if you want shorter seasons, open it later. these communities need this revenue, and combining it with other fisheries, such as salmon, reduces the value of the fishery. the fishery used to start even earlier (may 1).

weather later is no guarantee of calmer water. i've had some of the calmest weather in early may and brutally nasty weather later in june and july. the responsibility lies with the boaters who head out in big seas (irregardless if the bar is open) with small boats. with the huge increase in boats targeting offshore halibut, this was due to happen, and i'm surprised it took so many years.

i can remember being followed to offshore spots 30 nautical miles from tatoosh by a 18 ft aluminum center console. when we later talked to them, they thought we had been fishing blue dot (not even close) and had no gps or navigation gear. i've seen ski boats at the same spot (came from la push). i've missed the last 3 halibut seasons, but the general disregard for safety and lack of respect for the ocean and what CAN happen was an increasing trend. i know myself and many of the friends i fished with (long-time neah bay halibut fishermen) thought that a major incident was imminent.

we've all made mistakes when it comes to the ocean... but the lack of respect increasingly shown by many in the small boat and private boat community are the cause of this. looking at the forecast, i would bet i would not have ventured out that day... in a bigger and more sea-worthy boat.

it's not about the time of year, it's about using what's between the ears.

be safe, and remember .... catching fish is optional, coming home isn't.

chris

ps, had to add something because i missed it. halibut derby's are a bad idea in the ocean. first, they increase pressure on a quota based fishery (shorter seasons) and also create even more incentive to go out in marginal conditions and possbily can be the deciding factor whether to chance it in the ocean or enjoy a day exploring the la push / forks / neah bay area.