Tag: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

11 days of clamming, winter rates & sunshine, too!

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Razor clam diggers can look forward to a five-day opening beginning this Friday, Jan. 27 at Copalis beach in Ocean Shores, overlapping with three days of digging at Mocrocks beach nearby.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the opening on evening tides, detailed below.

Eleven days of clam digging is great news—especially when guests to The Polynesian can take advantage of special winter season rates now.

Guests who stay The Polynesian can take advantage of two specials through March 31, depending on dates of stay.   Stay 3 nights (including the weekend) and just pay for 2.  Or, Stay 2 nights for the price of 1 (Sunday-Thursday).  Just call to make your reservations.

It’s a great time for a relaxing visit to the majestic Washington coast.   More good news is in the weather forecast.  The sun is expected to make an extended appearance on Saturday with mild temps in the 50’s.  Friday, though partly cloudy, is expected to be dry.

Rain or shine, with huge apartment-style suites, a sparkling indoor pool and game room, there’s plenty to do.

See you at the Poly!

 Approved dates for clamming digging on Ocean Shores Beaches:t_map_beaches

Jan. 27, Friday, 6:26 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Copalis;

Jan. 28, Saturday, 7:01 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Copalis;

Jan. 29, Sunday, 7:37 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks;

Jan. 30, Monday, 8:13 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks;

Jan. 31, Tuesday, 8:50 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks.

Feb. 7, Tuesday, 3:53 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks;

Feb. 8, Wednesday, 4:46 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks;

Feb. 9, Thursday, 5:33 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks;

Feb. 10, Friday, 6:16 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Mocrocks;

Feb. 11, Saturday, 6:57 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Mocrocks;

Clam Digging: Fill your Buckets for the New Year!

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Razor clam diggers can mark the year’s end with digs scheduled Dec. 30 and 31 at Copalis and Mocrocks beaches in Ocean Shores.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the two-day dig after marine toxin tests confirmed the clams on those two beaches are safe to eat.

“Diggers can fill their buckets just in time for the new year,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for WDFW.

The best digging typically occurs one to two hours before low tide, said Ayres, noting that digging is not allowed at any open beach before noon.

The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:

  • Dec. 30, Friday, 7:22 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks
  • Dec. 31, Saturday; 7:57 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks

Book your room now for a stay at The Polynesian.   If you can’t make it for New Years, there are 19 additional dig dates scheduled now in January and February.  And, be sure to ask about seasonal specials with rates starting at $87 per night.

Proposed razor clam digs, along with evening low tides and beaches

 

Jan. 13, Friday 7:17 p.m. -1.4 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 14, Saturday 7:59 p.m. -1.0 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 15, Sunday 8:40 p.m. -0.4 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 27, Friday 6:26 p.m. -0.5 feet Copalis
Jan. 28, Saturday 7:01 p.m. -0.6 feet Copalis
Jan. 29, Sunday 7:37 p.m. -0.5 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 30, Monday 8:13 p.m. -0.3 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 31, Tuesday 8:50 p.m. 0.2 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Feb. 7, Tuesday 3:53 p.m. -0.1 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Feb. 8, Wednesday 4:46 p.m. -0.6 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Feb. 9, Thursday 5:33 p.m. -0.9 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Feb. 10, Friday 6:16 p.m. -1.0 feet Mocrocks
Feb. 11, Saturday 6:57 p.m. -0.8 feet Mocrocks
Feb. 12, Sunday 7:34 p.m. -0.5 feet Mocrocks
Feb. 24, Friday 5:21 p.m. -0.1 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Feb. 25, Saturday 5:58 p.m. -0.3 feet Copalis, Mocrocks
Feb. 26, Sunday 6:34 p.m. -0.4 feet Copalis, Mocrocks

Under state law, diggers at open beaches can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2016-17 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.

 

 

5 Great Reasons to Book an October Stay at The Polynesian.

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What’s not to love about the quiet time along the majestic Washington shoreline?

Here are five great reasons to plan a fall getaway to The Polynesian Resort in Ocean Shores.

poly-still-photo-suite181. Unbeatable Fall Rates. The longer you stay, the more you’ll save, with discounts up to 25% off, now through Oct. 27.  The coastal weather in October is typically mild, the summer crowds are gone and you can enjoy great room rates in the apartment-style condos at The Polynesian Resort. Call to get the best rates, 1-800-562-4836.

2. Huge rooms. Our apartment-style units are roomy, providing lots of space for couples or families.  Snuggle up by the ocean front fireplaces or break out a fiesta of board games or play charades.  You can even bring the dog.  With full kitchens,  you can create your favorite meals or snacks anytime.

3. Mariah’s Sunday Breakfast Buffet.   The locals know it and you should, too.  Mariah’s restaurant offers the best Sunday breakfast buffet on the coast, featuring eggs, bacon and sausage, of course, but also crepes, French toast, fresh fruit and a selection of yummy pastries. All for just $11.95.  The restaurant is open for dinner daily with Happy Hour specials starting from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

4. Clam digging a Go, Oct 14-16. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife has greenlighted three days of clam digging on Ocean Shore’s Copalis Beach, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14-15.  (Get details or stay up to date on any changes here).

5. Celtic Music Festival, October 18-23    More than 100 musicians and 35 bands will light up Ocean Shores with music, dance, workshops and fun for six days, Oct. 18-23, during the huge Celtic Music Festival.  Raise a glass and cheer the Irish, Scot and Celtic performers that will have you tapping your feet and dreaming of the Emerald Isle.  New this year, festival goers can purchase an all-access, all venue VIP pass for just $125, allowing them to by-pass regular entrance lines.    SPECIAL:   Book a three night stay at The Polynesian during the festival and you could receive a free VIP pass. Quantities are limited. Call for details.

So, make your plans now for a Fall getway to Ocean Shores!

 

Grab Your Bucket: Three clamming dates set for mid-October

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Photo credit: Columbian

Photo credit: Columbian

The first razor clam digs of the fall season are planned for mid-October on Washington ocean beaches.

Releasing the tentative schedule earlier than usual this year allows people plenty of time to make plans to go digging this fall, according to managers from the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.

It also gives you extra time to secure the best rooms and fall rates at The Polynesian Resort.

The first proposed razor clam digs at Copalis Beach, along with evening low tides and beaches are:

  • 14, Friday, 5:55 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Copalis,
  • 15, Saturday, 6:42 p.m.; -0.6 feet, Copalis,
  • 16, Sunday, 7:28 p.m.; -1.1 feet, Copalis,

WDFW typically confirms that the dig will go forward about a week before the opening, based on final marine toxin tests.

Last year, the start of the season was delayed due to elevated levels of domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae.  Recent testing indicates current levels are well within public health standards.

If you have never gone clam digging, here’s what you need to know.

  • Under state law, diggers are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig.
  • Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.
  • All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2016-17 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.
  • Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available from license vendors around the state and WDFW’s licensing customer service number at (360) 902-2464.

Two days added to Copalis (Ocean Shores) Razor Clam Digging Season

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State shellfish managers just announced two additional days of razor clam digging, for Monday and Tuesday,  April 25-26.

Lucky for guests of The Polynesian Resort, those dates fall during our 50% off room rate promotion.  Clam diggers are encouraged to make reservations early.

Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, said the department added the additional days of digging at Copalis, which were not originally included in the list of tentative digs previously announced by the agency.  He said, the dig was added after catch estimates indicated that there are still clams available for harvest to allow for two weekday openings at the beach.

Ayres recommends that diggers arrive at the beaches an hour or two before low tide for best results. However, digging is not allowed on any beach after noon.

  • April 25, Monday, 9:18 a.m.; -0.2 feet;  Copalis
  • April 26, Tuesday, 9:56 a.m.; -0.1 feet; Copalis

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2016-17 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.

It’s another great reason to visit The Polynesian Resort in Ocean Shores!

Clam Digging How-To Guide Available

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 clams_shovelAs clam diggers wait for the final thumbs-up on the tentative razor clam dig scheduled for Dec 24-26 at Copalis Beach, it’s a great time for experienced and rookie shell fishermen to acquaint themselves with the regulations around this popular winter recreation.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) produces a comprehensive guide to Washington State shell fishing that you can download here.  It includes everything from how-to advice on digging and cooking to updates on dig dates.

For example, under state law, diggers can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container. Diggers may not harvest any part of another person’s daily limit, unless they possess a designated harvester card.

At this point, the tentative dig dates are:

  • Dec. 24, Thursday, 5:47 p.m.; -1.2 feet, Copalis
  • Dec. 25, Friday, 6:30 p.m.; -1.3 feet, Copalis
  • Dec. 26, Saturday, 7:12 p.m.; -1.1 feet, Copalis

Book your holiday stays today at The Polynesian in Ocean Shores and be sure to pack a shovel!