Area 6 Set to Close
Each week we round-up the top fishing news from the Northwest and beyond. Do you have a news tip? E-mail us at news /at/ salmonuniversity.com.
Area 6 Fishing Ends February 22
Salmon fishing will close in Washington’s Marine Area 6 (East Juan de Fuca Strait) on February 22, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced this week. Before the salmon fishing season started, state and tribal officials agreed to 2,586 chinook encounters. Currently 70-percent of that number have been caught or released with the balance expected to be taken before the end of the month, according to the WDFW. On Salmon University’s Facebook page, reaction to the announced closure was largely negative.
The closure begins after the final day of the Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby.
Garmin Launches New High-Resolution GPSMAP 8400/8600
Garmin this week announced the launch of its new GPSMAP 8400/8600 series – all-in-one multi-function displays (MFDs). According to the company, the 8400/8600-series MFDs provide mariners the highest screen resolution on the market and are available in 17-, 22-, and 24-inch models that feature full HD in-plane switching (IPS) screens with multi-touch control.
“Garmin was the first to create a glass-helm design, and we’re excited to take it to the next level with the GPSMAP 8400/8600 series by offering increased resolution, larger display sizes and faster processing,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales, in a written statement. “This new series is a superior solution, offering the best in value, performance and ease-of-installation.”
Mariners can view videos in full or spilt-screen from a variety of media devices on the chartplotter’s display using the HDMI video input, or they can mirror the chartplotter screen on a TV or monitor using the HDMI output port found on these new devices. HDMI video is shared across the Garmin Marine Network and can be viewed on multiple displays. Users can even play digital audio from HDMI input through the boat’s stereo. According to Garmin, the new units will be available later this year.
Ashland Student Recognized for Salmon Work
Dominic Meads, 18, a senior at Ashland High School in Ashland Oregon, has been recognized as a state Distinguished Finalist in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Meads is an advocate for environmental sustainability who has interned with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to help relocate young steelhead trout, and has researched the effects of forest fires on local salmon. The founder of his school’s fishing club, Mead has also volunteered with the annual Bear Creek Salmon Festival by planting trees along the river beds to keep the water cool for salmon in the infant stage of development.
Started in 1996 and presented with support from the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represents the United States’ largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service.
Fishing Board Game in Development
Anglers who are unable to score an opportunity to land a salmon before Area 6 closes, can stay indoors and sadly pretend to get the big one if a Kickstarter campaign is a success. The creator of “Florida Saltwater Fishing Tournament,” Michael Ball, promises it will be “the next best thing to a real fishing trip.” The proposed game has so far received two backers, and $100 in funding, toward its $20,000 goal. For more information, visit the game’s Kickstarter page.
