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600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
May 30, 1997
Contact: Margaret Ainscough, (360) 902-2408
Hood Canal shrimp season extended
OLYMPIA -- The Hood Canal recreational shrimp season will open for one additional
day, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.
There are enough shrimp remaining in the non-Indian share to support a one-day
extension from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 4.
Each sport fisher will be limited to one shrimp pot, which must conform to the gear
specifications described in the 1997-98 Fishing in Washington sport fishing rules pamphlet.
The pamphlet also describes legal buoys. The pamphlet is available at all WDFW offices
and at stores which sell fishing and hunting licenses.
Other regulations in effect this year include:
- Fishers must keep the first 80 shrimp caught. Any shrimp caught over the 80-shrimp
limit must be returned immediately to the water. Each limit of shrimp must be kept in a
separate container. The containers may be stored together. Fishers may remove the
heads from their shrimp while on the water.
- Each boat is limited to four pots. However, once a person has reached his or her
limit, another person may attach a buoy bearing his or her name and address to the
pot and fish for a separate 80-shrimp limit. The boat carrying the pots must be used
to set and pull them. The pots may not be set prior to 9 a.m. and must be pulled from
the water by 1 p.m.
Crab fishers may use two ring nets or two star traps, or one of each during the Hood
Canal shrimp season. Crab fishing will be allowed from one hour before sunrise to one hour
after sunset. Crab pots may not be used through July 15.
Persons over age 14 taking shrimp, crab, clams or oysters must have a shellfish
license. The license must be displayed visibly on the clothing during harvest and transport.
Residents aged 15 to 69 must purchase a $5 license. Residents over age 70 need a
$3 license. An annual non-resident license is $20 but a non-resident three-day license is
only $5.
Fishers should call the department's shellfish hotline (360) 796-3215 for updated
information. This hotline is accessible 24 hours a day.
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