DIGGERS HIT THE beach as razor clam digs are planned to begin on evening low tides Saturday at Copalis and Mocrocks beaches.
The low tides aren’t the greatest this weekend, but get better Monday through Wednesday.
• Saturday: 5:59 p.m., 0.0 feet; Copalis
• Sunday: 6:47 p.m., -0.8 feet; Mocrocks
• Monday: 7:33 p.m., -1.2 feet; Copalis
• Tuesday: 8:18 p.m., -1.4 feet; Mocrocks
• Wednesday: 9:03 p.m. -1.2 feet Copalis
• Thursday, Oct. 31: 9:50 p.m., -0.8 feet; Mocrocks
• Friday, Nov. 1: 10:38 p.m., -0.2 feet; Copalis
As of Wednesday afternoon, digs at Twin Harbors and Long Beach remain tentative and not approved with additional marine toxin tests conducted by the state Department of Health still pending.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife said it will receive and announce the results of those tests Friday morning.
“In the last few days, we’ve seen increasing levels of the algae that can cause domoic acid in ocean water at Long Beach and Twin Harbors,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager. “Our first priority is safety, and we, working alongside the Department of Health, are reserving judgment on opening of these areas in order to ensure safety for all those who enjoy this activity.”
While an unexpected increase in domoic acid in razor clams has been observed in clam samples collected from the surf zones at Long Beach and Twin Harbors, similar increases have not been observed in samples collected at Copalis and Mocrocks.
Be safe at the surf
Additional safety considerations are important to those who engage in digs near dusk and at night.
“Diggers want to be sure to come prepared with good lighting devices and always keep an eye on the surf, particularly at this time of year when low tides come at dusk and after dark,” said Ayres.
The department also is asking for razor clam fans around the state to weigh in on the perennial question: Which is better, clam or shovel?
To register support for a favored digging method, clam diggers can post a photo or video, complete with hashtag #TeamClamShovel or #TeamClamGun on any social media before the end of the season.
Keep casting
Fish and Wildlife’s fourth annual Statewide Trout Fishing Derby is coming to an end on Thursday, Oct. 31.
More than 1,000 tagged rainbow trout were placed in more than 100 lakes statewide and many of them are still left to be caught.
A tagged trout earns a corresponding prize.
Five tags remain outstanding at Lake Leland, three can be caught at Anderson Lake and a pair of tags can be caught at Tarboo Lake. All three lakes are in Jefferson County.
Boating safety class
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer About Boating Safely, an 8-hour introductory class for people 13 and older, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in Sequim at Rainbow’s End RV Park, 261831 U.S. Highway 101.
Topics covered include terminology, rules of the road, boat handling, trailering, legal requirements, equipment and emergency procedures.
Successful completion fulfills the class requirement for earning a Washington Boater Education card.
Pre-registration is required and all materials will be provided. The cost is $20 per person, $15 for additional family members. Free for active duty military and Auxiliary members.
For information and to register, call 360-223-8762 or email uscgamail@yahoo.com.
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Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
