Fly Tying I have noticed an increase in lure making and fly tying this year. We carry many items for both the pro and novice and if we don't have it, we can get it. Special orders are a big part of our business and we work very hard to supply our customers old or new with their outdoor needs. Freezer Jam Recipe Another thing I can think of to do during this winter is making freezer jam with all of those frozen berries saved from the summer.. It's a rewarding indoors activity the whole family can take part in. Here is an easy recipe. Start with a quart of berry, rinse them well and add to a heavy sauce pan. Add 4 tbsp water, 3 1\2 cups sugar and 3\4 cup light corn syrup. Bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat stirring constantly. When mixture reaches boil reduce heat and simmer for 3 - 4 minutes while stirring. When the sugar is completely dissolved add 3 tbsp powdered fruit pectin and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Simmer for 1 – 2 more minutes, remove from heat and mash berries to consistency. Pour mixture into clean airtight jars leaving about a 1/2 inch at top for expansion (makes about 7 quarts) and put in fridge or freezer. The mixture will last for about three weeks in the fridge and up to one year in the freezer. You can also make pies or cobblers or compote. I know some of us aren't as interested in making these delicacies as we are eating them so here is another idea to pass the time for those of us who enjoy eating more than cooking.
Winter Crabbing opens in parts of Puget Sound
Knife Sharpening If you are like me there is a kitchen drawer with a bunch of butter knives in it. They may not have started out as butter knives but they have become so dull that is about all they are good for.
Several marine areas of Puget Sound have been reopened for recreational crab fishing the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced in October.
Usually once a month, or whenever my wife starts mentioning the dull knives, I get out the sharpener and give them a good once over. I use the Lansky sharpening system. It consists of three different stones, course, medium and fine. It also has a guide system that clamps to the blade of the knife and guides the stones at a consistent angle to obtain razor sharpness on almost any type of knife. It takes some time but the end result is a knife you can shave with.
Waters reopening to sport crabbing Oct. 1 include marine areas 4 (Neah Bay), 5 (Sekiu), 6 (Juan de Fuca), 7 (San Juan Islands), 9 (Admiralty Inlet), and 12 Hood Canal (North of Ayock Point). Effective October 10, Deception Pass, Hope Island, and Skagit Bay (Marine area 8-1) and Port Susan and Port Gardner (Marine area 8-2) In each open area, crabbing will be allowed seven days a week through Dec. 31. Marine area 13 (South Puget Sound) remains closed to support conservation and recovery of Dungeness crabs in this area.
Verle’s Sporting Goods carries Lansky products and I would be more than happy to give you my insight in using this system. So how about trying some of these ideas? Make some new memories and maybe learn some new skills that you can use for this brand new and most hopefully better year.
WDFW fishery managers regularly monitor crab harvest levels against population goals and agreements. Assessments for these areas show that crabbers are able to continue harvesting into the late season this year.
Happy Holidays to all of you from all of the staff at Verle’s and wishing you a healthy and prosperous 2021.
FJORD
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Sport crabbers are reminded that setting or pulling traps from a vessel is only allowed from one hour before official sunrise through one hour after official sunset.
The daily limit in Puget Sound is five Dungeness crabs, males only, in hard-shell condition with a minimum carapace width of 6 1/4 inches. Crabbers may also keep six red rock crabs of either sex per day with a minimum carapace width of 5 inches, and six Tanner crabs of either sex with a minimum carapace of 4 1/2 inches. Additional information is available at wdfw.wa.go. Crab fishers must have a Puget Sound Dungeness crab endorsement to harvest from Puget Sound. All Dungeness crabs caught in the late-season recreational fishery must be recorded immediately on winter catch record cards, which are valid through Dec. 31. Winter catch record cards are free to those with crab endorsements and are available at license vendors across the state. Winter catch reports are due to WDFW by Feb.1, 2021. For information visit wdfw.wa.gov.
