The city of Des Moines has closed the boardwalk at Redondo Beach to fishing, because “Casting is dangerous to pedestrians and vehicles.” There’s a big pink salmon run going on, and dozens of fisherpeople have been using the boardwalk to catch their share.
“A woman got a hook in her on Monday,” said City Manager Tony Piasecki. “And this is a safety issue…too many people have also been cleaning their fish on the wooden boardwalk, and fish blood and guts don’t make for a safe walkway.”
According to Piasecki, “50 to 60 people” were lined up the other day fishing from the boardwalk, and runners, walkers, families and others had trouble navigating around them. Combine that with the narrow roadway and cars and you can imagine the dangers.
Warning signs have been posted, and while the police are not yet enforcing them, if enough repeat offenders ignore them, citations will be issued.
You can still look cool strolling Redondo's boardwalk, but don't you dare fish from it.
“I’ve never seen a salmon run like this,” added Piasecki. “It’s very unusual also that they’re staying in so close to shore,” which only aggravates the desire to fish from the boardwalk.
People who want to fish there are encourage to either do so from the beach, or utilize the piers at both Redondo and the marina, which are still open.
UPDATE: Do NOT fish for salmon without a Washington State saltwater license – you can buy them online here.
[Photos courtesy Susan White]
In case you live under a rock and haven’t noticed, the fish are bitin’ and people are catchin’ ‘em right here in Des Moines – both at Redondo Beach as well as from the pier.
Photographer Michael Brunk caught these pics of area fisherfolk doing what they do best this time of year – catch salmon:
Longtime resident Susan White caught these pics of successful fishing in Redondo:
HINT: Word on the beach is that the salmon are bitin’ on pink “Buzz Bombs.” Now go do some fishin’ and send us your pics!
UPDATE: Do NOT fish for salmon without a Washington State saltwater license – you can buy them online here.
According to KING-TV, a scuba diver was killed in an accident at Redondo Beach Sunday afternoon (June 28th).
Des Moines police say that a Tukwila man, around 60-years old, was diving with a friend off shore in waters about 80 feet deep when he went into distress. His buddy was unable to bring him to the surface.
Another diver helped bring the man up and the two tried to revive him, but they were unsuccessful.
The diver’s identity has not yet been released.
Highline Community College’s Marine Science and Technology Center (MaST), located on Redondo Beach right here in Des Moines (map below), is holding a “Science on the Sound” speaker series through March 21st.
“Science on the Sound” will be held every other Saturday, and will feature experts discussing issues pertinent to the Puget Sound and the region.
Upcoming speakers for Science on the Sound include:
Feb. 21: Oceans and Human Health : Usha Varanasi, director of Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, discusses the importance of healthy oceans to our personal health and the health of our societies.
March 7: Puget Sound Octopus : Learn the basics of octopus anatomy and behavior from Seattle Aquarium naturalist Giovannina Souers. She will also share stories about octopuses at the Seattle Aquarium.
March 21: Working the Sea, Writing the Sea: Writer and sailor Holly Hughes will share her experiences of living and working on the sea, as well as her writing and poetry.
Sponsored by: HCC’s Marine Science and Technology Center (MaST)
Here are the details:
WHAT: Science on the Sound speaker series
WHEN: Feb. 21st; March 7 and 21, Noon to 1 p.m.
COST: FREE
WHERE: Highline’s MaST Center is located on Redondo Beach in Des Moines; address: 28203 Redondo Beach Drive S., Des Moines, WA 98198.
INFO: www.highline.edu/mast/
As part of Des Moines’ 50th birthday celebration, as well as a way to raise money for Special Olympics, there will be a “Polar Bear Plunge” this Saturday, Feb. 14th.
Tukwila Police Officer Ted Rutt is organizing the event, and he’s seeking volunteers to brave the icy Puget Sound waters.
Daredevils don’t have to entirely immerse themselves, and people (including curious spectators) are asked to show up on Redondo Beach just north of Salty’s around 10am for a Noon dip.
Clam chowder will be provided by Salty’s to anyone who dares to get wet, and participants are encouraged to get $20 pledges, but any amount will do.
ANNOUNCEMENT: The WaterlandBlog’s very own Bart Bryan has just agreed to participate, so come on down just to egg him on this Saturday! If you’d like to sponsor him, email us and we’ll make sure he does something extra fun.
This event is aimed at raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics, a cause that police nationwide help annually.
To take part, or learn more about this event, please call Officer Ted Rutt at 206-433-1808.
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