Post by: Stein on May 06, 2020, 02:37:07 PM
Post by: Mfowl on May 06, 2020, 02:39:15 PM
Post by: nwhunter on May 06, 2020, 04:32:36 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 06, 2020, 04:56:09 PM
Post by: BLH69 on May 06, 2020, 05:36:03 PM
Post by: Pinetar on May 06, 2020, 05:56:08 PM
Post by: Stein on May 06, 2020, 06:12:19 PM
I've heard they have fish checkers now ready for shrimp and halibut. So the next step is seeing what counties are willing to allow as far as travel goes for people participating in the seasons. I would suspect we will get a shrimp opener in the next week or two. Most likely get an announcement this next Monday. So I'm told.
Thanks, I heard the checkers were ready yesterday and that the announcement was going to be early to mid this week.
Funny, I haven't heard about any issues for people traveling for golf or wakeboarding. For some reason, they must think fishermen are super carriers. Nobody else is dragging their feet.
Yet another example of WDFW working hard for the people buying all the licenses.
Post by: acrocker on May 06, 2020, 06:35:24 PM
As an aside - does anyone know why the seasons are traditionally the first weekend in May? I don't think the shrimp are migratory, I see them all year while diving, so I wonder why they don't have the season during the summer, or have it in the winter to keep the participation down if they're that concerned about the population?
Speaking of which, Is the Puget Sound spot shrimp population so small that it can only support a 10 hour season each year? Just wondering...
Post by: lokidog on May 06, 2020, 07:04:22 PM
Per one of their employees, WDFW likes to put out notices on Thursdays, so I'm expecting something tomorrow.
As an aside - does anyone know why the seasons are traditionally the first weekend in May? I don't think the shrimp are migratory, I see them all year while diving, so I wonder why they don't have the season during the summer, or have it in the winter to keep the participation down if they're that concerned about the population?
Speaking of which, Is the Puget Sound spot shrimp population so small that it can only support a 10 hour season each year? Just wondering...
That is the Hood Canal season.
If the non-special group quota is not met in Area 7 East during the limited openings, some times they have opened it up a few days in the summer. Area 7 West is open for a lot of the summer.
Post by: Stein on May 06, 2020, 07:17:12 PM
This year is 10x as bad. I would have expected them to have spent some time in the last 7 weeks to figure out how the opener would happen, but it seems like that's not the case.
Regarding the length of the season, I do support that as they are real easy to catch and there are a ton of rec boats that chase them. The overall poundage management seems to be going well, I'm just at a loss to figure out how it takes more effort to get to the moon than picking a Saturday in May and giving people time to plan their vacations and travel.
Post by: blackpowderhunter on May 07, 2020, 12:38:47 PM
It kind of is at the same time every year but not really. I have always thought a guy could spend one hour with tide tables and set the seasons for the next 20 years. Every once in a while the tides are really bad and in my opinion it's a safety issue opening then. For the life of me, I can't figure out why they take so long on a normal year to come out with the dates. Sure, the length of the season may vary, but give us the opening date so we can plan.oh don't use that bad word 'travel' right now :chuckle:
This year is 10x as bad. I would have expected them to have spent some time in the last 7 weeks to figure out how the opener would happen, but it seems like that's not the case.
Regarding the length of the season, I do support that as they are real easy to catch and there are a ton of rec boats that chase them. The overall poundage management seems to be going well, I'm just at a loss to figure out how it takes more effort to get to the moon than picking a Saturday in May and giving people time to plan their vacations and travel.
Post by: Stein on May 07, 2020, 01:39:18 PM
If the checkers are in place, why not communicate either when the season is or when they will announce it? Customer service 101.
Post by: Camo on May 07, 2020, 05:53:39 PM
Haven't heard anything yet on the shrimping but it must be loosening up a little as I have three reservations at Steamboat Campground from May 15th to 25th and just got word that it will be open on May 19th for existing reservations.
Was thinking the same thing, got the same notice except only had one day left on my reservation. Guess I will be in Coulee City.
Post by: Stein on May 11, 2020, 01:41:02 PM
Post by: Mfowl on May 11, 2020, 01:50:18 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 11, 2020, 01:51:06 PM
Post by: Stein on May 11, 2020, 02:01:58 PM
I heard that and I think it's crazy that in essence they are letting Seattle/ king co dictate a recreational shellfish season..they can open the season if they want..they just look for excuses now.
Think back to last year and the launch line wherever you put in. Now, think about all the people from Seattle to Edmonds that will be piling into another launch that is open. It would be horrible, for this fishery there is no big deal with bumping it back later, same opportunity, likely better weather. Not the case for hali, but shrimp doesn't matter.
What should happen is the governor should lay some heat on Seattle to open to his order, but that won't happen.
Given the situation, it's the right call by WDFW, but then again they aren't really calling anything these days. Apparently on the conference calls Inslee is directly telling them what to do.
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 11, 2020, 02:27:03 PM
But using the launch line issue as reasoning is unreasonable in my opinion since every store that is open has lines of people waiting to get in. Again it's a pick and choose mentality. Waiting is not a huge deal until it becomes lapparent we might not get a season. I just have this gut feeling that we might not get a season. And for what it's worth the skok tribe just announced their hood canal shrimp season. So at least the shrimp aren't going to waste. :rolleyes:
Post by: Mfowl on May 11, 2020, 02:35:30 PM
Did area 6 open? Does it not open until the PS season has occured?
?
Post by: Stein on May 11, 2020, 02:39:55 PM
Post by: lokidog on May 11, 2020, 04:04:54 PM
Launch line's are always long...I don't launch with everyone else..my boat sits on my bouy during seasons.
But using the launch line issue as reasoning is unreasonable in my opinion since every store that is open has lines of people waiting to get in. Again it's a pick and choose mentality. Waiting is not a huge deal until it becomes lapparent we might not get a season. I just have this gut feeling that we might not get a season. And for what it's worth the skok tribe just announced their hood canal shrimp season. So at least the shrimp aren't going to waste. :rolleyes:
Agree completely!
Did area 6 open? Does it not open until the PS season has occured?
?
None are open, just the commercials.... :bash:
Post by: actionshooter on May 11, 2020, 05:06:03 PM
Word from Mark Yuasa is that it's not happening this weekend due to Seattle & Edmonds closing their launches - a good thing if you ask me as the crowds are bad enough when everyone is spread out. Bad tides will move in, so late May or June. Apparently they don't breed until late July, so it shouldn't be a problem once Seattle opens up.That's better news than I was expecting...
Post by: Stein on May 13, 2020, 11:17:19 AM
Word from Mark Yuasa is that it's not happening this weekend due to Seattle & Edmonds closing their launches - a good thing if you ask me as the crowds are bad enough when everyone is spread out. Bad tides will move in, so late May or June. Apparently they don't breed until late July, so it shouldn't be a problem once Seattle opens up.That's better news than I was expecting...
It's all rumor until WDFW decides we get an update. To some extent I get the difficulty, but not putting out any information is BS in my book. Let us know what is going on, what they are doing and some sort of indication on what to expect. Many of these seasons require taking vacation (Wednesday shrimps among others) and many people can't manage late notices and changes.
Kelly should be doing a much better job communicating.
Post by: lokidog on May 13, 2020, 12:13:24 PM
Word from Mark Yuasa is that it's not happening this weekend due to Seattle & Edmonds closing their launches - a good thing if you ask me as the crowds are bad enough when everyone is spread out. Bad tides will move in, so late May or June. Apparently they don't breed until late July, so it shouldn't be a problem once Seattle opens up.That's better news than I was expecting...
It's all rumor until WDFW decides we get an update. To some extent I get the difficulty, but not putting out any information is BS in my book. Let us know what is going on, what they are doing and some sort of indication on what to expect. Many of these seasons require taking vacation (Wednesday shrimps among others) and many people can't manage late notices and changes.
Kelly should be doing a much better job communicating.
I'm sure this is the reason behind it. Living in the islands, selfishly, I'm OK with that. :chuckle:
Post by: Stein on May 19, 2020, 03:36:56 PM
Word is partial open late May.
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Post by: HillHound on May 19, 2020, 03:57:51 PM
We just want to catch some dang halibut and shrimp. But luckily they will let us go to Walmart and buy it
Post by: Mfowl on May 19, 2020, 04:51:38 PM
Post by: lokidog on May 19, 2020, 06:05:36 PM
I ate my lunch at the 1st Ave ramp today. There were several tribal boats loaded with shrimp pots. :bash:
Of course there were....
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 20, 2020, 06:55:20 PM
Post by: elkaholic123 on May 20, 2020, 07:16:54 PM
Here ya go.Where did you find this info?
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 20, 2020, 07:58:55 PM
Here ya go.Where did you find this info?
My source is confidential. But highly knowledgeable and connected to the sport season setting process.
Post by: Mfowl on May 20, 2020, 08:12:04 PM
Here ya go.Where did you find this info?
My source is confidential. But highly knowledgeable and connected to the sport season setting process.
Shanequa is back from quarantine!
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 20, 2020, 08:17:31 PM
Here ya go.Where did you find this info?
My source is confidential. But highly knowledgeable and connected to the sport season setting process.
Shanequa is back from quarantine!
No she's still isolating. She doesn't deal in shrimp anyway. She's to busy trying to figure out how to mess with us during the permit draw waiting game.
Post by: Mfowl on May 20, 2020, 08:25:33 PM
Here ya go.Where did you find this info?
My source is confidential. But highly knowledgeable and connected to the sport season setting process.
Shanequa is back from quarantine!
No she's still isolating. She doesn't deal in shrimp anyway. She's to busy trying to figure out how to mess with us during the permit draw waiting game.
She had plenty of time to cook up her sceems! We could be in for a doosie this year! :chuckle:
Post by: blackpowderhunter on May 20, 2020, 08:42:17 PM
looks like we have the same source.Here ya go.Where did you find this info?
My source is confidential. But highly knowledgeable and connected to the sport season setting process.
i was coming to share this but you beat me to it.
thursday for the sound, plan accordingly fellas and have fun.
Post by: Mfowl on May 20, 2020, 09:07:06 PM
Post by: Stein on May 23, 2020, 08:41:10 AM
Post by: Mfowl on May 23, 2020, 09:12:41 AM
Post by: RB on May 23, 2020, 01:12:25 PM
I don't know what crack smoker set these seasons but it is pretty lame! I won't be bothering with the sound at all.
:yeah:
8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11 all have a one day, six hour season, not very conducive for a guy to go get shrimp! I know it is great to have a chance, but I bet a lot a people will not be able go because of the timing.
Post by: Stein on May 23, 2020, 01:31:44 PM
Shrimping is a subset of fishing which is a small subset of the population yet WDFW treats it like we are zombies walking around trying to eat brains. They should be more worried about the crowds at Lowe's today then the boat launch. I bet every Lowe's in the state has 200 people for every one person launching a boat to go fishing and they have to go through the same door and checkout line.
Post by: acrocker on May 23, 2020, 08:21:06 PM
Post by: Mfowl on May 23, 2020, 08:36:13 PM
8-1 and 8-2, along with the rest of the Sound, have traditionally had two days - a Saturday and a Wednesday. Now, we get one Thursday. Are the shrimp numbers down, or do they just expect that many more people to be out due to people not working?
I expect they are trying to discourage participation since the PS season can bring such big crowds to the launches. And with many furloughed or working from home there stands a chance for even bigger crowds.
I have long thought that a license holder should be allotted an appropriate amount from each fishing zone and given the month of May to fish at their leisure vs being forced to jump when WDFW says so. In addition there should be stiff penalties for those who try to take advantage. I have thought this for halibut too. Seems every year a boat or two capsizes/sinks and people potentially die because they are willing to take unnecessary risks given the limited window of opportunity. On top of that, throw in the launch fights and long lines. It really diminishes what should be an enjoyable experience.
Post by: Limhangerslayer on May 23, 2020, 09:45:43 PM
well said, short windows make for desperate people making stupid decisions!8-1 and 8-2, along with the rest of the Sound, have traditionally had two days - a Saturday and a Wednesday. Now, we get one Thursday. Are the shrimp numbers down, or do they just expect that many more people to be out due to people not working?
I expect they are trying to discourage participation since the PS season can bring such big crowds to the launches. And with many furloughed or working from home there stands a chance for even bigger crowds.
I have long thought that a license holder should be allotted an appropriate amount from each fishing zone and given the month of May to fish at their leisure vs being forced to jump when WDFW says so. In addition there should be stiff penalties for those who try to take advantage. I have thought this for halibut too. Seems every year a boat or two capsizes/sinks and people potentially die because they are willing to take unnecessary risks given the limited window of opportunity. On top of that, throw in the launch fights and long lines. It really diminishes what should be an enjoyable experience.
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 24, 2020, 05:47:27 AM
If you really want to get pissed look into why Marine area 4 isn't going to open for bottom fish on Tuesday with the rest of the coastal marine areas.... :bash:
Post by: Mfowl on May 24, 2020, 06:44:42 AM
If you really want to get pissed look into why Marine area 4 isn't going to open for bottom fish on Tuesday with the rest of the coastal marine areas.... :bash:
[/quote]
I assume it is because the tribes are blocking it but I don't know where to find the proper info. Please share if you have a link.
Post by: fishngamereaper on May 24, 2020, 07:00:14 AM
If you really want to get pissed look into why Marine area 4 isn't going to open for bottom fish on Tuesday with the rest of the coastal marine areas.... :bash:
I assume it is because the tribes are blocking it but I don't know where to find the proper info. Please share if you have a link.
[/quote]
Well if you believe the WDWF press release...
Halibut and razor clam harvest will remain closed in these areas for now due to continued port closures and concerns about the spread of coronavirus in local communities.
Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay) also remains closed to all recreational fishing and shellfish harvesting.
WDFW continues to communicate with public health experts, port commissioners, and tribal co-managers regarding these opportunities in the future.
“We’ve continually said we will only open fisheries when local communities feel it is safe to do so, and with the full cooperation of public health officials,” said Larry Phillips, director of WDFW’s coastal region. “While not everything is reopening right away, this is a huge step toward returning to typical fishing seasons along the coast. Some of Washington’s best fishing takes place in the ocean, and we’re excited to see people getting back out there, even if the experience is somewhat different.”
SO they open bottom fish and allow people into Westport for that but apparently halibut fishing is more likely to spread covid??. And Razor clamming apparently to....but the tribes have coastal clam digs going on all week. ??
The part of the WDWF statement referring to tribal co-managers is the key here. I'm not going to sugar coat it. The state gave into the Makah's requests to keep MA 4 closed to rec guys because of the fear of people coming into the marina. Plain and simple. So the state is allowing the tribes to call the shots in a Marina area they don't own. So technically I can run from MA5 to MA3 and bottom fish but I cant stop in MA4 to fish because the Makah's said so....Hmm...We will be lucky to get a north coast salmon season the way things are going.
It's a big crap sandwich. IF you want more info message me.
Post by: Mfowl on May 24, 2020, 08:30:59 AM
*I am sure it is not easy for WDFW to navigate this mess we are dealing with but given their management history, this is shaping up to be long miserable year in regards to fishing.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on May 24, 2020, 08:53:43 AM
Post by: Stein on May 24, 2020, 09:07:48 AM
A few other things are being kept closed in that area too. The National Park is keeping the beaches and trails in that area closed. Just concentrating more people into the open areas. I thought I heard clamming won't open until Oct/Nov?
Yeah, getting too close to the spawn by the time it could open.
Post by: lokidog on May 25, 2020, 12:17:25 AM
Definitely a **** sandwich! I have no problem with the Rez' being closed, even the marina. That is there choice. But there is no reason someone couldn't run from Sekiu and return there. I guess our breath could blow in on the sea breeze. I wonder how many longlines are draped all over the sea floor right now?
*I am sure it is not easy for WDFW to navigate this mess we are dealing with but given their management history, this is shaping up to be long miserable year in regards to fishing.
Yep, complete BS, and I don't have a horse in the race since it's too far for me to run.
Get this, no clamming allowed in the San Juans yet either, you can trample all over the beaches, leave your dog's crap everywhere, but oh no, you'd better not think of digging up a clam for dinner.....
Post by: huntnphool on May 25, 2020, 12:23:03 AM
Post by: lokidog on May 25, 2020, 12:33:11 AM
Post by: Stein on May 25, 2020, 06:24:48 PM
That said, there are people that set their pot within 6' of mine on a regular basis. Hopefully we can work on that this year.
Post by: lokidog on May 25, 2020, 06:34:31 PM
I think he hasn't ever been out spot shrimping, maybe most people from WDFW as well. From what I can see the last thing any of us want to do is hang out in groups at the launch, you couldn't get people out of there faster if you lit the dock on fire.
That said, there are people that set their pot within 6' of mine on a regular basis. Hopefully we can work on that this year.
Defintiely too close, you want to be about 50' down current so you can use their scent trail. :chuckle:
Post by: Stein on May 28, 2020, 02:21:49 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200528/7d2d02fd1825ba453488d9d58e42c9a6.jpg)
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Post by: Mfowl on May 28, 2020, 04:30:36 PM
Man, was today about perfect for shrimping.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200528/7d2d02fd1825ba453488d9d58e42c9a6.jpg)
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:tup: How were the crowds?
Post by: lokidog on May 28, 2020, 06:03:00 PM
Man, was today about perfect for shrimping.Yep, 700+ for two of us and one pull with four pots.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200529/290529247b16b870ab797971285d3c1b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200528/7d2d02fd1825ba453488d9d58e42c9a6.jpg)
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Post by: gasman on May 28, 2020, 07:18:20 PM
We had 2 limits in 2 pots, had to toss the overage back and dump the third pot. Another buddy got 4 limits in out of 4 pots, dumping the extra.
:tup: :tup: :tup:
Post by: Skillet on May 28, 2020, 07:21:14 PM
Post by: gasman on May 28, 2020, 07:22:59 PM
Curious - what's a limit of prawns?
80
Post by: Skillet on May 28, 2020, 07:24:13 PM
Curious - what's a limit of prawns?
80
:tup:
Post by: Stein on May 29, 2020, 09:36:48 AM
Post by: lokidog on May 29, 2020, 10:28:07 AM
Post by: Stein on May 29, 2020, 10:56:38 AM
Post by: lokidog on May 29, 2020, 01:49:30 PM
I'm used to Everett, so any day you don't have to put out your fenders while shrimping is pretty low number of boats.
I counted about 150 after I dropped my last one.