Get out on the Water
Summer is a great time to head out on waters of Hood Canal and South Puget Sound. Both areas provide protected bodies of water as well as scenic views of the Olympic Mountains. Tune up your boat, gather your gear, renew your sports fishing licenses, pack the snacks, and check the current regulations – it’s time to get the the family together to make memories on our Northwest waterways!
A safe and successful adventure starts with careful preparation and planning. Before you head out on the water, make a list of supplies you need and visit our local marine store,Verle’s LLC in Shelton. This full service marine store is a one stop solution to service, boats, motors supplies and licenses.
With an extensive parts and service department on site you may want to trailer your boat to Verle’s and schedule a full tune up and examination.Verle’s inventory includes OEM parts by Yamaha, Suzuki, Mercury, Johnson, Evinrude, Sport Jet, OMC, Volvo and Mercruiser.
Opening in 1948, Verle’s is one of South Puget Sound’s largest and oldest marine and sporting goods businesses. Located conveniently off Hwy 101as you head northbound into Shelton, they stock fishing tackle, marine accessories and a selection of boats and motors specially adapted to our water conditions. The staff are always happy to assist customers in designing a boating package to suit their needs including new and pre-owned boats and motors or consignment boats.
Want to try your luck at crabbing? The locally made crab pots by EZ-Pull (Hood Canal) and Willapa Marine are available at Verle’s as well as crab bait and buoys, bait boxes, and more. It is surprisingly inexpensive to get equipped to go catching the valuable – and fresh –Dungeness crab! And the whole family will enjoy the excitement of bringing in the pots!
Don’t underestimate the value of local knowledge! Save a lot of trouble (and disappointment) by visiting a store staffed and owned by passionate hunters and fishers who understand their area and are happy to share tips and locations. This local knowledge is invaluable when setting your boat up for salmon fishing on Hood Canal or South Puget Sound. Verle’s stocks all the hottest lures and gear – and has helpful advice to go with it. Whether you are shopping for a license, lure or new boat, stop by Verle’s LLC at 741 W Golden Pheasant Road or call (360) 426-0933 for helpful and dedicated outdoor enthusiasts who are happy to offer tips to get you and your family out on the water!
PHOTO: MICHELLE SCHRIEBER
Run your motors at home to make sure they are in working order before going out. Sometimes all it takes is a complete fuel flush to remove the moisture that has settled in the tank and lines while not in use or in storage.
Area 13 | South Puget Sound
FJORD 28
SALMON -Entire Area – July 1-Aug. 31 & Oct. 1-June 30 CHINOOK - min. size 22”. Other SALMON species - no min. size. Daily limit 2 (combined). Release COHO and wild CHINOOK. Anglers may fish with two poles with Two-Pole Endorsement HALIBUT & Rockfish– CLOSED to fishing, retaining, or possessing. LINGCOD – Hook and line season. Min. size 26”. Max. 36”. Daily limit 1. CABEZON – May 1-Nov. 30, Min. size 18”. Daily limit 1. SURFPERCH - Year-round; No min. size. Daily limit 10. Except SHINER PERCH daily limit 15: not included in BOTTOMFISH limit.
