NOT ALL AS it seems in the initial 2020 halibut season fishery.
The proposal, which still has regulatory hoops to jump through, would allow for as many as 33 fishing days in Marine Areas 6-10 (Puget Sound in fisheries management parlance).
This includes some additional time on the water earlier in April and consecutive fishing dates of Thursday through Saturday for much of the season.
But all that promise belies reality, according to Quilcene’s Ward Norden, a former fisheries biologist and owner of Snapper Tackle Co.
“The proposal sounds good on the surface with 30-plus days for the inside fishery, but underneath there is a problem with it as someone in the tackle industry for 41 years,” Norden said.
“If lingcod season isn’t open during halibut, it is an illusion.
“Psychologically, most anglers won’t waste a lot of expensive fuel beyond opening weekend if they know there is an 85 percent chance they will come home empty-handed. Last year, lingcod was closed during halibut season in most places (Neah Bay being one exception) so participation after opening day wasn’t good, hence the poundage left on the table.”
Norden said a future fisheries decision will play a significant role in angling pressure.
If the [state Department of Fish and Wildlife] leaves lingcod open during halibut and/or restricts halibut to shallower than 20 fathoms (120 feet) inland, I will need a lot more lead to make lures for next spring in inland areas.”
Norden said there are plenty of halibut to be found in the 15 to 20 fathom depths, if you know where to look.
“Will I invest in all that extra lead?,” Norden asked rhetorically. “Not if I suspect another bait-and-switch by the WDFW (pun intended).”
Gear swap Sunday
Outdoor Gear Swap at the Vern Burton Community Center in Port Angeles, 308 E. Fourth St., on Sunday.
Gear drop off is set for 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with shopping from noon to 3 p.m.
Pick-up of unsold gear will follow from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Vendors and groups on site will include Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Area, Surfrider Foundation, Winter Ice Village, Sound Bikes & Kayaks, Peninsula Wellness & Performance, Disco Bay Outdoor Gear Exchange, Mervin Manufacturing and POW Gloves, NxNW and Dry Hill.
Admission is $5 for individuals and $8 for a family.
Proceeds support the Hurricane Ridge Ski Team and the Surfrider Foundation.
For more information, email skifox2@gmail.com.
Free days Monday
A fee-free day at state and national parks and in U.S. Forest Service lands is set Monday in observation of Veterans Day.
Monday’s free admission also applies to sites overseen by the Bureau of Land Management, Army Corps of Engineers and wildlife refuges run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Sanctuary meeting
NOAA’s Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will meet Friday in La Push.
The meeting will be held at the Quileute Tribal Council, 90 Main St., from 9:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Agenda items include 2020 Priorities for the sanctuary; Washington state’s new National Maritime Heritage Area; Quillayute River Habitat Restoration; Sea otters, sea lions and seals; West Coast Recreation Fisheries Engagement Plan and Marine Biodiversity Observing Network – enhancing ecosystem assessment and modeling.
Public comment periods will be held at 12:15 p.m. and 3:05 p.m.
The council also is seeking new members and is currently recruiting for five council member seats representing: Citizen At Large (Primary and Alternate), Conservation (Alternate) and Research (Primary & Alternate).
Applications are due by Dec. 3.
For more information, including a copy of the application, visit olympiccoast.noaa.gov/involved/sac/recruitment.html or contact Chris Butler-Minor, Sanctuary Advisory Coordinator via email at Chris.ButlerMinor@noaa.gov or by phone at 360-406-2092.
