BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – If you’re a Washington angler and a fan of fish and chips, you’re in luck.

Wednesday, May 1, is the opening day for lingcod fishing season in Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and several other local spots.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife describes lingcod as “frightful-looking creatures” with buggy eyes, a bucket-sized mouth, odd-shaped fins and a pot belly. The department adds that lingcod can usually be found hiding in places with hard rocky bottoms like reefs, breakwaters and ledges.

The daily lingcod limit is one per angler and catches must be between 26 and 36 inches. Fish and Wildlife says these restrictions have helped their populations remain healthy over recent years.

The lingcod fishing season runs through June 15.

Find more tips to help catch lingcod on WDFW’s website.