DON’T LET THE loss of the Port Angeles Halibut Derby drag you down to the briny depths. Anglers will still have a shot at landing a flatfish, even if the potential of a $10,000 payday has been removed.
Another shot at breaking the bank comes with the annual Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby set Feb. 17-19, the Friday through Sunday of President’s Day weekend.
Tickets ($40 plus any applicable service fee) will go on sale for this event, with its $10,000 first prize, next Thursday online at gardinersalmonderby.org and at a host of retailers here on the North Olympic Peninsula and beyond.
The event spans a 500-square mile geographic area, from Tongue Point west of Port Angeles to Hein Bank near Whidbey Island, and is centered on Discovery Bay and the traditionally strong blackmouth chinook fishing grounds off nearby Protection Island.
The nonprofit salmon derby generates funds to support emergency and other services that benefit the Gardiner community.
Launch ramps with weigh stations will be located at Freshwater Bay, Ediz Hook, John Wayne Marina in Sequim, the Gardiner Boat Ramp and the Port Townsend Boat Haven.
Anacortes’ Danny Davis claimed last year’s $10,000 grand prize with a 20.7-pound blackmouth chinook.
The Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby is part of the West Marine Northwest Salmon Derby Series.
Anglers will be entered into a drawing for a fully equipped 22-foot Hewescraft aluminum boat with trailer — a prize worth more than $85,000. The series winner has come from the Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby the past two years.
Pat Neal to speak
Fishing guide, wilderness gossip columnist, author and radio personality Pat Neal is the guest speaker at next Thursday’s meeting of the North Olympic Peninsula chapter of Puget Sound Anglers.
Neal will present “A History of Fishing or Is Fishing History.” Neal has been guiding for decades on North Olympic rivers and has a truly historical perspective about sport fishing in Western Washington.
Neal also will bring copies of his many books on nature and sign autographs.
The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. for viewing of raffle prizes and telling fish stories.
A short club business meeting begins at 7 p.m. and Neal’s talk will follow.
The club meets at Trinity United Methodist Church, 100 S. Blake Ave. in Sequim.
A $50 membership drawing (must be present to win) also will be held.
Refreshments will be served and the public is welcome to attend.
Clam dig scheduled
Shellfish managers have given the OK for two days of razor clam digging at Copalis and Mocrocks beaches beginning Saturday.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife approved the opening on the two beaches after marine toxin tests confirmed the clams on those beaches are safe to eat. No digging is allowed at any beach before noon.
Low tides on both days of the opening take place in the afternoon, making it possible for diggers to harvest clams in the daylight for a change, said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.
“This opening is also the last chance diggers will have to fill their buckets before the Christmas holiday,” Ayres said.
The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:
•Saturday, 3:28 p.m.; 0.5 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks
•Sunday, 4:21 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks
Both Long Beach and Twin Harbors are closed to razor clam digging due to elevated levels of domoic acid. A natural toxin produced by certain types of algae, domoic acid can be harmful or even fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities.
“It’s disappointing that we aren’t able to open Long Beach or Twin Harbors,” Ayres said.
”We’ll continue to monitor toxin levels at all ocean beaches and hope to offer more digging opportunities in the future.”
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Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
