Prepare your shrimp-catching gear and set sail for fun as Puget Sound's recreational spot shrimp fishery is scheduled to kick off on May 16. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), this seafood scavenging season will mimic last year's with a bounty of opportunities for shrimping enthusiasts.
Hood Canal and Discovery Bay are on deck for a May 17 start, giving anglers an added day to snag some of the area's finest shellfish. Don Velasquez, a seasoned WDFW shellfish biologist, assured in a statement that the opening dates are set with the aim of balancing recreational enjoyment with sustainable practice and quota management.
"Spot shrimping is one of those signature northwest fisheries and our local shrimp are some of the finest seafood you can eat," Velasquez told WDFW Newsroom. "With the warmer weather on the horizon, people are getting their vessels ready and itching to be on the water. The planned season offers many shrimp fishing opportunities throughout much of Puget Sound."
While casting their nets wide for a considerable haul, WDFW urges fishers to be mindful of the weather conditions, checking forecasts and ensuring their vessels are suited for the anticipated marine merriment. Fishery managers are asking for cooperation to make the season enjoyable and safe for all. They encourage consultation with local ramps and marinas for the latest on potential closures or fee changes and encourage courtesy at boat ramps.
All shrimp species found in these waters, such as spot, dock, coonstripe, sidestripe, and pink shrimp, can snugly fit into the daily limit. However, due to the gear restrictions favoring larger-mesh pots, the primary catch will likely be spot shrimp, prized for their size and can grow up to nine inches, explained WDFW.
