How do you catch Octopus

[NRA4LIFE]

That statement seems to contradict itself.  "with an instrument that does not penetrate the octopus".  Wouldn't a bucket fit that definition?

[Angry Perch]

That statement seems to contradict itself.  "with an instrument that does not penetrate the octopus".  Wouldn't a bucket fit that definition?

I replied with that exact comment, and a little drawing. Still awaiting a response.
I would say that this certainly fits that definition.

[Angry Perch]

Apparently it comes down to WDFW's definition of "instrument".

 

"I get where you are coming from, but throughout the pamphlet (and the WACs which it reflects), an instrument is considered to be a hand-operated implement such as a knife or rake.  These would be distinct from pots or traps that, as you have described, are set on the bottom and function independently of the operator.  The use of pots/traps is only specifically allowed for crab, shrimp, and crawfish."

[NRA4LIFE]

I don't think that's correct.  If you go to the definitions section, there are no such definitions.  This sounds like someone's opinion.

[Jake Dogfish]

Puget Sound does have giant pacific octopus as well as red ruby although the reds only get maybe 15-20" long max stretched out.  Only giant pacific may be retained.  They are available for harvest year round with a shellfish/seaweed license except in the areas designated closed to octopus harvest.

They must be caught either with hands or an instrument that does not penetrate or while angling with a hook and line.  Whether a trap/pot is an "instrument that does not penetrate" is not clarified in the regulations.

Page 138 of the regulations.

That’s interesting they no longer allow harvest of red octopus.  They take away anything they can get away with.

[Stein]

Yeah, it doesn't say you can't retain it just doesn't list a season.  For the average guy like me, identifying the species of a smaller one that could be either would be challenging.

[GWP]

Isn't there a statement in the pamphlet that states basically 'anything not listed may not be harvested'? Like green crab. At this point, even though it is invasive, you are not allowed to keep them .

[trophyhunt]

Someone mentioned when diving to look for crab shells, this works, diving one time I found there home that way.  held up one of the crab legs and the octopus came out, put its leg on my arm, I could feel all his suctions cups through my wet suit.  Pretty cool experience.

[Jake Dogfish]

Isn't there a statement in the pamphlet that states basically 'anything not listed may not be harvested'? Like green crab. At this point, even though it is invasive, you are not allowed to keep them .

Yes they made a rule that all unclassified invertebrates can’t be harvested.  One of the worst rules the commission ever made that slid under the radar.  This includes things like graceful crab, spider crab, limpets, chitons, snails etc.  They could never have one of those survival shows like “alone” in this state.
Also includes things used for bait like sand worms, tube worms and shore crabs. 

[Jake Dogfish]

Yeah, it doesn't say you can't retain it just doesn't list a season.  For the average guy like me, identifying the species of a smaller one that could be either would be challenging.

Me neither, I heard the only way to tell them apart is the shape of the eyelids.