There has been a lot of confusion when it comes to Shrimp Gear. Which Shrimp Pot can I use where and when? Hopefully this summary answers some of these questions, but always check with the WDFW for updated shellfishing rules and regulations.
Shrimp Gear
Pots must be constructed of either flexible or rigid mesh material. 1" minimum mesh size or 1/2" minimum mesh size. The entrance tunnels can be made of any size mesh material but must be located on the sides of the pot. Shrimp pots must not exceed 10 feet in perimeter and 18" in height. Every shellfish pot left unattended in Washington waters must have its own buoy line and a separate buoy (all shrimp pot buoys must be yellow in color) that is permanently and legibly marked with the operator’s first name, last name, and permanent address (telephone number is voluntary).
1" Minimum Mesh Size Shrimp Pot
This mesh size Shrimp Pot is required in Hood Canal and Puget Sound during the month of May. It's also required in all areas open for Spot Shrimp after June 1st.
1/2" Minimum Mesh Size Shrimp Pot
This mesh size Shrimp Pot is allowed in Puget Sound after June 1st in any area closed for spot shrimp, but open for Coonstripe and Pink Shrimp. In areas closed for spot shrimp, but open for coonstripe and pink shrimp, all spot shrimp caught must be returned to the water immediately.
Pacific Ocean
Shoreward of 20 fathoms, the minimum mesh size is 1/2"
Seaward of 20 fathoms, the minimum mesh size is 1"
All Areas
Each harvester must have a separate container for their catch, either in their possession or identified with their name.
No minimum carapace size.
Maximum of two shrimp pots per person and no more than four shrimp pots per boat.