New harvest limits for striped bass in the Atlantic Ocean and in the Albemarle Sound/Roanoke River areas will take effect for the upcoming winter seasons.
Atlantic Ocean
The recreational daily bag limit for ocean striped bass will drop from two fish per day to one fish per day on Jan. 1.
The minimum size limit for striped bass in the Atlantic Ocean will remain at 28 inches for both the commercial and recreational fishery.
Albemarle Sound and Roanoke River Management Areas
The annual recreational harvest limits for the Albemarle Sound and Roanoke River Management Areas are:
68,750 pounds for the Albemarle Sound Management Area recreational fishery.
68,750 pounds for the Roanoke River Management Area recreational fishery.
The recreational size and bag limits remain the same.
The above management changes are necessary for the state to comply with the recent approval of Addendum IV to Amendment 6 to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass.
The addendum responds to results of the 2013 Atlantic striped bass benchmark assessment and the 2013 Albemarle/Roanoke striped bass benchmark assessment. Both assessments show similar trends for the coastwide stock and the Albemarle/Roanoke stock, indicating fishing mortality in 2012 was above the target, and female spawning stock biomass has been steadily declining below the target level since the mid-2000s.
source: North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Showing posts with label rockfish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rockfish. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Monday, March 4, 2013
2013 Roanoke River Striped Bass Season
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open the entire Roanoke River Management Area to striped bass harvest from March 1 through April 30. The Roanoke River Management Area includes the Roanoke River and tributaries from Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam downstream to Albemarle Sound,including the Cashie, Middle and Eastmost rivers.
The daily creel limit within the Roanoke River Management Area is two striped bass per angler. The minimum length limit is 18 inches, and no striped bass between 22 and 27 inches can be possessed at any time. Only one striped bass larger than 27 inches can be included in the daily creel limit.
Anglers are required to use a single barbless hook or a lure with a single barbless hook when fishing in the upper Roanoke River from April 1 through June 30. The upper Roanoke River is defined as the main river channel and all tributaries, upstream from the U.S.Highway 258 Bridge near Scotland Neck to Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam.
From early March until the end of May, the Commission will post online weekly fishing reports from the Roanoke River every Thursday afternoon.
North Carolina fishing reports and other information can be found on the Wildlife Resources Commission website at www.ncwildlife.org
source: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
The daily creel limit within the Roanoke River Management Area is two striped bass per angler. The minimum length limit is 18 inches, and no striped bass between 22 and 27 inches can be possessed at any time. Only one striped bass larger than 27 inches can be included in the daily creel limit.
Anglers are required to use a single barbless hook or a lure with a single barbless hook when fishing in the upper Roanoke River from April 1 through June 30. The upper Roanoke River is defined as the main river channel and all tributaries, upstream from the U.S.Highway 258 Bridge near Scotland Neck to Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam.
From early March until the end of May, the Commission will post online weekly fishing reports from the Roanoke River every Thursday afternoon.
North Carolina fishing reports and other information can be found on the Wildlife Resources Commission website at www.ncwildlife.org
source: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Friday, September 16, 2011
2011 North Carolina Fall Striped Bass Commercial Fishing Regulations
The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission voted on striped bass (rockfish) and other issues at its meeting in Raleigh last week.
Among actions, the commission adopted a proposal for a limited entry system for the commercial Atlantic Ocean striped bass fishery, possibly for the 2012-2013 fishing season. The proposal adds hook-and-line as an allowable commercial gear in the fishery.
Approval of this proposal effectively directs the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries to develop a limited entry system for the fishery. The division will bring specifics of a proposal before commission for final approval in the coming months.
For the interim, the commission approved a short-term strategy to manage the commercial ocean striped bass fishery with seasons and trip limits under the same gear permit system used in previous years.
source: North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission
Among actions, the commission adopted a proposal for a limited entry system for the commercial Atlantic Ocean striped bass fishery, possibly for the 2012-2013 fishing season. The proposal adds hook-and-line as an allowable commercial gear in the fishery.
Approval of this proposal effectively directs the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries to develop a limited entry system for the fishery. The division will bring specifics of a proposal before commission for final approval in the coming months.
For the interim, the commission approved a short-term strategy to manage the commercial ocean striped bass fishery with seasons and trip limits under the same gear permit system used in previous years.
source: North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Chesapeake Bay Poachers Nets Contain 10 Tons of Striped Bass
Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) found more than 10 tons of illegally caught striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay near Bloody Point and Eastern Bay. This is the largest bust in nearly 30 years and according to the NRP the end doesn’t seem to be in sight.
“The Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association is disheartened and outraged over the 10 tons of illegally caught rockfish in our own Chesapeake Bay”, MSSA’s President Vince Ringgold said. “We find this flagrant disregard for the law and our public resource deplorable. These illegal actions must stop”, Ringgold added.
Additional illegal nets have been found in the mouth of the Choptank but have revealed very few fish as they were captured not too long after being set. The NRP is investigating all leads and will continue its efforts to find these illegal nets and the people responsible.
The Chesapeake Bay is thought to be the spawning ground and nursery for around 75 percent of the Atlantic Coast migratory striped bass stock.. Maryland is under from the other Atlantic states to protect the spawning grounds of striped bass and to ensure a sustainable fishery.
source: MSSA
“The Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association is disheartened and outraged over the 10 tons of illegally caught rockfish in our own Chesapeake Bay”, MSSA’s President Vince Ringgold said. “We find this flagrant disregard for the law and our public resource deplorable. These illegal actions must stop”, Ringgold added.
Additional illegal nets have been found in the mouth of the Choptank but have revealed very few fish as they were captured not too long after being set. The NRP is investigating all leads and will continue its efforts to find these illegal nets and the people responsible.
The Chesapeake Bay is thought to be the spawning ground and nursery for around 75 percent of the Atlantic Coast migratory striped bass stock.. Maryland is under from the other Atlantic states to protect the spawning grounds of striped bass and to ensure a sustainable fishery.
source: MSSA
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
NOAA Lists Georgia Basin Rockfish as Endangered Species
NOAA’s Fisheries Service Grants Federal Protection for Three Georgia Basin Rockfish Species
NOAA’s Fisheries Service has announced that it is listing three populations of rockfish in Washington’s Georgia Basin for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The populations of two of the rockfish species – canary and yelloweye – have been designated as “threatened” and a third rockfish species – bocaccio – as “endangered.” An endangered species is at high risk of extinction; a threatened species is vulnerable to extinction in the near future and in need of protection.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife prohibits fishermen from keeping any rockfish they may accidentally catch in the Puget Sound region. The state agency also forbids bottomfishing in waters deeper than 120 feet, where most of these adult rockfish are found.
For more information on the rockfish ESA listing, see:
http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Other-Marine-Species/Puget-Sound-Marine-Fishes/ESA-PS-Rockfish.cfm
NOAA’s Fisheries Service has announced that it is listing three populations of rockfish in Washington’s Georgia Basin for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The populations of two of the rockfish species – canary and yelloweye – have been designated as “threatened” and a third rockfish species – bocaccio – as “endangered.” An endangered species is at high risk of extinction; a threatened species is vulnerable to extinction in the near future and in need of protection.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife prohibits fishermen from keeping any rockfish they may accidentally catch in the Puget Sound region. The state agency also forbids bottomfishing in waters deeper than 120 feet, where most of these adult rockfish are found.
For more information on the rockfish ESA listing, see:
http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Other-Marine-Species/Puget-Sound-Marine-Fishes/ESA-PS-Rockfish.cfm
Friday, April 16, 2010
Maryland Striped Bass - Flounder Seasons Open April 17
The spring season for striped bass, locally known as rockfish, opens at 5:00 a.m., Saturday, April 17 2010 in the main stem of Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay south of the mouth of the Patapsco River.
The legal fishing areas include the waters of the main stem of the Bay stretching from the Brewerton Channel at the mouth the Patapsco River south to the Virginia line including Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. To protect the late-spawning fish, some tributaries to the Bay are closed to striped bass fishing until June 1.
The use of eels as bait is prohibited until May 16. Additionally, DNR fisheries biologists recommend using barbless hooks for the careful release of undersized fish. DNR studies have shown that non-offset circle hooks are less prone to deep hooking fish, particularly when natural bait is used. These same mortality studies show that the use of a de-hooking tool to release the fish at the side of the boat without lifting the fish from the water significantly improves the survival chances of the fish.
“Historically, as much as 90 percent of the entire Atlantic Coast striped bass population returns to Maryland waters to produce the next generation of fish,” says DNR Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell. “This phenomenon provides anglers an excellent opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime measuring 40 to 50 inches or more. Along with this wonderful opportunity is a responsibility we all share to be careful and thoughtful in handling the fish we intend to release and in doing all we can to ensure a sustainable and robust fishery for the future.”
Beginning Saturday, anglers are allowed one rockfish per day of 28 inches or longer measured from the tip of the tail to the snout through May 16. From May 17 through December 15, the limits change to two fish per angler per day measuring 18 inches or more with only one of those fish measuring more than 28 inches. Possession of striped bass onboard between midnight and 5:00 a.m. is illegal all year.
Anglers who want to continue fishing after catching their striper limits and for those who prefer bottom fishing, the summer flounder season also opens on Saturday and runs through November 22. The creel limit is three fish measuring 19 inches or longer in both Bay and coastal waters.
This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov
The legal fishing areas include the waters of the main stem of the Bay stretching from the Brewerton Channel at the mouth the Patapsco River south to the Virginia line including Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds. To protect the late-spawning fish, some tributaries to the Bay are closed to striped bass fishing until June 1.
The use of eels as bait is prohibited until May 16. Additionally, DNR fisheries biologists recommend using barbless hooks for the careful release of undersized fish. DNR studies have shown that non-offset circle hooks are less prone to deep hooking fish, particularly when natural bait is used. These same mortality studies show that the use of a de-hooking tool to release the fish at the side of the boat without lifting the fish from the water significantly improves the survival chances of the fish.
“Historically, as much as 90 percent of the entire Atlantic Coast striped bass population returns to Maryland waters to produce the next generation of fish,” says DNR Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell. “This phenomenon provides anglers an excellent opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime measuring 40 to 50 inches or more. Along with this wonderful opportunity is a responsibility we all share to be careful and thoughtful in handling the fish we intend to release and in doing all we can to ensure a sustainable and robust fishery for the future.”
Beginning Saturday, anglers are allowed one rockfish per day of 28 inches or longer measured from the tip of the tail to the snout through May 16. From May 17 through December 15, the limits change to two fish per angler per day measuring 18 inches or more with only one of those fish measuring more than 28 inches. Possession of striped bass onboard between midnight and 5:00 a.m. is illegal all year.
Anglers who want to continue fishing after catching their striper limits and for those who prefer bottom fishing, the summer flounder season also opens on Saturday and runs through November 22. The creel limit is three fish measuring 19 inches or longer in both Bay and coastal waters.
This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov
Monday, March 8, 2010
2010 MSSA "Championship on the Chesapeake" Spring Tournament
The Maryland Saltwater Sportfishermen’s Association (MSSA) has announced its 27th Annual Spring Tournament, "Championship on the Chesapeake", April 30th - May 2nd, 2010. The event is said to be the largest spring rockfish tournament in the country.
"Trophy Season" is marked by the first weekend in May as the coastal stock of striped bass make their way through the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic after spawning in our rivers. With the "Trophy Season" just starting, this tournament is guaranteed to provide three days of fun and excitement on the Bay, as over 650 boats and nearly 4,000 anglers get an opportunity to catch one of these magnificent beauties. The winning fish could be worth $100,000!
All cash and merchandise prizes are for rockfish. The heaviest rockfish on the scales shall be declared the winner of the main tournament. In addition to all main tournament prizes there will be several "Tournament within Tournament" (TWTs) to compete in.
It is important to note that participants should enter in all of the "Tournament within Tournament" (TWTs) to have a chance at the huge cash prize for heaviest rockfish. While this may require more money to enter, this will give anglers a shot at a huge sum of money.
The Spring Tournament is an amateur tournament; however, there is a Professional Division with separate cash prizes and awards. All monies collected from the "Professional Division’s" will be deposited in a special account for their cash prizes. The amateur participants will not have to compete against the Pros.
As the MSSA continues to fight for better fishing in the Bay and elsewhere, the organization asks that participants practice conservation and take part in the "Catch and Release Division" as well. The association asks anglers to release sub-legal rockfish and fish over the daily creel as carefully as possible.
This event is the principle source of revenue for the MSSA. The proceeds from the tournament enable the MSSA to conduct many activities and enhance recreational fishing opportunities for Maryland. The MSSA has been recognized as the "Official Voice of Maryland Recreational Anglers."
For more information, visit: http://www.mssa.net/championship.html
"Trophy Season" is marked by the first weekend in May as the coastal stock of striped bass make their way through the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic after spawning in our rivers. With the "Trophy Season" just starting, this tournament is guaranteed to provide three days of fun and excitement on the Bay, as over 650 boats and nearly 4,000 anglers get an opportunity to catch one of these magnificent beauties. The winning fish could be worth $100,000!
All cash and merchandise prizes are for rockfish. The heaviest rockfish on the scales shall be declared the winner of the main tournament. In addition to all main tournament prizes there will be several "Tournament within Tournament" (TWTs) to compete in.
It is important to note that participants should enter in all of the "Tournament within Tournament" (TWTs) to have a chance at the huge cash prize for heaviest rockfish. While this may require more money to enter, this will give anglers a shot at a huge sum of money.
The Spring Tournament is an amateur tournament; however, there is a Professional Division with separate cash prizes and awards. All monies collected from the "Professional Division’s" will be deposited in a special account for their cash prizes. The amateur participants will not have to compete against the Pros.
As the MSSA continues to fight for better fishing in the Bay and elsewhere, the organization asks that participants practice conservation and take part in the "Catch and Release Division" as well. The association asks anglers to release sub-legal rockfish and fish over the daily creel as carefully as possible.
This event is the principle source of revenue for the MSSA. The proceeds from the tournament enable the MSSA to conduct many activities and enhance recreational fishing opportunities for Maryland. The MSSA has been recognized as the "Official Voice of Maryland Recreational Anglers."
For more information, visit: http://www.mssa.net/championship.html
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