Puget Sound Spot Shrimp is a few days away!

Hopefully everyone is getting as excited as I am about Spot Shrimp! Washington’s inland marine areas open for Spot Shrimp on Wednesday, May 19th this year and it’s always a good time to be a boat owner, or have friends or family that give you that invite.

I am very pleased to see that this year’s opener lands on a day with soft tides and currents. It wasn’t that long ago, maybe five years or so, that the state set the season based off a calendar date (first Wednesday of the month, I believe?), where we went out, regardless of tides. I remember some really challenging times, where currents were severe, and pulling pots included untangling other shrimper’s lines.

This opener should be pretty calm in Puget Sound and Hood Canal, tidally speaking. even in the more crowded spots. We will see what Mother Nature offers us as far as a marine forecast. If it’s a little breezy, do what you can to prep your crew to pull pots so that you can focus on the ever-important job of boat control! Stay on top of your pots when they are being pulled and out of the nearby lines. It’s a tough job, but you can do it!

I remember my first few shrimping experiences, and as a new crew, those times can seem a little overwhelming. As we got more shrimping days under our belts, it got easier. I always show up with the mindset that we are all out looking for a good haul, and most importantly to have a good time. Have patience with those around you, especially if it appears that they are learning the ropes. Hope to see everyone out there on Wednesday enjoying their time! Good luck out there!