Sequim Dave Croonquist represents sports anglers in halibut season negotiations and participated in the International Pacific Halibut Commission meeting last week in Anchorage, Alaska.
“As a member of the Conference Board, which represents sport and commercial fishers, I was able to participate and supported the Makah Tribe proposal that the 2A halibut quota be set at 1,650,000 lbs — the same as we’ve had since 2019. The proposal was also supported by other sport fishing groups in Washington, Oregon and California.
“Our season in Marine Areas 5-10 will start April 4 and run seven days a week until June 30 or if the Puget Sound quota (79,031 pounds) is reached. If there is quota left after June 30, the halibut season will reopen in August and go into September or until the balance of the quota is taken.”
More information on the Puget Sound halibut seasons can be found at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/halibut/puget-sound.
Digs begin Tuesday
Razor clam diggers can look forward to more digging on coastal beaches beginning Tuesday, state Department of Fish and Wildlife coastal shellfish managers confirmed.
“This next tide series will provide us with some daylight digging days since the first few low tides occur before or just after sunset,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a departmental coastal shellfish biologist. “That will be followed by the lowest tides of the month, so there should be plenty of opportunity to get clams on the table for the Super Bowl.”
Not all coastal beaches are open for every dig, so diggers are encouraged to make sure their intended destination is open before heading out. Optimal digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide.
The following digs during afternoon and evening low tides (noon to midnight only) will proceed as scheduled, after marine toxin results from the state Department of Health (DOH) showed razor clams are safe to eat:
• Tuesday, 3:52 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Mocrocks.
• Wednesday, 4:41 p.m.; -0.7 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.
• Thursday, 5:26 p.m.; -1.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.
• Friday, Feb. 9: 6:09 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.
• Saturday, Feb. 10, 6:49 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks.
• Sunday, Feb. 11: 7:29 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis.
• Monday, Feb. 12: 8:08 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Copalis.
Sportsmen’s Show on now
Hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation of all kinds are featured at the 37th annual Washington Sportsmen’s Show, which runs through Sunday at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup.
Hours are noon through 8 p.m. today; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for juniors ages 6-16 and free for 5 and younger.
For more information, visit https://www.thesportshows.com.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at sports@peninsuladailynews.com.
