the cost of monitoring/checkers etc
Love this money grabbing state

Go to Sportsmans and get one. They are selling them in person but not online for some reason. They went to the pay for it option a couple years ago to keep better track of catch rates. Printing one off for everyone even though they don't use it skewed the numbers because it shows they sold X amount when only half of X actually fishes halibut. I don't mind it if it gets us better accountability for numbers and gives us longer seasons in the long run.

[MADMAX]

Thanks I’ll do that

[NorseNW]

So was this just a guess from the Outdoor line folks?  Rum-int (rumor intelligence)?  The only difference it makes to my trip next week is I was kind of looking forward to it not being busy since halibut is shutdown at this point.  I'm guessing if they open it will be a zoo.

[Stein]

Yeah, apparently there are conference calls some recs get to join and keep us informed as WDFW doesn’t.

Similar rumors on Bloody Decks and other places.


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[fishngamereaper]

Yeah, apparently there are conference calls some recs get to join and keep us informed as WDFW doesn’t.

Similar rumors on Bloody Decks and other places.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My source says next call is Monday.

Sounds like a lot of people, Big Salmon included want to open up fishing. But tribal elders are reluctant to open up the reservations until the state is like in phase 3.

Also a lot of fishing communities still don't want people coming into their towns so that's a factor as well.

[Stein]

Communities are free to keep their launches and marinas closed.  Open up the rest of the stuff.

[NorseNW]

Seems like a lot of factors and players to consider.  I have a very elementary understanding of how all the season setting goes let alone throwing 'the rona' into the mix.  I will standby to standby hooks at the ready!

[fishngamereaper]

Seems like a lot of factors and players to consider.  I have a very elementary understanding of how all the season setting goes let alone throwing 'the rona' into the mix.  I will standby to standby hooks at the ready!

We have until the end of Sept to catch our share of the quota and if we don't we stand to loose big time next year. We will fish, just not sure when yet.

[Stein]

Seasons are already set into law, nothing to do there.

The inside fishery is toast, Puget Sound catch rates will be dismal.  Hopefully the coast will get something and can make up for the inside stuff so the quota doesn't get gobbled up by commercials next year.

[blackpowderhunter]

really sad too because this year's inside season was actually something to get 'excited' about

[Stein]

really sad too because this year's inside season was actually something to get 'excited' about

Yeah, I was super jacked about hitting them at least two weeks early for sure.

[WSU]

I've never fished inside and was excited to try to find some bigger fish and to fish inside (at least the straits).  Maybe next year.

[Stein]

It’s supposed to open tomorrow on the inside, every other day.  New record on late notification, it sounds like they are actively trying to keep people from going out.

WDFW announcement pending.....for a long time now.

Any hopes there are fish in ma9?  I’m guessing no.


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[MADMAX]

Closest would be midchannel and the whidbey side from ferry south to Fort Casey
Big fish caught every year from midchannel
Expect plenty of company
Not a secret by any means

[MADMAX]

Here’s what I got , I’m going to wait a week until it calms down on the crowd


Puget Sound Halibut fishery to open for select dates starting May 20

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today the expected dates of this year's Puget Sound halibut fishing season, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The halibut fishery will open in Marine Areas 5 through 10 beginning May 20 through June 30 on alternating days. The season structure was revised from what was originally planned to allow the halibut fishery to proceed in a manner that is consistent with the guidelines to limit travel. Anglers are encouraged to participate in these dates only if they can do so locally as part of a day trip, while also practicing physical distancing.

"In talking with public health officials and our partners at Washington's ports, we think we've found a balance between being able to provide these opportunities and bring that value back into these communities, while also continuing to prioritize public health," Larry Phillips, WDFW coastal region director. "These dates depend on anglers continuing to get outdoors responsibly – something we know folks can do because we've seen a lot of great examples of it these last couple of weeks."

Anglers should only venture out well-prepared. WDFW is also recommending that people bring their own needs for personal hygiene; for example, handwashing materials, toilet paper, and face masks or bandanas. People are also reminded to be prepared to change plans if access sites are congested. Fishers are also reminded to check ahead to ensure that your intended access site is open and be aware of some local alternatives. Anglers should be aware that the Port of Neah Bay is closed to the public, there is no moorage or fuel available at that location.

Similar to last year, anglers fishing for halibut in Marine Area 6 will not be able to retain lingcod incidentally caught when fishing for halibut seaward of the 120-foot depth boundary. The depth restriction is designed to protect rockfish species, including yelloweye rockfish, which are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).

However, lingcod retention will still be allowed seaward of the 120-foot depth restriction in Marine Area 5, which is outside of the area where yelloweye rockfish are listed.

In all marine areas open to halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction. Anglers may possess a maximum of two halibut in any form while in the field and must record their catch on a WDFW halibut catch record card. There is an annual limit of four halibut. Recreational fishery samplers will be available to collect catch information at fishing access sites throughout Puget Sound while practicing physical distancing guidelines.

Because halibut fisheries are managed to a quota, anglers should check the WDFW website to ensure a specific area is open prior to fishing. Complete information on recreational halibut regulations and seasons is available online at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/halibut.

Season details are listed below.

2020 Puget Sound halibut seasons

Marine Areas 5 – 10 will open May 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, June 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29.
Puget Sound will be managed to an overall quota of 77,550 pounds as long as there is sufficient quota.
Marine Areas 11, 12, and 13 will remain closed to halibut fishing to protect threatened and endangered rockfish species.

[Stein]

Yeah, I have a few spots, just wondering out loud if there are any fish left.  We're a couple weeks later than the normal opening which is late in the migration.  We're 5 weeks passed the original opener.

I'm not sure it's worth it at this point unless you can get out to 5 or 6 on the west side.

[MADMAX]

I think your right hopefully everyone else will think that way
Yes don’t go

[Mfowl]

Yeah, I have a few spots, just wondering out loud if there are any fish left.  We're a couple weeks later than the normal opening which is late in the migration.  We're 5 weeks passed the original opener.

I'm not sure it's worth it at this point unless you can get out to 5 or 6 on the west side.

I have heard of salmon fishermen catching them while trolling Possesion in July. You always stand a chance unless you don't go. That being said, I won't be going at all. Gonna wait for late summer ocean fishing if it happens. Good luck out there all, stay safe!

[Stein]

I think I'm going to either hit the lings or kokes in the morning, at least that way I'll save $10 and not have to drag the big anchor bucket out of the shed and dig out the black label that are somewhere in the bottom of the chest freezer.

Tides are ok and wind is looking better.

[MADMAX]

Wife and I drove up to John Wayne to see how crowded
6 boat trailers in the lot and one fish cop and one fish checker
Surprised

[fishngamereaper]

Wife and I drove up to John Wayne to see how crowded
6 boat trailers in the lot and one fish cop and one fish checker
Surprised

Not with the wind.

Guys I know in Cq where blowin off the water by 9.

[MADMAX]

Didn’t seem windy to me at John Wayne or Gardiner

[Stein]

JW's really protected.  It's ripping 20 kt sustained in the straight all the way from the ocean through to PT or so.

[MADMAX]

Yea
I see that now that I looked on the NWS site