Puget Sound is a body of water in the state of Washington. It joins the Pacific Ocean at Bellingham and runs southward past Seattle and Tacoma. The area is a popular fishing destination and contains different species of fish and shellfish. Fishing piers are located at various points along the Puget Sound coastline and provide a good opportunity for anglers to practice their sport without leaving dry land. Washington has state laws that govern fishing, so remember to keep these in mind when making a catch.
Locations
Puget Sound has more than 60 different piers from which anglers can catch fish. The northernmost fishing pier lies to the north of Blaine, while the piers furthest to the south are northeast and northwest of Olympia. A number of piers are concentrated around Bremerton and on Whidbey Island. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has a full list of fishing piers in the Puget Sound area on its website.
Accommodation
Several large towns and cities lie on the shores of Puget Sound, including Olympia, Bremerton, Tacoma, Seattle and Bellingham. You can find budget accommodation from well-known chains, such as Travelodge and Sheraton, in these locations. If you are hoping for a more rural setting, piers situated in park areas offer camping and RV facilities. Always remember to contact the pier you plan to visit before leaving to check that it can accommodate you.
Types of Fish
Anglers are spoilt for choice in Puget Sound. As part of the Pacific Ocean, the sound offers fishermen with a wide variety of fish, although some are more common than others. Frequently caught fish include dogfish, skate, herring, salmon and perch. Saltwater squid also populate the area, in addition to dungeness and red rock crabs.
Fishing Regulations
Washington state has its own laws and regulations governing fishing, and it's important to be aware of these before your trip. You will need to purchase a saltwater fishing license and/or a shellfish license, depending on the kind of fish you want to catch. These are available as annual licenses; if you are only in Washington for a holiday, you can also buy cheaper temporary licenses that last for up to five days.
Considerations
Remember that different piers might have their own rules and regulations in addition to Washington state fishing laws. As a general rule, fishing piers around Puget Sound are open from dawn to dusk, although it's a good idea to check the opening times of individual piers before traveling. Researching daily tides is also a good idea, as a high incoming tide is best suited to pier fishing.
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