THE ALL TOO brief recreational spot shrimp seasons for Puget Sound, Hood Canal and the Strait of Juan de Fuca were recently finalized by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
As the department announced in January, all seasons will start one week later than usual, Saturday, May 14, due to extremely low tides the first Saturday in May.
Halibut anglers would do well to remember those low tides when crafting a plan of attack since that first Saturday, May 7, serves as the halibut opener.
This year’s shrimp fishing seasons are generally similar to those in 2015 although quotas will be lower in some areas, Mark O’Toole, a shellfish biologist for Fish and Wildlife. said in a news release.
Those areas do not include prime North Olympic Peninsula shrimping locales such as Hood Canal or Discovery Bay, however.
“Last year, we had a higher turnout than anticipated in south Puget Sound, where we’ve typically seen very little fishing effort,” O’Toole said.
“For that reason, Marine Area 13 is scheduled to be open only four days in 2016.”
O’Toole noted that other areas, such as Marine Area 7 South, will have longer seasons in 2016.
North Olympic Peninsula recreational shrimp season opening days are:
■ Hood Canal Shrimp District (Marine Area 12): Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 14, 18, 28 and 30.
■ Discovery Bay Shrimp District (Marine Area 6): Open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 14, 18, 28 and 30.
■ Marine Areas 4 (Neah Bay, east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line), 5 (Sekiu), 6 (excluding Discovery Bay Shrimp District): Open daily beginning May 14.
Start times in these areas are one hour before sunrise.
The recreational spot shrimp season closes when the quota is attained or Sept. 15, whichever comes first.
■ Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet): Open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 14 and May 18.
Also known as prawns, spot shrimp are the largest shrimp in Puget Sound and may grow up to nine inches in length.
In all areas of Puget Sound, fishers are limited to 80 spot shrimp per day.
A valid 2016-17 fishing license is required to participate in the fishery.
For the latest information on sport shrimp, visit tinyurl.com/PDN-Shrimp16.
Rewarded with chili
A work party with a chili reward is my kind of work party.
The Washington Trails Association will host such an event Saturday to haul and spread gravel on the beach trail at Dosewallips State Park on Hood Canal near Brinnon.
The event starts at 8:30 a.m.
Sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-60s are forecast.
To sign up, visit tinyurl.com/PDN-WorkForChili.
Audubon field trip
Admiralty Audubon will head to south Jefferson County for a field trip Saturday.
The field trip is free and open to the public.
Participants should meet at Park and Ride at the intersection of Highway 104 and Center Road at 7:30 a.m.
Stops include the eastern stretch of Quilcene Bay, the Quilcene National Fish Hatchery, Mount Walker (if the gate is open) and Dosewallips State Park.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring a lunch or snacks.
For more information, email trip leader Dan Waggoner at danwags57@gmail.com or phone 360-301-1788.
Razor clam digs
A series of razor clam digs running through Tuesday were recently approved by state shellfish managers.
The digs are scheduled on the following dates, low tides and beaches:
■ Today: 7:07 a.m., -0.6 feet.; Long Beach, Copalis, Mocrocks.
■ Friday: 7:54 a.m., -1.1 feet.; Long Beach, Copalis, Mocrocks.
■ Saturday: 8:42 a.m., -1.3 feet; Long Beach, Copalis.
■ Sunday: 9:32 a.m.,-1.2 feet; Long Beach, Mocrocks.
■ Monday: 10:23 a.m.,-0.9 feet; Long Beach.
■ Tuesday: 11:19 a.m.,-0.4 feet; Long Beach.
The dig coincides with the annual Long Beach razor clam festival on Saturday and Sunday.
Digging at Long Beach will be limited only to the days listed. The beach had been open daily in February and March.
For more information on razor clamming, including a list of proposed digs that begin Wednesday, April 20, visit tinyurl.com/PDN-Razors16
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Outdoors columnist Michael Carman appears here Thursdays and Fridays. He can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 57050 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.