Post by: Stein on May 03, 2020, 09:51:44 AM
Post by: Crunchy on May 03, 2020, 09:55:18 AM
Post by: Mfowl on May 03, 2020, 09:57:20 AM
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 03, 2020, 10:02:18 AM
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.
Post by: gasman on May 03, 2020, 10:47:06 AM
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 :bash:
Post by: Stein on May 03, 2020, 11:24:00 AM
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.
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 03, 2020, 11:43:56 AM
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.
Post by: Stein on May 03, 2020, 11:51:29 AM
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 03, 2020, 11:53:03 AM
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.
Post by: Stein on May 03, 2020, 11:58:15 AM
Post by: MADMAX on May 06, 2020, 04:55:55 PM
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
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 06, 2020, 04:59:54 PM
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.
Post by: MADMAX on May 06, 2020, 05:28:01 PM
Post by: NorseNW on May 07, 2020, 09:42:11 AM
Post by: Stein on May 07, 2020, 09:47:49 AM
Similar rumors on Bloody Decks and other places.
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Post by: fishngamereaper on May 07, 2020, 10:04:54 AM
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.
Post by: Stein on May 07, 2020, 10:15:08 AM
Post by: NorseNW on May 07, 2020, 10:28:47 AM
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 07, 2020, 10:31:09 AM
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.
Post by: Stein on May 07, 2020, 11:19:10 AM
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.
Post by: blackpowderhunter on May 07, 2020, 12:31:19 PM
Post by: Stein on May 07, 2020, 01:39:50 PM
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.
Post by: WSU on May 07, 2020, 02:17:36 PM
Post by: Stein on May 19, 2020, 03:35:13 PM
WDFW announcement pending.....for a long time now.
Any hopes there are fish in ma9? I’m guessing no.
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Post by: MADMAX on May 19, 2020, 03:55:08 PM
Big fish caught every year from midchannel
Expect plenty of company
Not a secret by any means
Post by: MADMAX on May 19, 2020, 04:00:01 PM
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.
Post by: Stein on May 19, 2020, 04:01:31 PM
I'm not sure it's worth it at this point unless you can get out to 5 or 6 on the west side.
Post by: MADMAX on May 19, 2020, 04:16:29 PM
Yes don’t go :chuckle:
Post by: Mfowl on May 19, 2020, 04:21:29 PM
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!
Post by: Stein on May 19, 2020, 04:30:38 PM
Tides are ok and wind is looking better.
Post by: MADMAX on May 20, 2020, 11:43:08 AM
6 boat trailers in the lot and one fish cop and one fish checker
Surprised
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 20, 2020, 12:31:09 PM
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.
Post by: MADMAX on May 20, 2020, 02:14:08 PM
Post by: Stein on May 20, 2020, 02:16:43 PM
Post by: MADMAX on May 20, 2020, 02:25:42 PM
I see that now that I looked on the NWS site