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Ocean Shores advisory group weighs carp-catching strategies, tournament idea to curb invasive carp
Summary
Advisory board and residents discussed methods to capture invasive carp for testing, considered baiting and night outings, reviewed legal issues around chumming and bow fishing, and explored a possible carp tournament to fund removal and vendors.
Ocean Shores advisory board members and residents discussed plans to capture invasive carp for testing and possible community engagement to reduce carp numbers.
At the start of old business, Speaker 1 introduced the invasive carp issue and asked James (Speaker 2) to summarize progress. Speaker 2 said local boats could be used to collect carp for Fish and Wildlife testing and that volunteers could freeze fish prior to transport. "We'll get some carp to freeze and take up north," Speaker 2 said, adding Fish and Wildlife would test the specimens.
Speakers debated techniques. Speaker 6 described a baiting method using boiled kernel corn to attract carp and suggested night fishing because carp are drawn to light. Board members asked about legality. "Chumming is legal," Speaker 1 said, but members agreed to check with the mayor and Fish and Wildlife for any required permissions or exemptions when fish are being collected for testing.
The board also discussed whether bow fishing and crossbows could be used. Speaker 1 described equipment rules (arrows must be marked with the owner’s name and phone number), and participants said Fish and Wildlife indicated crossbows are legal for bow fishing. The group said Fish and Wildlife had offered to participate in night outings to assist.
Separately, Speaker 1 described how Moses Lake hosts carp tournaments and referenced a Facebook organizing group. He said tournaments can generate revenue through entry fees and vendor participation while arranging for carcass removal. "They have sponsors," Speaker 1 said of the tournament organizers, and the board discussed whether a similar event could be staged locally if legal and safe.
The board emphasized coordination with city staff and Fish and Wildlife for testing and to avoid creating liability or enforcement issues. No formal action was taken beyond agreement to follow up with the mayor, Fish and Wildlife, and other city staff about legal and logistical questions. The advisory group left collection methods and tournament ideas as items for future follow-up and possible spring activity.
