Methods of Catching Octopuses in Oregon

The Hatfield Marine Aquarium at Oregon State University is home to many different creatures. An octopus takes center stage and captures the attention of most visitors for the duration of its stay, approximately one year. The method of catching the octopus varies. One year, a fisherman unknowingly caught an octopus while fishing for halibut. He recognized the leggy creature in the net and gave it to the aquarium.

  1. Different Methods

    • Legal methods of catching are dip nets, pots, angling and by hand. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, no shellfish license is required to catch an octopus. The octopus population remains stable on the Pacific coast, so the limit is one per day. All areas are open along Oregon coastal shores except marine gardens, habitat refuges, research reserves and shellfish reserves. Using chemicals to capture an octopus is illegal.

    Using Your Imagination

    • Octopuses are well known for being reclusive, so some fishermen resort to their imagination to catch an octopus. Hiding pots (traps) near caves or crevices is a good start. For the ones living near shore, place pots on the ocean floor as shelters for the octopus. Using unglazed earthenware pots is common practice in Asia and the Mediterranean. Other materials used, depending on the size and shape of the octopus, include plastic piping or PVC with one end sealed, large empty mollusk shells and unused lobster traps covered with thick, obscuring netting. There is no need to bait the pots, since the octopus only seeks shelter. Normally, the pots are set overnight and retrieved in the morning.

    Angling and Dip Nets

    • For the method of angling, shrimp and small fish are best for bait. Catching an octopus by hand will take keen eyesight. If an octopus feels threatened, it will camouflage itself to the surroundings. It might squirt ink for a deterrent, although the ink is harmless.

      Dip nets are used to scoop the octopus out of the water and can be found at any tackle and bait shop.

    Predators

    • Be aware of predators. Avoid the octopus if seals and sea lions are present. They may inflict injury on you or vice versa. Seals and sea lions live in protected areas, and any injury caused to them may cost you a fine.

      Avoid the area if sharks are around, although they don't usually attack. There is no sense placing yourself in unnecessary danger.