Hood Canal shrimp season extended

OLYMPIA -- The Hood Canal recreational shrimp season will open for two additional days -- June 3 and 4 -- the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today.

There are enough shrimp remaining in the non-Indian share to support a two-day extension from 9 a.m until 1 p.m., each day.

Each sport fisher will be limited to one shrimp pot which must conform to the gear specifications described in the 1998 Fishing in Washington rules pamphlet. The pamphlet also describes legal buoys. The pamphlet is available at all WDFW offices and at stores which sell fishing, hunting, and shellfish licenses.

Other regulations in effect this year include:

• Fishers must keep the first 80 shrimp caught. Any shrimp caught over the limit must be returned immediately to the water unharmed. 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 continue fishing 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 until after July 15.

Fishers also may harvest clams and oysters on Hood Canal's public beaches subject to regulations in the fishing pamphlet and on the shellfish hotline (360)796- 3215.

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.