tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82053162977695498342024-03-15T02:28:19.845-07:00Saltwater Fishing NewsNews, events, and other articles related to recreational and commercial saltwater fishing in the USA and Canada.north americahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03995716645775353300noreply@blogger.comBlogger420125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-55573783325623543102024-02-19T14:23:00.000-08:002024-02-19T14:24:56.301-08:00Louisiana Bowfishing Permit 2024<p>In Louisiana, a recreational saltwater bowfishing permit for both the private and charter sectors of the recreational fishery will be required beginning January 1, 2024.</p><p>The permit is free of charge and will be valid one year from the date issued. The permit can be obtained only online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) website.</p><p>Individuals 18 years of age or older taking, or attempting to take saltwater recreational fish with bowfishing gear in the waters of Louisiana, or engaging in bowfishing activity below the saltwater line will be required to hold this mandatory permit.</p><p>Any person on a charter bowfishing trip, who pays a fee for that trip, is not required to have this permit, but the permit is required for the captain of that charter vessel.</p><p>The permit is being implemented in order to effectively manage saltwater recreational species, according to LDWF. </p><p>The free permit can be received by visiting: https://ldwf.wlf.la.gov/bowp</p><p>source: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries</p>Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-6472649098454607542023-12-25T07:09:00.000-08:002023-12-25T07:11:22.708-08:00NOAA National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Policy 2023 Update<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKR7klZ5xnqGsmn3_-xWPA3u6AvLLQdxbuNq5RnxM_sXlf0X-oPXMqiA_M4tb_RZzEwLveGrRDMyDdecu2fKwj-wjfp5gCtY0IjneQWZPrGRbYsuzw5gC5cbfHXJ5xUid8AOe0vRWyN_qhBkkg2BgyqobKSCRtYEQ2ldkVaky0AhrpYePicZzi0Jq-aNs/s400/sb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKR7klZ5xnqGsmn3_-xWPA3u6AvLLQdxbuNq5RnxM_sXlf0X-oPXMqiA_M4tb_RZzEwLveGrRDMyDdecu2fKwj-wjfp5gCtY0IjneQWZPrGRbYsuzw5gC5cbfHXJ5xUid8AOe0vRWyN_qhBkkg2BgyqobKSCRtYEQ2ldkVaky0AhrpYePicZzi0Jq-aNs/w200-h150/sb.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Striped Bass</td></tr></tbody></table>In September 2023, NOAA Fisheries released a final revised National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Policy, along with seven associated regional and national implementation plans.<p></p><p>The updated documents define the agency's approach to, and work on, saltwater recreational fisheries.</p><p>In February 2015, NOAA Fisheries released the initial <a href="https://saltwater-fishing-news.blogspot.com/2015/02/noaa-national-saltwater-recreational.html" target="_blank">National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Policy</a> followed by a series of national and regionally tailored implementation and engagement plans.</p><p>In March 2022, NOAA Fisheries and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission co-hosted the fourth National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Summit.</p><p>Informed by regional conversations leading to the 2022 Summit discussions, NOAA Fisheries pursued updating the Recreational Fisheries Policy.</p><p>The 2023 update addresses the changing environment and evolving fishery interests based on extensive public input.</p><p>source: NOAA Fisheries</p>Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-42101911220858597302022-07-02T11:02:00.004-07:002022-07-02T11:02:53.346-07:00How To Catch Sheepshead<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-weight: bold;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxg2kI2DZe16hSfBltBUzMqhXOKI3dTFWtdMX2XiC8gNfT7F7HUZTMsppRsnM2DNBtyAKTGYcrkQdGHACn6hVSO3NLuT-xA01hD9GCj_kaqQzPJtnt98VdNcpZ1c02sYtmgYzCbFVMltZML1e7WRyUpXU1lEfjj_bx0uHhXI1N2Yg9Pf-LMe1kxLdIxg/s500/sheepshead-fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="sheepshead fish" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="372" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxg2kI2DZe16hSfBltBUzMqhXOKI3dTFWtdMX2XiC8gNfT7F7HUZTMsppRsnM2DNBtyAKTGYcrkQdGHACn6hVSO3NLuT-xA01hD9GCj_kaqQzPJtnt98VdNcpZ1c02sYtmgYzCbFVMltZML1e7WRyUpXU1lEfjj_bx0uHhXI1N2Yg9Pf-LMe1kxLdIxg/w238-h320/sheepshead-fish.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheepshead</td></tr></tbody></table>This article has tips on catching sheepshead including tackle, techniques, baits, and more.</p><p><b>What are Sheepshead?</b></p><p>Sheepshead are silver with 5 or 6 distinct vertical black bands along their sides.</p><p>These colorful members of the grunt family are caught from Maryland to Florida.</p><p>Sheepshead are common around rocks, reefs, bridges, wrecks, inlets, and other structure.</p><p>Sheepshead feed on crabs, shrimp, barnacles, mussels, and other marine life.</p><p><b>How to Catch Sheepshead</b></p><p>Sheepshead are fun to catch but notoriously difficult to hook. Anglers use small, sharp hooks and pay close attention to their lines. As soon as a fish is felt, anglers must set the hook with a short but firm twitch of the rod.</p><p>Pier fishermen sometimes use specialized techniques for catching sheepshead. One technique is to use a long-handled scraper to loosen barnacles and other debris from pilings or other surfaces. When done correctly, this type of chumming can attract sheepshead and other structure loving fish.</p><p>Baits for catching sheepshead include shrimp, soft crabs, peeler crabs, fiddler crabs, and other baits. These vary with season and location. Fishermen choose live baits depending on availability and personal preference.</p><p>A small cast net, umbrella net or seine can be a great asset for anglers that prefer to catch their own shrimp, crabs or other small baits. Another possibility is a trap, which is baited and left overnight. This is a good option for fishermen that are staying near an estuary for a few days.</p><p><b>Best Baits For Catching Sheepshead</b></p><p>Blue Crabs</p><p>The Atlantic blue crab is found in inshore environments from Nova Scotia southward. These crabs make excellent bait for sheepshead. They are fished as cut bait.</p><p>Green Crab</p><p>The green crab is an introduced species that is originally from Northern Europe. Their shell size can be up to 3". Green crabs are now found from New Jersey to Nova Scotia, and into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.</p><p>Rock Crab</p><p>The rock crab is a common species of shallow-water crab found from Labrador to South Carolina. It is usually found sheltering in nooks and crevices.</p><p>Jonah Crab</p><p>The Jonah crab is a species of crab found on the Atlantic coast of North America. It is closely related to the Dungeness crab of the Pacific Coast.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxss7BYzDCyrHM7QYs8hwAbNRFNqHZWjTi2z1ydoW0a0BBq7VlAV3G4w9R35q6Xa72IWSUJ8hX1wBklmXpcuLhdYlXv5ikj6JOVCyeoS7llzaD4aq3IY-_tVIuOcHe8_XdIPLP4BAqQ9bPmZgvPKdzbv6HpqDWQc_u3ZQD3U7eJNC8qNEw9Frmdn8WjQ/s500/mole-crab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="mole crab" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxss7BYzDCyrHM7QYs8hwAbNRFNqHZWjTi2z1ydoW0a0BBq7VlAV3G4w9R35q6Xa72IWSUJ8hX1wBklmXpcuLhdYlXv5ikj6JOVCyeoS7llzaD4aq3IY-_tVIuOcHe8_XdIPLP4BAqQ9bPmZgvPKdzbv6HpqDWQc_u3ZQD3U7eJNC8qNEw9Frmdn8WjQ/w240-h320/mole-crab.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mole Crab</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Mole Crabs</p><p>Mole crabs are found along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts southward. Fishermen also gather them with special metal mesh scoops or with meshed wire nets attached to poles. They can sometimes be purchased at bait and tackle shops.</p><p>Shrimp</p><p>In southern states, fresh warmwater shrimp are popular for catching sheepshead. Shrimp are sometimes marketed by "count", with the value being the average number of shrimp specimens per pound.</p><p>Hard Clams</p><p>The hard clam or quahog is the most popular American clam. When fishing for sheepshead, anglers sometimes break clams by tapping them together and letting the juice and shell fragments fall into the water. The process creates a chum which attracts fish to the area. The clam meat can be extracted and used for bait.</p><p>Surf Clams</p><p>The Atlantic surf clam is harvested commercially off the Northeast USA coast. Surf clams range from 4 to 8 inches in length. They are cut into strips for fishing. Surf clams can be brined and frozen, making an excellent stored bait.</p>Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-76338528233986030402022-07-02T08:11:00.004-07:002022-07-02T08:24:50.341-07:002022 Shortfin Mako Shark Regulations - Atlantic HMS<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWecS__HPR05nwEBErq20Yal28Y_s6Hzyl6dH2tlMrERbkwVBe-bMQQaGj7aF878_MFw2V0oJPccL3xSbwhN0k_EpCm_Sp3GB88fkeSOQ7HABLR0kseNBQPG8fO4GlFDhbeuqFENcfjndP5ARE6oSaHH4oNORKSAJSloV7buvyTIq92hWHj7l32GZMg/s500/mako-wiki-pd2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="shortfin mako shark" border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWecS__HPR05nwEBErq20Yal28Y_s6Hzyl6dH2tlMrERbkwVBe-bMQQaGj7aF878_MFw2V0oJPccL3xSbwhN0k_EpCm_Sp3GB88fkeSOQ7HABLR0kseNBQPG8fO4GlFDhbeuqFENcfjndP5ARE6oSaHH4oNORKSAJSloV7buvyTIq92hWHj7l32GZMg/w200-h150/mako-wiki-pd2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shortfin Mako Shark</td></tr></tbody></table>Major changes have been implemented for shortfin mako sharks along the Atlantic coast for the 2022 fishing season. </p><p>NOAA Fisheries recently announced a change to shortfin mako shark retention limits in Federal waters, effective on July 5, 2022. According to NOAA, a public notice pertaining to state waters will follow soon. </p><p>The final rule establishes a shortfin mako shark retention limit of zero in the commercial and recreational Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) fisheries, consistent with the management measure adopted in 2021 by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).</p><p>If ICCAT provides for U.S. harvest in the future, NOAA Fisheries could increase the shortfin mako shark retention limit, based on regulatory criteria and the amount of retention allowed by ICCAT. Until that happens, the retention limit will remain at zero.</p><p>The rule affects:</p><p>Any commercial fishermen with HMS permits</p><p>Any recreational fishermen with HMS permits</p><p>Any dealers who buy or sell sharks or shark products</p><p>To comply with this rule, commercial and recreational fishermen (including those fishing in tournaments or on for-hire vessels) with HMS permits must release any shortfin mako sharks captured while the retention limit is zero, whether the shark is dead or alive at haulback.</p><p>NOAA Fisheries will notify the public of any change to the commercial and/or recreational shortfin mako shark retention limit via Federal Register notice and email. Fishermen must continue to follow other relevant fishery regulations, which are summarized in the Atlantic HMS compliance guides.</p>Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-17271932029795102032022-06-18T11:19:00.000-07:002022-06-18T11:19:21.770-07:00Tautog Fishing Tips and Techniques<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAKQi0J_Dtn42yigtM5F4ctv-KeG9kK_knVpaGkz1OZqks8MQqcYcluqsa89OHXMfwlFs-OrOzKPyu6Sl2E5ng7dOdXc2Tk5ExWg_nufqGyPoQ7hMDet4n61nlvVWHM4F6RhvuAaACBP2YgDDOm-UEx2mZLBRiFdeyBjgz03iuMGFWDTSViwcFNvpUQ/s677/ocean%20tautog%20fishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="ocean tautog fishing" border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="677" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAKQi0J_Dtn42yigtM5F4ctv-KeG9kK_knVpaGkz1OZqks8MQqcYcluqsa89OHXMfwlFs-OrOzKPyu6Sl2E5ng7dOdXc2Tk5ExWg_nufqGyPoQ7hMDet4n61nlvVWHM4F6RhvuAaACBP2YgDDOm-UEx2mZLBRiFdeyBjgz03iuMGFWDTSViwcFNvpUQ/w320-h320/ocean%20tautog%20fishing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocean Tautog Fishing</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The tautog or blackfish is one of the most popular species caught by wreck and reef fishermen. Tautog are structure fish that can be difficult to hook and even more difficult to bring up.</p><p>A few of the top ports for catching tautog in the Mid Atlantic include Cape May New Jersey, Lewes Delaware, Ocean City Maryland, and Virginia Beach Virginia.</p><p>These are a few tips and techniques for tautog fishing along the Mid Atlantic Coast:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fish directly over structure, including shipwrecks, rocks, rubble, bridge pilings and artificial reefs.</li><li>Use a basic top and bottom fishing rig when snags and hang ups are not a problem.</li><li>Switch to a single hook rig in areas of extremely rough bottom.</li><li>Carry a wide selection of sinkers ranging from 3-8 oz.</li><li>Choose a rod and reel that can handle depths from 15-120 feet, and 3-8 oz. sinkers.</li><li>Fish with braided lines for added sensitivity.</li><li>Use baits such as blue crabs, green crabs, mole crabs, fiddler crabs, shrimp, and clams.</li><li>When fishing whole blue crabs or green crabs, some anglers imbed both hooks in a single bait and remove or crack the shell of the crab.</li><li>When using cut crab, leave the legs on and check baits often. Replace baits that have had the meat sucked out of the shell.</li><li>Avoid excessive tension on the line and pay attention for minute signs of nibbling. Give a short tug upward when movement is felt.</li><li>If the fish appears to be in the line, set the hook, lift the fish away from structure and then reel in gently.</li><li>Tag and release undersize fish.</li><li>Take no more fish than needed.</li><li>Release female fish when possible.</li><li>Identify sexes - Male tautog have blunter heads and darker, more solid coloring with a faint lighter spot on their flank. Females have a more mottled appearance and sloping forehead.</li><li>Support Artificial Reef programs.</li><li>Seek out party boats or charter boats with a reputation for successful tautog fishing trips.</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Related Information</h4><p><a href="https://www.daybreakfishing.com/regional-information/shipwrecks-obstructions/" target="_blank">Shipwrecks and Obstructions</a></p><p><a href="https://www.daybreakfishing.com/regional-information/mid-atlantic-artificial-reefs/" target="_blank">Artificial Reefs</a></p>Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-49503590588870009262022-06-01T11:39:00.004-07:002022-06-01T11:42:02.511-07:002020 Saltwater Recreational Fishing Statistics<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmrI9rv7O5nAbVR41O5_D3GJuTqetLrBMGahjK0FvmitmSRfAW5S_yKLeJYzD8iFrVroPO_IZzJx_znMA-QeNQ4iCAUaEdtoZDuQvWJbOzUcG2opSpKM8aZbxgC4fy1A5dj-LcwHpiMxpWPopg6VV7srg6GKSB6ZedrvhE_kiUx0TV-KoxQav6VsFzg/s400/sb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="striped bass" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmrI9rv7O5nAbVR41O5_D3GJuTqetLrBMGahjK0FvmitmSRfAW5S_yKLeJYzD8iFrVroPO_IZzJx_znMA-QeNQ4iCAUaEdtoZDuQvWJbOzUcG2opSpKM8aZbxgC4fy1A5dj-LcwHpiMxpWPopg6VV7srg6GKSB6ZedrvhE_kiUx0TV-KoxQav6VsFzg/w320-h240/sb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Striped Bass</td></tr></tbody></table><p>U.S. anglers took nearly 200 million trips in 2020, according to<b><i> Fisheries of the United States, 2020</i></b>, from NOAA Fisheries.</p><p>U.S. recreational anglers caught an estimated billion fish in 2020, releasing 65 percent of those caught.</p><p>The total recreational harvest was estimated at 344 million fish with a combined weight of more than 353 million pounds.</p><p>The top U.S. species ranked by pounds harvested were striped bass, bluefish, red snapper, Spanish mackerel, spotted seatrout, and dolphinfish.</p><p>The Atlantic Coast accounted for 68 percent of marine recreational trips and 68 percent of the overall catch. The Gulf Coast accounted for 29 percent of trips and 30 percent of catch. Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Coast collectively accounted for 3 percent of trips and 2 percent of catch.</p><p>Fisheries of the United States is the annual National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) yearbook of fishery statistics for the United States for 2020. The report has been produced in its various forms for more than 100 years.</p><p>The report provides data on U.S. recreational catch and commercial fisheries landings and value as well as other aspects of U.S. commercial fishing.</p><p>source: Fisheries of the United States, 2020</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Related Information</h3><p><a href="https://saltwater-fishing-news.blogspot.com/2021/06/2019-usa-marine-recreational-fishing.html" target="_blank">2019 USA Marine Recreational Fishing Catch Statistics</a></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-90857640281545651372022-03-19T01:42:00.001-07:002022-03-19T01:42:24.180-07:00North Carolina State Record Speckled Trout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVXP8cuahWD0JQkJ-z1nu6VGyaJlrZS1YefigmGckbm7xAhus7XbnOASWql32RYl6E3wP2x_tUaEtZhqeHY8vXZAg7FCzoC9gxZ8gR5tlqbR_1fv33-ZO1VramA54Ty4EFsfMhZWooU-wgJHnIab1KGe_-mV4CTREwSIlAlCDda886mSsluOuOynk5-w=s400" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="north carolina state record speckled trout" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVXP8cuahWD0JQkJ-z1nu6VGyaJlrZS1YefigmGckbm7xAhus7XbnOASWql32RYl6E3wP2x_tUaEtZhqeHY8vXZAg7FCzoC9gxZ8gR5tlqbR_1fv33-ZO1VramA54Ty4EFsfMhZWooU-wgJHnIab1KGe_-mV4CTREwSIlAlCDda886mSsluOuOynk5-w=w320-h240" width="320" /></a></div>The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) recently announced the certification of a new state record speckled trout (Cynoscion nebulosus).<p></p><p>Todd Spangler, of Merritt, caught the 12-pound, 8-ounce fish in the lower Neuse River in Pamlico County on Feb 9, 2022.</p><p>The previous state record speckled trout weighed 12 pounds, 4 ounces and was caught off Wrightsville Beach in 1961.</p><p>The International Game Fish Association All Tackle World Record spotted seatrout stands at 17 pounds, 7 ounces, and was caught in 1995 off Ft. Pierce Fla.</p><p>Spangler’s fish measured 33.5 inches total length (from the tip of the snout to the tip of the compressed tail) and had an 18-inch girth.</p><p>He caught it with a Daiwa Procyon reel and custom-built spinning rod. He used a dark purple Z-Man jerk shad soft plastic bait with a 20-pound braid.</p><p>Along the Mid Atlantic coast, speckled trout, also known as spotted seatrout, are one of the most popular saltwater species for recreational anglers. Speckled trout are identified by a pattern of dark spots along their backs, flanks, and tail.</p><p>For more information on state record fish, go to the division’s State Saltwater Records webpage or contact the North Carolina Saltwater Fishing Tournament staff at saltwater.citations@ncdenr.gov.</p><p>source: North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries</p>Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-49162370723852699542022-03-11T16:08:00.000-08:002022-03-11T16:08:10.262-08:002022 Roanoke River Striped Bass Season<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH8MUJcYWUsh7zX_zNbT14iozs1m2wIAGUbavWapeVyHQglBI8ZdZ5lzIotOvEVMOZHyngBIMrbLeuQC2Rpmng8NYwHKyOvWiYYrhr7LbdWS0jE2CyHrcwBtVR1NpAbQgKtDl7vN4tXBbjA1tgSgHAIayfjgHYgKzF_9Nuk8Lln4Xd3xRVFftagNt_Dg=s400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH8MUJcYWUsh7zX_zNbT14iozs1m2wIAGUbavWapeVyHQglBI8ZdZ5lzIotOvEVMOZHyngBIMrbLeuQC2Rpmng8NYwHKyOvWiYYrhr7LbdWS0jE2CyHrcwBtVR1NpAbQgKtDl7vN4tXBbjA1tgSgHAIayfjgHYgKzF_9Nuk8Lln4Xd3xRVFftagNt_Dg=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Striped Bass</td></tr></tbody></table>This spring, the striped bass harvest season in the Roanoke River Management Area will be limited to just four days (April 23-24 and April 28-29.)<div><br /></div><div>Despite the short harvest season, anglers can enjoy catch and release fishing for striped bass on the river.<br /><p></p><p>In February, Cameron Ingram, Executive Director of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) signed a proclamation outlining significant changes to the 2022 striped bass harvest season in the Roanoke River Management Area.</p><p>The entire Roanoke River Management Area will be open for harvest of striped bass April 23 - 24 and April 28 - 29.</p><p>In addition, the daily creel limit has changed to one striped bass per day. The minimum length limit is 18 inches, and no striped bass between 22 and 27 inches may be possessed at any time.</p><p>The Roanoke River Management Area includes the Roanoke River and tributaries from the Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam downstream to the Albemarle Sound, including the Cashie, Middle, and Eastmost rivers.</p><p>In 2020, a stock assessment of striped bass in the Roanoke River/Albemarle Sound indicated that the stock was overfished, and overfishing was occurring. In 2021, the harvest quota in the Roanoke River was reduced from 68,750 pounds to 12,804 pounds as a necessary conservation action intended to rebuild the striped bass population.</p><p>Despite season reductions, the striped bass harvest exceeded the 12,804-pound harvest quota in 2021 and payback of the overage is required in 2022 as outlined in the N.C. Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.</p><p>The payback means a further reduction of the 2022 quota to 6,578 pounds. The four harvest days outlined in the proclamation were selected using past angler creel data with the goal of anglers having an opportunity to harvest fish throughout the river.</p><p>"We have seen dramatic declines in the abundance of striped bass, in particular the number of larger, older females. These larger fish are key in rebuilding the Roanoke River-Albemarle Sound striped bass population," said Ben Ricks, coastal region fishery supervisor with NCWRC.</p><p>"Additionally, river flows are very important for spawning success. We work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers each spring to get the best possible flows for spawning on the Roanoke River and we need to make sure there are plenty of fish on the spawning grounds to take full advantage of those flows."</p><p>According to NCWRC, anglers can continue to catch and release striped bass throughout the spring despite the shortened harvest season.</p><p>NCWRC recommends that anglers use a single barbless hook or a lure with a single barbless hook to reduce handling stress on fish that are released, which is a requirement from April 1 through June 30 when fishing in the upper Roanoke River above the US Highway 258 bridge near Scotland Neck.</p><p>Signage will be posted at boating access areas (BAAs) along the Roanoke River to notify anglers of the changes to the open harvest dates. More information about BAAs on the Roanoke River, including the new Odom BAA in Jackson, can be found using the agency’s online BAA locator.</p><p>source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission</p></div>Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-76947405827548712942021-06-13T08:28:00.003-07:002021-06-13T08:28:22.933-07:002019 USA Marine Recreational Fishing Catch Statistics<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeQ2Sif3GsM/Uie1BI5zfsI/AAAAAAAAAGs/pDLMnNSiP0g5v4VwH9_86N0Og2mk9ZCCwCPcBGAYYCw/s400/redfish.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeQ2Sif3GsM/Uie1BI5zfsI/AAAAAAAAAGs/pDLMnNSiP0g5v4VwH9_86N0Og2mk9ZCCwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/redfish.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Drum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The 2019 U.S. marine recreational finfish catch, including fish kept and fish released (discarded) on the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts (including Alaska and Hawaii), was an estimated 950 million fish. <p></p><p>The catch required anglers to take an estimated 187 million fishing trips (Alaska trip data not available for 2019). </p><p>The 2019 total harvest (fish kept or released dead) of saltwater fish by recreational anglers was estimated at 341 million fish weighing 350 million pounds.</p><p><b>Top Recreational and Commercial Finfish Species</b><br /><br /><b>Atlantic<br /></b><br />1 Striped Bass<br />2 Bluefish<br />3 Scup<br />4 Dolphinfish<br />5 Black Sea Bass<br />6 Spotted Sea Trout<br />7 Summer flounder (fluke)<br />8 Tautog<br />9 Catfish<br />10 King and Cero Mackerel</p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Gulf Coast</b></p><p>1 Red snapper<br />2 Spanish Mackerel<br />3 Red Drum<br />4 Spotted Sea Trout<br />5 Sardine<br />6 Snappers<br />7 Mullets<br />8 King and Cero Mackerel<br />9 Little Tunny<br />10 Dolphinfish<br /></p>Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-54930736169171776322021-02-14T05:49:00.000-08:002021-02-14T05:49:17.635-08:00Tarpon Fishing Tips and Techniques<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkoy0qe4QVI/YCknj03hK2I/AAAAAAAAAqw/t0rtXVN4Dv8JHKnKs-irtN_ZAecVv_sFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/atlantic-tarpon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Atlantic tarpon" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rkoy0qe4QVI/YCknj03hK2I/AAAAAAAAAqw/t0rtXVN4Dv8JHKnKs-irtN_ZAecVv_sFQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/atlantic-tarpon.jpg" title="Atlantic tarpon" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atlantic Tarpon<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p>The Atlantic tarpon (Tarpon atlanticus) is a large, silver colored saltwater game fish found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, the Caribbean Sea, and other regions.</p><p>In the USA, tarpon are most common in Florida, although they are sometimes caught as far north as Maryland.<br /></p><p>Occasionally reaching weights of 100 pounds or more, many anglers consider tarpon to be the catch of a lifetime.</p><p>The Atlantic tarpon was designated the state fish of Alabama in 1955. In 1975 the designation was changed to "state saltwater fish."<br /><br />Tarpon are often called "the silver king." <br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Tarpon Fishing Techniques</h3><p>Tarpon fishermen use a variety of gear, depending on the situation. Experienced anglers employ high quality tackle as these fish have a reputation for destroying cheap gear.<br /><br />For casting live baits or lures, most anglers use a spinning or bait casting outfit in the 20-30 lb range. Other situations such as fishing near obstructions require heavier conventional reels. Tarpon anglers usually choose reels with smooth drags and fish with high quality lines.<br /><br />Anglers fish for tarpon with live baits such as spot, croaker, perch, pinfish, menhaden, striped mullet, eels, and large shrimp. Top baits vary with season, location, availability, and personal preference. Some anglers obtain live baits in local tackle shops while others choose to catch their own with cast nets, hook and line, seines, or traps.<br /><br />Some anglers prefer lures for tarpon fishing. Popular lures for tarpon include soft bodied jigs, swimming plugs, poppers and other lifelike lures. The action and presentation of lures can be critical, as tarpon can be very wary. As with rods and reels, lures and terminal tackle need to be sturdy built to handle the stresses of these brutal fish.<br /><br />Saltwater fly fishing gear is popular among tarpon anglers. Fly casters seek out fish cruising the flats or around inlets, jetties, wrecks, reefs, bridges, and other structures. Fly rods and reels must be high quality saltwater versions, capable of withstanding powerful runs. Large saltwater flies that mimic local baitfish are often used.</p>Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-69518527937053558562019-12-20T11:30:00.001-08:002019-12-20T12:44:08.424-08:002020 North Carolina Ocean Striped Bass Regulations<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45fMBFSVYbk/WgBidgLHUHI/AAAAAAAAANQ/0JX35FG79I86VimRRulj7m5nWFtzQnRVwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/sb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The striped bass is one of the most important sport fish of North Carolina and the Mid Atlantic Region." border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45fMBFSVYbk/WgBidgLHUHI/AAAAAAAAANQ/0JX35FG79I86VimRRulj7m5nWFtzQnRVwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/sb.jpg" title="striped bass" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Striped Bass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A slot limit for recreationally-caught striped bass will go into effect January 1, 2020 in North Carolina ocean waters. <br />
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Fishermen will be allowed to possess one striped bass per person per day that is at least 28 inches and less than 35 inches total length (fishermen may not keep a 35-inch fish). For the specific regulation, see Proclamation FF-54-2019.<br />
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Until the slot limit takes effect on January 1, the minimum size limit for ocean striped bass remains 28 inches total length with a one fish possession limit.<br />
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The slot limit is required by the recently adopted Addendum VI to Amendment 6 to the Atlantic Striped Bass Interstate Fishery Management Plan.<br />
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The new limit is designed to end overfishing and bring fishing mortality to the target level in 2020 by reducing total coastwide striped bass removals by 18%.<br />
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The latest Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) coastwide stock assessment determined that ocean migratory Atlantic striped bass are overfished and overfishing is occurring.<br />
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Amendment 6 also requires a coastwide commercial quota reduction of 18%.<br />
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For additional information, see the ASMFC news release.<br />
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The recreational regulations for striped bass in internal coastal waters of North Carolina remains unchanged.<br />
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For more information, visit the <a href="http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/home" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Division of Marine Fisheries</a> website.<br />
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source: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Marine Fisheries<br />
<br />
<b>Related Information</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://saltwater-fishing-news.blogspot.com/2019/11/mid-atlantic-saltwater-fishing-facts.html" target="_blank">Mid Atlantic Saltwater Fishing Facts</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://saltwater-fishing-news.blogspot.com/2019/01/mid-atlantic-striped-bass-eez.html" target="_blank">Mid Atlantic Striped Bass EEZ Enforcement</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://asmfc.org/" target="_blank">Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission</a>
Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-23845668919220607632019-12-19T13:09:00.002-08:002019-12-19T13:09:19.370-08:00USCG Massachusetts Artificial Reef Addition<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0EKTDB1LtY/XfvmUBU19tI/AAAAAAAAAZk/MhVY63MoalIjS_PoTsyK1FxzZZqLTUKLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/artificial-reef-yarmouth-ma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="USCG adds concrete to artificial reef near Yarmouth, Massachusetts." border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0EKTDB1LtY/XfvmUBU19tI/AAAAAAAAAZk/MhVY63MoalIjS_PoTsyK1FxzZZqLTUKLACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/artificial-reef-yarmouth-ma.jpg" title="artificial reef - Yarmouth, Massachusetts" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">artificial reef deployment near Yarmouth, Massachusetts | credit: USCG</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The U.S. Coast Guard recently dropped more than 140,000 pounds of obsolete concrete buoy sinkers on an artificial reef near Yarmouth, Massachusetts.<br />
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Used to anchor buoys in place, concrete sinkers come in a variety of sizes and weights, from 100 pounds to 20,000 pounds.<br />
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U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oak (WLB-211) and Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) Woods Hole, Massachusetts, used the discontinued concrete sinkers to support the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) artificial reef program.<br />
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Lt. Dan Miller, the executive officer of the Newport, Rhode Island-based Coast Guard Cutter Oak, said the artificial reef operation gave crewmembers the chance to complete training and annual weight testing of the buoy handling gear.<br />
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Coast Guardsmen deployed the concrete sinkers across a one-acre area of the artificial reef. The program is a valuable resource for commercial and recreational fishermen to cultivate sustainable fisheries, said Miller.<br />
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The artificial reef <i>“provides desirable habitat for finfish and lobsters in an otherwise featureless area.”</i> according to Mark Rousseau from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.<br />
“Artificial reefs enhance habitat by providing structures in structure-limited areas,” said “We expect to see reef associated fish occupying the area around the deployed material by next year.”<br />
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Commercial and recreational fisheries support more than 97,000 jobs in Massachusetts, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) report on Fisheries Economics in the U.S.<br />
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The 128-acre artificial reef was developed in 1978. Until the recent addition of concrete buoy anchors, the reef was lacking structure necessary to attract and sustain a variety of fish species.<br />
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Senior Chief Petty Officer Manuel Gonzales, the officer-in-charge of Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) Woods Hole, Massachusetts, said his team jumped at the opportunity to participate in the operation.<br />
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<i>“At the ANT, we use 1,000 to 4,000 pound sinkers,”</i> said Gonzales. <i>“When they start to show extreme signs of wear in the concrete or on the bails that attach the chain, they are replaced.”</i><br />
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From the U.S.-Canadian border to Buzzards Bay and Nantucket, Massachusetts, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oak maintains 144 Aids to Navigation (ATON) and supports a wide variety of other missions. The seagoing buoy tender services buoys and beacons that guide ships into Boston; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Portland, Maine.<br />
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ANT Woods Hole services more than 232 buoys, 72 beacons and approximately 1,100 Private ATON from the Cape Cod Bay to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.<br />
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The U.S. Coast Guard maintains more than 48,000 ATON across more than 25,000 miles of navigable American waterways that facilitate the safe movement of millions of mariners and trillions of dollars of trade every year.<br />
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Rousseau from the Division of Marine Fisheries said the buoy sinker operation was the first of what he hoped would be many collaborative efforts with the Coast Guard to support artificial reefs.<br />
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source: U.S. Coast Guard<br />
<br />
<b>Related Information</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://new-england-usa.blogspot.com/p/massachusetts.html" target="_blank">Massachusetts USA</a>Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-89511153388255570622019-12-06T04:28:00.000-08:002019-12-06T04:29:09.307-08:002019 New Hampshire Striped Bass Survey<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45fMBFSVYbk/WgBidgLHUHI/AAAAAAAAANQ/0JX35FG79I86VimRRulj7m5nWFtzQnRVwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/sb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45fMBFSVYbk/WgBidgLHUHI/AAAAAAAAANQ/0JX35FG79I86VimRRulj7m5nWFtzQnRVwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/sb.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Striped Bass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Again this year, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFGD) is asking anglers who fished for striped bass in New Hampshire’s coastal waters to report their catch and effort online at www.fishnh.com/surveys/striped-bass.html.<br />
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Participating anglers will be helping marine biologists manage these popular sport fish, and you could win a prize just for taking part in the survey effort.<br />
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The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Marine Fisheries Division has conducted an annual Striped Bass Volunteer Angler Survey since 1993.<br />
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Each year, volunteers of all experience levels complete logbooks documenting information about their striped bass fishing trips in New Hampshire’s coastal waters.<br />
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Anglers who fished for striped bass are asked to provide information on their trips, including catch, effort, and striped bass lengths.<br />
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By collecting and recording the lengths of released fish, this survey provides a more complete picture of the fishery in New Hampshire than general fishing surveys Fish and Game conducts each year.<br />
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Anglers who take part are entered into a drawing for prizes donated by the Coastal Conservation Association of New Hampshire (CCA-NH) and Kittery Trading Post to encourage participation in this voluntary survey.<br />
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Striped bass surveys in New Hampshire are funded in part by the federal Sport Fish Restoration Program.<br />
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For more information about the New Hampshire Striped Bass Survey, visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website (wildlife.nh.gov).<br />
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source: New Hampshire Fish and GameStaffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-28444993148565035972019-11-13T07:54:00.001-08:002022-03-19T09:24:11.652-07:00Mid Atlantic Saltwater Fishing Facts<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5r9Wi_8jwU/XcwlrMlx_ZI/AAAAAAAAATg/bOwbpY2mFXksOjuwZTLe4yKPY8WRJYfwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fishing-boats.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="fishing boats" border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5r9Wi_8jwU/XcwlrMlx_ZI/AAAAAAAAATg/bOwbpY2mFXksOjuwZTLe4yKPY8WRJYfwACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/fishing-boats.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing Boats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Saltwater fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Mid Atlantic region.<br />
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This article includes a few facts about recreational saltwater fishing in the Mid Atlantic including popular species, statistics, regulations, and other information.<br />
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<b>Mid Atlantic Facts - Statistics</b> <br />
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According to <i><b>Fisheries Economics of the United States (FEUS) 2016</b></i>:<br />
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<i>The Mid-Atlantic Region includes Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. In 2016, there were 2.4 million recreational anglers who fished in the Mid-Atlantic Region, with</i><i><i>14 million fishing trips taken</i>.</i><br />
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<i>In the report, recreational fishing refers to fishing for fun rather than to resell fish (commercial fishing) or for subsistence.</i><br />
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<i>Key Mid-Atlantic Region Recreational Species:</i><br />
<i>• Atlantic croaker<br />• Black sea bass<br />• Bluefish<br />• Scup<br />• Spot<br />• Striped bass<br />• Summer flounder<br />• Tautog<br />• Weakfish drum<br />• Winter flounder</i><br />
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<i>Top Mid Atlantic Catches:</i><br />
<i>summer flounder (12.2 million fish)<br />black sea bass (9.3 million fish)<br />and striped bass (8.6 million fish)</i><br />
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<i>Top Catches by State:</i><br />
<i>Virginia caught the most Atlantic croaker and spot (5.6 million fish)<br />New Jersey caught the most summer flounder (6.9 million fish)<br />Maryland anglers caught the most striped bass (5.1 million fish)</i><br />
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<b>Recreational Fishing Regulations</b>
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In the Mid Atlantic region, recreational fishing regulations are set by a combination of federal and state entities.<br />
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<b>Federal Fisheries Management</b><br />
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Federal fisheries are generally defined as fishing activities that take place in the U.S.Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ, between 3 and 200 nautical miles from the coastline). Generally, individual states retain management authority over fishing activities within three nautical miles of their coasts.<br />
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The authority to manage federal fisheries in the United States was granted to the Secretary of Commerce by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).<br />
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NOAA Fisheries is the federal agency with delegated authority from the Secretary of Commerce to oversee fishing activities in federal waters.<br />
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The MSA has been reauthorized twice since its enactment, in 1996 and again in 2006.<br />
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The 2006 MSA reauthorization included a requirement to use annual catch limits (ACLs) to end and prevent overfishing.To limit ACL overages, regional fishing councils implement management measures as necessary.<br />
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In 2018, the MSA was amended by the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act, which focused on improvements to recreational fishing
data and management of mixed-use fisheries.<br />
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Fishery management plans (FMPs) provide a framework for managing the harvest of fish stocks and stock complexes. FMPs are developed by Regional Fishery Management Councils (FMCs).<br />
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Federal fisheries in the Mid Atlantic region are managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and NOAA Fisheries under seven fishery management plans (FMPs).<br />
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Two of these FMPs are developed in conjunction with the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC). The MAFMC is the lead council for the Spiny Dogfish FMP; the NEFMC is the lead for the Monkfish FMP.<br />
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In addition, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) (www.asmfc.org) serves as a deliberative body of the Atlantic coastal states, coordinating the conservation and management of 27 nearshore fish species.<br />
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Highly migratory species such as tunas, mackerels, sharks, and billfish are managed by NOAA Fisheries. Several HMS species are subject to cooperative management by NOAA and international fishing organizations.<br />
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<b>Recent Federal Actions Impacting the Mid Atlantic</b><br />
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In the fall of 2019, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board approved Addendum VI to Amendment 6 of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass.<br />
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The Addendum reduces all state commercial quotas by 18%, and implements a 1 fish bag limit and a 28”-35” recreational slot limit for ocean fisheries and a 1 fish bag limit and an 18” minimum size limit for Chesapeake Bay recreational fisheries. States may submit alternative regulations through conservation equivalency to achieve an 18% reduction in total removals relative to 2017 levels.<br />
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Addendum VI was initiated in response to the 2018 Benchmark Stock Assessment, which indicates the resource is overfished and experiencing overfishing. The Addendum’s measures are designed to reduce harvest, end overfishing, and bring fishing mortality to the target level in 2020.<br />
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Since catch and release practices contribute significantly to overall fishing mortality, the Addendum requires the mandatory use of circle hooks when fishing with bait to reduce release mortality in recreational striped bass fisheries. <br />
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<b>Mid Atlantic Region State Agencies:</b><br />
<br />
New York DEC (www.dec.ny.gov)<br />
New Jersey Fish and Wildlife (www.njfishandwildlife.com)<br />
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (www.dnr.state.md.us)<br />
Delaware DNREC (www.dnrec.delaware.gov)<br />
Virginia Marine Resources Commission (www.mrc.state.va.us)<br />North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (www.ncwildlife.org)<br />
<br />
<b>Related Information</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://saltwater-fishing-news.blogspot.com/2017/11/2016-noaa-usa-recreational-fishing.html" target="_blank">2016 NOAA USA Recreational Fishing Statistics (saltwater)</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://saltwater-fishing-news.blogspot.com/2017/08/2016-saltwater-fishing-statistics.html" target="_blank">RBFF 2017 Special Report on Fishing</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://saltwater-fishing-news.blogspot.com/2019/01/mid-atlantic-striped-bass-eez.html" target="_blank">Mid Atlantic Striped Bass EEZ Enforcement</a>Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-45302557409091635832019-01-12T03:34:00.000-08:002019-11-17T15:28:54.882-08:00Mid Atlantic Striped Bass EEZ Enforcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-45fMBFSVYbk/WgBidgLHUHI/AAAAAAAAANQ/0JX35FG79I86VimRRulj7m5nWFtzQnRVwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/sb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-45fMBFSVYbk/WgBidgLHUHI/AAAAAAAAANQ/0JX35FG79I86VimRRulj7m5nWFtzQnRVwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/sb.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Each winter along the Mid Atlantic Coast, the U.S. Coast Guard maintains a presence on the water to enforce laws pertaining to recreational fishing for Atlantic striped bass and guard against illegal poaching.<br />
<br />
During the period from fall through spring, Mid Atlantic anglers venture into Atlantic waters to catch striped bass, but some anglers are unaware that they can only legally fish up to three nautical miles from shore for them, and that anything beyond that is against the law and will net them a fine.<br />
<br />
<i>"Being that striped bass are a sport fish, they’re highly sought after and the three-nautical mile line is the threshold to preserve the species,"</i> said Petty Officer 1st Class Sherman Baldwin, senior fisheries officer at Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light New Jersey. <i>"Large Atlantic striped bass breeding fish tend to stay outside of that three mile line from shore, and by creating this line that prevents taking, targeting or possessing striped bass over the years, we’ve allowed the species to regain ground since regulations were put in place in the 1980’s."</i><br />
<br />
During a Living Marine Resources patrol as it’s known in the Coast Guard, members not only ensure fishermen aren’t targeting striped bass outside of the three-mile line, but they’ll also inspect safety gear to ensure that they have the right safety gear aboard in the event of a maritime accident or emergency, said Baldwin.<br />
<br />
The three-mile line protecting the striped bass population was put into place by the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act, which made it illegal to fish for striped bass in federal waters was passed by Congress in 1984 under 50 CFR 697.7(b) to counteract the severe population decline of striped bass at that time.<br />
<br />
For more information on the three-mile line and striped bass regulations, visit: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/atlantic-striped-bass, and state wildlife conservation agency websites.Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-3844917077726121492019-01-12T03:19:00.000-08:002019-01-12T03:19:07.671-08:002019 Maine Fishermens Forum<b>2019 Maine Fishermen’s Forum</b><br />
February 28th thru March 2nd<br />
Samoset Resort - Rockland, ME<br />
<br />
The largest event of its kind in New England, the 2019 Maine Fishermen’s Forum will be held from February 28th through March 2nd at the Samoset Resort in Rockland.<br />
<br />
The event offers fishermen, clammers, lobstermen, aquaculturalists, and other seafood industry stakeholders opportunities to meet on neutral ground with fisheries managers, state representatives, Congressmen and Senators.<br />
<br />
Information will be available on all things fishing: markets, resource status, regulations, technology, the environment, and other topics.<br />
<br />
The Forum provides three days of free seminars for fishermen covering a wide range of topics such as the health of the lobster resource, commercial fishing safety, upcoming regulatory actions, and more. <br />
<br />
Over 120 suppliers of commercial fishing equipment and services exhibit at the Forum. If it’s of interest to the fishing industry, chances are it will be on hand.<br />
<br />
For more information, visit mainefishermensforum.org<br />
<br />
<b>Related Information</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.commercial-fishing.org/regional/usa/maine-commercial-fishing/" target="_blank">Maine Commercial Fishing</a>Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-17780673907088183222018-12-15T14:25:00.001-08:002018-12-25T05:11:08.129-08:00USA Fishing Statistics 2016 (commercial and recreational fisheries)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ2F5lSRWt0/XBVc_NfhssI/AAAAAAAAAQE/IBdSKaLjLLAy1kUuu9Jmnal7qReB5U_MACLcBGAs/s1600/newport-news-fishing-boats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ2F5lSRWt0/XBVc_NfhssI/AAAAAAAAAQE/IBdSKaLjLLAy1kUuu9Jmnal7qReB5U_MACLcBGAs/s200/newport-news-fishing-boats.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Commercial and recreational fisheries provide important economic impacts to the U.S economy, according to a recently released NOAA Fisheries report (Fisheries Economics of the United States, 2016).<br />
<br />
In 2016, commercial and recreational fisheries throughout the United States generated approximately 1.7 million jobs in the U.S. economy.<br />
<br />
In addition, commercial and recreational fishing together generated $212.2 billion in sales impacts, $64.2 billion in income impacts, and $99.5 billion in value-added impacts throughout the economy.<br />
<br />
Florida had the largest employment impacts from the combined fishing industry, with approximately 173,000 jobs.<br />
<br />
Florida also had the largest sales impacts from the combined fishing industry ($27.8 billion), the largest income impacts ($7.3 billion), and the largest value-added impacts ($12.2 billion).<br />
<br />
Fisheries Economics of the United States 2016 is the 11th volume in an annual series designed to give the public accessible economic information on fishing and seafood in the U.S., and is a companion to Fisheries of the United States.<br />
<br />
The annual Fisheries Economics of the United States report provides
economic information related to U.S. commercial and recreational fishing activities and fishing-related industries on a state, regional, and national basis.<br />
<br />
For more information, visit: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/content/fisheries-economics-united-states-2016 <br />
<br />
source: NOAA Fisheries<br />
<br />
<b>Related Information</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://saltwater-fishing-news.blogspot.com/2017/08/2016-saltwater-fishing-statistics.html" target="_blank">2016 Saltwater Fishing Statistics (Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation)</a> Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-58903936036043429332018-12-05T12:44:00.001-08:002018-12-05T12:46:27.863-08:002019 New England Recreational Fishing Workshops<b>Improving New England Recreational Fisheries Management Workshops</b><br />
January 8, 2019 - January 12, 2019<br />
<br />
NOAA Fisheries’ Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office is hosting three workshops to provide an opportunity for stakeholder input on developing both short- and long-term management measures for the recreational fishing community.<br />
<br />
Through a collaborative process, the agency hopes to develop management measures for the recreational groundfish fishery that balance the need to prevent overfishing with enabling profitability in the for-hire fleet and worthwhile fishing opportunities for anglers.<br />
<br />
Stakeholders can attend either January 8 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; January 10 in Narragansett, Rhode Island; or January 12 in Plymouth, Massachusetts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Objectives</b><br />
<br />
Short-term: Develop potential new management measures to achieve, but not exceed, recreational catch limits in Fishing Year 2019, including Gulf of Maine cod/haddock.<br />
<br />
Long-term: Think creatively about how to meaningfully use new Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) data in management of groundfish stocks with a recreational catch component in the long-term (defined as Fishing Year 2020 and beyond).<br />
<br />
Assess and evaluate available research around: methods for avoidance and reduction of bycatch mortality, calculation methods for dead discards, and release methods. NOAA will also identify gaps for future research.<br />
<br />
Develop methods to regularly engage with captains and anglers throughout the season to get feedback on catch and trends, and develop ideas on how to enhance coordination between NOAA Fisheries, state partners, scientists, and the recreational fishing community.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Event Details</b><br />
<br />
Space will be limited, and NOAA encourages registering in advance. Once registered, meeting materials and updates will be emailed directly to attendees, when available. Additional meeting materials, including the agenda, will be posted mid-December.<br />
<br />
The workshops will be held on the dates listed. Exact timing will be posted on the agenda, and will be approximately from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.<br />
<br />
Each workshop will have the same agenda, and while the discussions may vary depending on the state and local target species. NOAA requests that attendees only register for one workshop so that as many people as possible may attend.<br />
<br />
Summaries of recommendations from the workshops will be presented to the New England Fishery Management Council’s Recreational Advisory Panel and the full Council in January.<br />
<br />
<b>More Information</b><br />
<br />
For more information, contact Moira Kelly , Recreational Fisheries Coordinator, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office or Jessica Joyce , Meeting Planner and Facilitator, Tidal Bay Consulting, LLC.<br />
<br />
Register online:<br />
<br />
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-england-recreational-fishing-workshop-nh-tickets-52541276372<br />
<br />
source: Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries OfficeStaffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-83699597053478037722017-11-06T05:40:00.001-08:002022-03-19T03:32:53.634-07:002016 NOAA USA Recreational Fishing Statistics (saltwater)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45fMBFSVYbk/WgBidgLHUHI/AAAAAAAAANM/ytEODjGgXaMrx-q2yV_5gAkhLSMaO6D5wCLcBGAs/s1600/sb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="striped bass" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45fMBFSVYbk/WgBidgLHUHI/AAAAAAAAANM/ytEODjGgXaMrx-q2yV_5gAkhLSMaO6D5wCLcBGAs/s320/sb.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">striped bass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
According to this year's NOAA Fisheries' <i><b>Fisheries of the United States</b></i> report, U.S. recreational saltwater anglers caught an estimated 371.6 million fish in 2016.<br />
<br />
The total catch includes fish kept and fish released (discarded) on the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts (including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico).<br />
<br />
The harvest (fish kept or released dead) was estimated at 144.6 million fish weighing 181.6 million pounds.<br />
<br />
<b>2016 Top Saltwater Fish Species by Pounds Harvested</b><br /><br />
Striped bass: 20 million pounds - 1.6 million fish<br />
Dolphinfish 11 million pounds - 1.2 million fish<br />Bluefish 10 million pounds - 4.6 million fish<br />Yellowfin tuna 9 million pounds - 0.3 million fish<br />Sharks 3 million pounds - 0.2 million fish<br />
<br />Saltwater anglers took approximately 63.1 million fishing trips, according to the report.<br />
<br />
Fisheries of the United States is an annual yearbook of U.S. fisheries statistics.<br />
<br />
For more information, visit:<br />
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/fisheries-united-states-2016-report<br />
<br />
<br />
source: NOAA FisheriesStaffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-32576012732357589152017-08-01T07:35:00.000-07:002017-08-01T07:35:03.674-07:002016 Saltwater Fishing StatisticsThe Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) recently released of its 2017 Special Report on Fishing.<br />
<br />
The report includes statistics about participation, entry barriers, motivating factors, angler preferences, and other aspects of fishing.<br />
<br />
USA Fishing Facts:<br />
<br />
Overall, fishing participation increased in 2016, up by 1.8%, or by 1.5 million participants, since the previous year and reaching the highest participation rate since 2012.<br />
<br />
Consistent with past years, freshwater fishing was the most popular form of fishing.<br />
<br />
Saltwater fishing was the second most popular type of fishing, engaging 4.1% of the U.S. population, or 12.3 million people.<br />
<br />
Saltwater fishing participation increased by 300,000 participants in 2016.<br />
<br />
Fly fishing, the least popular of the fishing types, grew even more from 2015 to 2016, adding 400,000 additional participants.<br />
<br />
The Special Report on Fishing is the product of a partnership between RBFF and the Outdoor Foundation. The full report is available in the RBFF Resource Center.<br />
<br />
source: Recreational Boating & Fishing FoundationStaffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-102999332187334302017-01-16T03:23:00.003-08:002017-01-16T03:23:34.600-08:002017 New Jersey Governors Surf Fishing Tournament<b>New Jersey Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament</b><br />
Sunday, May 21, 2017<br />
Island Beach State Park<br />
Seaside Park, NJ <br />
<br />
In 2017, the annual New Jersey Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament tournament will be held on Sunday, May 21 at Island Beach State Park.<br />
<br />
Known for its pristine sandy beaches, Island Beach State Park is one of New Jersey's most popular surf fishing areas.<br />
<br />
A variety of species are eligible for entry in the tournament. Overall length determines the winner. All fish must meet minimum length tournament requirements. <br />
<br />
The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the "Governor's Award," and has his/her name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently displayed at the park.<br />
<br />
Fishing equipment is awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in each species category. Winners from the early entry drawing and the tournament must be present during the afternoon awards ceremony to claim their prizes or they will be forfeited.<br />
<br />
Anglers planning to participate in the tournament should always register early. Tournament anglers will also need to complete the NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry prior to the event.<br />
<br />
For more information, visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/saltwater.htm or call 609-748-4347.<br />
<br />
source: New Jersey Department of Environmental ProtectionStaffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-31000751659714571512016-12-03T12:13:00.000-08:002016-12-03T12:13:16.753-08:00New Jersey State Record Winter Flounder (Spearfishing Category)The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife recently announced that Chris Kahler speared a New Jersey state record winter flounder (spearfishing category).<br />
<br />
Chris was free diving near a jetty in Manasquan Inlet when he speared the 3 pound, 5 ounce winter flounder which measured 20 inches in length.<br />
<br />
In 2014, the NJ Record Fish Program was expanded with the addition of a Spearfishing category for saltwater.<br />
<br />
Seventeen (17) species commonly sought after by spear fishers are included in the category.<br />
<br />
For more information, visit www.njfishandwildlife.com<br />
<br />
NJDEP Division of Fish and WildlifeStaffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-4893207062389332112016-11-30T06:42:00.000-08:002016-11-30T06:53:10.698-08:00Massachusetts Striped Bass Research<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8ODDyY-Qx8/WD7maaJSbpI/AAAAAAAAAKw/GT3EQTZSglcREDi0fpP34kF4jjdIyLkGACLcB/s1600/striped-bass-recreational.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8ODDyY-Qx8/WD7maaJSbpI/AAAAAAAAAKw/GT3EQTZSglcREDi0fpP34kF4jjdIyLkGACLcB/s320/striped-bass-recreational.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">striped bass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Massachusetts is home to one of the largest striped bass fisheries in the USA. The state's recreational striped bass fishery attracts hundreds of thousands of recreational anglers each year.<br />
<br />
In Massachusetts, a variety of research and monitoring programs are conducted on striped bass, some of which help support the regional management process.<br />
<br />
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) has participated in the Striped Bass Cooperative State‐Federal Coast‐wide Tagging Study since 1991.<br />
<br />
The study's primary objective has been to develop an integrated database of tag releases and recoveries that will provide current information related to striped bass mortality and migration rates.<br />
<br />
During 2015, Striped Bass Research Project staff conducted 14 trips aboard contracted vessels, tagging a total of 365 striped bass.<br />
<br />
Annual post‐release survival of striped bass (28 inches and greater) tagged in Massachusetts waters has been relatively stable over the last decade, averaging 74%.<br />
<br />
<b>A technical report summarizing the tagging studies conducted by MarineFisheries since 1991 is available:</b><br />
<br />
<i>Nelson, G. A., J. Boardman and P. Caruso. Massachusetts striped bass tagging programs, 1991‐2014. Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries technical report TR‐61. 37 p.</i><br />
<br />
For more information, visit the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries website.<br />
<br />
source: Massachusetts Marine Fisheries 2015 Annual ReportStaffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-44530996607735288942016-11-09T07:12:00.001-08:002016-11-09T07:12:13.662-08:00North Carolina State Record Cubera Snapper<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZRyyzvKCJ4/WCM8p7RNEpI/AAAAAAAAAKg/IVDAVk04_-Y-piYmPknldAK8eKq52_Z8gCLcB/s1600/nc-state-record-cubera-snapper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZRyyzvKCJ4/WCM8p7RNEpI/AAAAAAAAAKg/IVDAVk04_-Y-piYmPknldAK8eKq52_Z8gCLcB/s320/nc-state-record-cubera-snapper.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Carolina state record cubera snapper - 58 pounds (courtesy NC DMF)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A new North Carolina state record cubera snapper has been certified by the state's Division of Marine Fisheries.<br />
<br />
Randal Harmon of Morehead City caught the cubera snapper on Sept. 28 while fishing off Atlantic Beach on the Capt. Stacy headboat.<br />
<br />
The fish weighed 58 pounds, topping the previous state record by 11 pounds, 8 ounces.<br />
<br />
The previous state record was caught in the Atlantic Ocean in 1993. The world record cubera snapper weighed 124 pounds, 12 ounces and was caught off of Louisiana in 2007.<br />
<br />
The fish measured 39 inches total length (tip of the nose to the tip of the tail) and had a 34-inch girth.<br />
<br />
Harmon caught the record-setting snapper using cut mackerel on 80-pound test line.Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8205316297769549834.post-77321214029507409282016-08-07T02:52:00.001-07:002016-08-07T03:14:56.824-07:00North Carolina State Record Scamp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8L4nzw990E/V6cEo0y1DhI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/felEe_OzlfcGVN2UuYWvy60ZRcXrkGHigCLcB/s1600/scamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8L4nzw990E/V6cEo0y1DhI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/felEe_OzlfcGVN2UuYWvy60ZRcXrkGHigCLcB/s320/scamp.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
A recently caught scamp set a North Carolina state record and is a pending IGFA world record.<br />
<br />
Teddy Wingfield, a 9-year-old from Lookout Mountain, Tenn., reeled in the enormous scamp on June 2 while fishing in waters off of Atlantic Beach.<br />
<br />
The scamp weighed in at 32 pounds, topping the former state record by nearly 5 pounds and the world record by 2 pounds, 6 ounces.<br />
<br />
Wingfield has applied for the all-tackle world record title through the International Game Fish Association. The application is pending approval.<br />
<br />
The former state record, a 27-pound, 1-ounce fish, was also caught off Atlantic Beach in 2012. The current all-tackle world record scamp is 29 pounds, 10 ounces and was caught off Dauphin Island, Ala. in 2000.<br />
<br />
Wingfield’s fish spanned 43 inches total length (tip of the nose to the tip of the tail) and measured 28 inches around the girth.<br />
<br />
He caught the scamp while fishing on the Sunrise II charter boat.<br />
<br />
source: North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08135306790561737959noreply@blogger.com0