Chapter 8.34
FISHING AT SEQUIM PONDS
Sections:
8.34.010 Purpose and applicability.
8.34.030 Authority to regulate.
8.34.040 Fishing allowed for children 14 years of age or younger.
8.34.050 Fishing prohibited for persons 15 years of age or older.
8.34.060 Catch-and-release prohibited.
8.34.010 Purpose and applicability.
The ordinance codified in this chapter is known as the “fishing ordinance” and regulates use of the holding pond located at the Sequim water reuse demonstration site (“Sequim pond”) and any other fish-stocked pond that may be established by the city.
This chapter does not apply to fishing in other bodies of water within the Sequim city limits, which are instead regulated by state law. (Ord. 2023-006 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2005-015 § 8)
8.34.020 Definitions.
“Fish” or “fishing” includes but is not limited to any substantial step to take, catch, disturb, injure, or kill any fish as defined in RCW Title 77. (Ord. 2023-006 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2005-015 § 1)
8.34.030 Authority to regulate.
The city council delegates the authority to regulate fishing in the Sequim pond to the city manager or designee. Regulations may cover the method of taking fish from the Sequim pond (for instance, barbless hooks), the time of taking, and the limit on number of fish taken per day per person. All regulations will be posted in a conspicuous manner at the Sequim pond. (Ord. 2023-006 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2005-015 § 2)
8.34.040 Fishing allowed for children 14 years of age or younger.
Fishing at the Sequim pond is restricted to children 14 years of age or younger to provide children the opportunity of learning to fish. (Ord. 2023-006 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2005-015 § 3)
8.34.050 Fishing prohibited for persons 15 years of age or older.
No person 15 years of age or older is allowed to fish, or attempt to fish, at the Sequim pond. Persons 15 years or older may hold a fishing rod or pole at the same time as a younger person in order to demonstrate casting and reeling but may not attempt to set a hook or reel in a fish with or without the child’s assistance.
Any person over 14 years of age who fishes at the Sequim pond is subject to being charged with a misdemeanor offense for each incident. An incident includes each attempt, successful or not, to catch a fish or to injure, harass, or disturb a fish. (Ord. 2023-006 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2005-015 § 4)
8.34.060 Catch-and-release prohibited.
The intentional catching and releasing of a fish is prohibited in any Sequim pond. (Ord. 2023-006 § 1 (Exh. A))
8.34.070 Penalty.
Any person convicted of violating this chapter is subject to the fines and penalties of a misdemeanor offense as described under state law. (Ord. 2023-006 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2005-015 § 5. Formerly 8.34.060)