Crayfish, think shrimp and lobster

There is much more to say about crayfish. This was realized after yesterday’s column was sent for publication. Yes, there are people who don’t like the taste, but there are also people who don’t like the taste of shrimp or lobster.

Each person is allowed to put out five traps at a time. The daily limit is 10 pounds in the shell. Remember, there is no shellfish/seaweed license, or any license required to pursue crayfish.

From the Washington Sport Fishing Rules Pamphlet:

“There is only one native crayfish species in Washington, the signal crayfish. This species can be identified by its uniform brownish coloration, white or light coloration of the claw joint, and the smooth surface of its carapace and claws compared to that of nonnative species.

“Native crayfish are the only crayfish that may be removed from the vicinity of the waterbody alive. If you cannot positively identify your catch as a nonnative species, the daily limit and other restrictions listed above for native crayfish apply.

“No pronounced bumps or distinct dark tips on claws on the natives. Claws can range in color from blue or green with red underneath.

“How to humanely kill and preserve crayfish: There are two important steps to killing a crayfish quickly and humanely. The first is to chill them in ice or an ice slurry for 20 to 30 minutes. The second is to pierce their head with a knife.”

Crayfish are worth all the trouble of fiddling with the little buggers, at least this is my way of thinking. Here is the procedure used at my house: Several crayfish traps are stored at my house.

When it is time to go fishing, we take a trap and throw it in the same lake or stream we are fishing for trout. After a day of chasing fish, we pull the trap. Actually, it is better to leave the pot in the water all night long.

Attaching a pot to a dock is a good way to secure the pot at night. Any unattended pot must have the name, address and phone number of the person placing the trap. Note of caution, there are dirty, low-down rats (the human kind) who might steal a trap.

We pull the trap the next day, around noon, and find 30 of the lobster-like critters. Now what?

A crayfish boil is planned at noon, with just four people attending. This amount of crayfish will not be enough for a meal for each person, so better plan on a side dish of some sort. Still, it will be enough for everyone to have a taste.

Tomorrow: Another invasive species.