9:13 AM: Thanks to the commenter who asked about all the boats on Elliott Bay this morning. It’s the fishing event that draws a crowd to Don Armeni Boat Ramp every year – the short recreational season for spot shrimp. Fishing for these shrimp is allowed for just three hours today in Elliott Bay – 9 am to noon – with an 80-shrimp limit.
10:35 AM: Thanks to Stewart L. for the photos!
I was curious why I saw so many boats either launched, ready to launch or lined up on Harbor Ave just to get in the parking lot at 6am during my early morning run. I stopped and asked someone working on a boat who seemed very excited when he told me it was shrimp day. Curious also that all the boats already in the water seemed to be staying right off shore as if they were waiting for a bell to ring before they could even head out to the fishing grounds.
Shrimp day is so fun! Unfortunately the seasons and limits are getting shorter, another sign that the fisheries this far south in Puget Sound are trending in the wrong direction. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is no spot prawn fishing allowed in marine area 10 in 2022.
What the heck is a spot shrimp & is 80 even a meal for 4?( if you know, can I come over for dinner?)
Spot shrimp can be sizable
https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/spot-shrimp-pandalus-platyceros
Spot prawns are incredible seafood, like langostinos. They are all over Puget Sound but the season in Marine Area 10 (Seattle area of Puget Sound) is only one a year, and in Elliott Bay this year it was from 9am to noon only. Pots can’t be in before 9, and need to be out at noon (WDFW patrols). They are typically 150-400’ deep so it’s a bit of an effort. Specific shrimp pots that are weighted to 30# +, electric pot pullers (or by hand), crazy bait mixes that often include cat food (Fancy Feast whitefish and tuna pate is the go-to), and trying to keep your lines out of all the other 400’ lines out there are all part of the fun. Usually it’s on a Saturday here, this year was on a Wednesday. Despite the midweek day this year it was crazy busy. But again the taste is incredible, it’s too bad we only get 1 day a year here!
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