OCEAN-GOING ANGLERS received good news this week with the addition of time on the water for halibut this month.
Additional dates of June 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 and 30 were officially announced for La Push (Marine Area 3) and Neah Bay (Marine Area 4) earlier this week by fishery managers with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Two recreational halibut advisors also announced even more halibut days Thursday.
Big Salmon Fishing Resort in Neah Bay said that La Push and Neah Bay will be open for four-day halibut weekends this month: June 8-11; 15-18; 22-25 and June 29-30.
Dave Johnson, an Ocean policy advisor and the vice president of the Ocean chapter of Puget Sound Anglers also provided confirmation ahead of the official state announcement.
With salmon opening off Neah Bay on June 17, the stars are aligning for a sweet Father’s Day weekend of fishing.
Halibut webinar
A recreational halibut webinar will be hosted online by the Department of Fish and Wildlife from 5:30 p.m. t0 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
A harvest summary for the 2023 season and catch projections for the rest of June will be presented along with a Pacific halibut Catch Sharing Plan ahead of the Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting in Vancouver June 20-27.
To participate, visit https://tinyurl.com/PDN-HaliWeb23 with meeting ID: 289 658 987 780 and passcode: fCxHNF+1 564-999-2000 with ID: 45773083#.
Free Fishing weekend
Free Fishing Weekend is set June 10-11, with many fishing opportunities available for anglers without need of a fishing license.
Anglers could target rainbow trout in Lake Leland, or take on lingcod and rockfish off the Pacific Coast.
No Discover Pass is needed on Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resources or State Park lands in recognition of National Get Outdoors Day on June 10 and Free Fishing Day on June 11.
Hunter ed reminder
A reminder for those new to the state or to the sport and looking to hunt this fall, Fish and Wildlife discontinued its fully remote hunter education classes June 1.
“Hunter education courses in the fall fill quickly with people trying to certify before their chosen hunting seasons,” said Dave Whipple, state hunter education section manager. “We encourage hunters to register for a course sooner, ideally over the summer, instead of rushing to complete the requirement shortly before the seasons open.”
The Department offers fully in-person hunter education courses as well as hybrid courses that combine online and in-person learning.
The traditional classroom course, which is typically taught over multiple evenings and includes a field portion, is highly recommended for students seeking a valuable classroom experience.
The hybrid course combines successful completion of an online course followed by a field skills evaluation where students receive hands-on training and evaluation by certified instructors.
Per Washington state law, all hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972 must complete a hunter education course in order to buy a hunting license. A hunter education deferral is available for hunters 10 years of age and older who want to try hunting with an eligible licensed hunter before completing a hunter education course themselves.
To learn about hunter education requirements and find an upcoming course, visit https://tinyurl.com/PDN-HunterEd23.
________
Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
