Recreational halibut anglers aren’t getting a ton of help early in the season with last week’s ocean and Sekiu opener mostly a wash due to a combination of factors.
High winds related to a high-pressure weather system kept all but the most intrepid anglers from heading too far from shore. Many others who were able to head out were unable to find the flatfish with the usual recreational grumblings that recent tribal commercial outings had scoured the sea floor of any and all potential keepers.
Social media did have a number of good-sized lingcod photos from Neah Bay and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
More onshore flow and blustery weather is expected through Saturday with a small craft advisory set for the Neah Bay marine area through Saturday.
Good luck, and if you land a halibut, send a photo to sports@peninsuladaily news.com.
Mocrocks razor dig
State shellfish managers have approved two days of razor clam digging at Mocrocks on Saturday and Monday after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat.
The approved morning razor clam digs on Mocrocks beach only, along with low tides, are listed below:
• Saturday: 9:37 a.m.; -0.5 feet; Mocrocks
• Monday: 11:03 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Mocrocks
No digging is allowed after noon during digs when low tide occurs in the morning.
“After this long closure due to high levels of marine toxins, we are happy to open a dig this weekend,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager. “And, even though it is just one beach, we hope people will enjoy the opportunity responsibly.”
That last statement is likely wishful thinking. With sunny weather forecast, droves of diggers are likely to descend on the beach, especially since you can drive and park on the beach itself.
Pack some patience if you plan to head south.
Fish and Wildlife will continue testing marine toxins in razor clams in conjunction with the state Department of Health, in order to determine whether additional digs can be scheduled before the end of May, the normal season end point.
Spot shrimp reminder
Recreational spot shrimp harvest will begin Wednesday in North Olympic Peninsula marine areas. Thursday also is an open halibut day, so expect boat launches to be busy.
Shrimpers are limited to 80 shrimp per day on open days in May.
Fishers may keep dock, coonstripe and pink shrimp caught incidentally while fishing for spot shrimp, but they count toward the 80-shrimp limit.
Beginning June 1, the daily limit is 10 pounds of all shrimp with a maximum of 80 spot shrimp. Seasons for dock, coonstripe and pink shrimp only will begin later this year.
Season dates by area:
• Marine Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh Line: Remains closed until further notice.
• Marine Area 5 (western Strait of Juan de Fuca): Open daily from Wednesday through Sept. 15, daylight hours.
• Marine Area 6 (Port Angeles Harbor, eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca, excluding the Discovery Bay Shrimp District): Open Wednesday through May 22, June 2-5 and June 16-19. Daylight hours.
• Marine Area 6 (Discovery Bay Shrimp District): Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and May 22.
• Marine Area 9 (Port Townsend Bay, Admiralty Inlet): Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
• Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal Shrimp District): Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, and June 2, 5 and 16. The Skokomish tribal park at Potlatch’s Hood Canal boat launch remains closed to the public.
________
Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-406-0674 or mcarman@peninsuladaily news.com.
