Webinars slated for 2022 halibut seasons, limits

OLYMPIA — The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is holding virtual public meetings on Aug. 23 and Oct. 18 to discuss proposed dates for the 2022 sport halibut season.

The meetings will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. each day.

At the Aug. 23 meeting, state halibut managers will review preliminary 2021 season data and work with stakeholders to develop a range of preliminary options focused on general concepts such as ways to extend the season length and maximize fishing opportunity.

At the Oct. 18 meeting, in addition to refining the options developed at the first meeting, WDFW staff will collect further public input, review tide calendars for next spring, and select specific season dates that attempt to balance needs across various fishing communities and charter and private fishing interests.

For more information about how to participate in both Zoom webinars, people can visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/ halibut. The meetings will be recorded and posted online so people can also watch the meetings afterwards at their convenience.

Last week, fishery managers announced an extended halibut season for the north coast (Marine Areas 3 and 4) and in Puget Sound (Marine Areas 5-10), all of which will be reopening on Thursday, Aug. 19.

The fishery in these areas will be open three days per week, Thursday through Saturday, until the remaining quota is reached or through Saturday, Sept. 25, whichever comes first.

The Makah Reservation, including marinas and all services, remains closed to visitors. Those fishing in these areas will have to launch from, and return to, other areas that are also open for halibut fishing. Anglers fishing in Marine 4 must follow all rules and regulations for that area, regardless of where they return with their catch.

Sequim Elks Golf Tournament set

SEQUIM — The inaugural Sequim Elks Golf Tournament will be held at the Sunland Golf Club on Saturday, Aug. 28.

All of the sponsor money collected for the tournament will go toward the Washington Elks Therapy Program for Children.

The format is a rodeo scramble with all kinds of wrinkles thrown into play, such as “three blind mice” (three holes, no flags on green), a backward hole (tee with a wedge and hit a driver off the grass) and en entire bunker being the hole. There will be competitions for longest putts and closest to the pin.

Check-in is 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and shotgun start is 9 a.m. Entry fee is $100 per player and $70 for Sunland members.

People can register via mail or can be dropped off at the Sequim Elks Lodge 2642, 143 Port Williams Road, Sequim WA 98382. Make checks payable to Sequim Elks Lodge 2642.

Sponsors can pay $500 to be an event sponsor, $200 for a full hole or $100 for half a hole. For more information on sponsoring, call Jeff or Katherine Evans at 360-681-8904.

Peninsula Daily News