Shellfish fishing

[itwasthisbig]

Hello everyone! I just signed up to this great site and I have a question or two.


I am interested in learning about catching/digging different types of shellfish. I don't have a boat so it may be difficult for me to do some types but I would love to learn nonetheless.

I have a crabring and have had some luck at the edmonds pier and the one at golden gardens in seattle. I would like to find out about shrimping and getting some different kinds of clams. If possible I would really like to find out what I need to do to get some scallops. Even if it means hiring a guide.

I am new to the PNW coming from the upper mississippi river valley so this saltwater fishing is all new to me.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and help!

[Rollin with Rolland]

welcome itwasthisbig. Just to let you know, there is a Shellfish Forum as well. I really can't help to much. I'm still trying to figure out the clams/oysters/scallops myself. Many people around here crab your area, i'm sure they can add more. As far as the shrimp goes...i think by now you might be outta luck. Most people go for the Spot Shrimp (aka Prawns), but i do believe that season is closed already everywhere. (well, maybe not on the Coast, they get to do everything out there!). Coonstripe and Pink shrimp is still open in my area (marine area 7), but they are much smaller shrimp. I just dropped a shrimp pot a week or two ago and only pulled in 5 shrimp, ouch! Shrimping is just like crabbing, except MUCH deeper water (typically 200-350ft). I think you'll be hard pressed from shore. Read the Charlie White series of books on shellfishing, they will get you started. They are pretty inexpensive little books ($10, 95 pages) each and a little cheesy, but good info. Also try the search function for the forums (not the lakes search engine), they may already be some posts that you will find helpful. good luck....

[Rollin with Rolland]

[itwasthisbig]

Thanks. RwR. I posted the thread and then found the shellfish forum. Maybe next year I'll get a boat or find some friends to go out with, I just moved to the PNW a few months ago and am trying to learn all I can about fishing out here. This site is a big help!