Puget Sound recreational halibut fishing is set to open April 23, though hindered with a reduction in catch quotas for 2009, according to a recent Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) press release.
Fishing seasons set by WDFW are based on a stock assessment and quotas established for the Pacific coast — from Alaska to California — by the International Pacific Halibut Commission. As a result, Washington anglers have fewer days to fish for halibut in the Puget Sound and on the coast as well.
This year’s quota for Washington, Oregon, and California is 950,000 pounds, down from 1.22 million pounds in 2008. In Washington, sport anglers will be allowed to catch 214,110 pounds of halibut compared to 232,807 pounds last year.
WDFW estimates show that Puget Sound anglers caught more than 80,000 pounds of halibut during 2008, which exceeded the 59,354-pound quota.
All areas open to fishing have a one-fish daily catch limit, with no minimum size, and a possession limit of two fish in any form. In Marine Areas 1-4, the seasons will continue until the subarea quotas are reached.
The following locations each have dates and pound quotas specific to their region:
- Columbia River (Ilwaco)
- South Coast (Westport/Ocean Shores)
- North Coast (La Push/Neah Bay)
- Strait of Juan de Fuca/Puget Sound
Visit the WDFW web site for more information. The Fishing Hotline is also available at 360.902.2500.
Anglers should also note the importance of using reliable fishing equipment for added safety, whether recreational or commercial fishing.
