South Atlantic Black Sea Bass Catch Limits

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has proposed to more than double the current black sea bass annual catch limit (ACL) from 847,000 pounds (whole weight) to 1,814,000 pounds.

NOAA Fisheries is in the process of reviewing the request and a proposed rule for public comment is expected later this summer. The black sea bass fishery opens for both commercial and recreational fishermen on June 1, 2013 in federal waters from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina southward along the east coast of Florida.

Earlier this month, the Council met during a special session and approved the increase to the overall annual catch limit.  The proposed increase is based on the most recent stock assessment update, completed in early 2013 through the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review program.

The updated black sea bass stock assessment concluded that the stock is no longer overfished or undergoing overfishing, and is rebuilt.

The increase in the catch limit is proposed through Regulatory Amendment 19 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan and must be approved by the Secretary of Commerce for implementation later this year.

The Council is proposing the increase go into effect as soon as possible in order to extend the 2013 fishing season.  The current bag limit is 5 fish per person per day with a 13" total length minimum size limit for the recreational fishery.  There are no changes proposed to the size and bag limits.

More Information:

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council at www.safmc.net

NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/s_atl/sg/bsb/index.html

source: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Fishing for Amberjack

Greater Amberjack | Credit: NOAA

Amberjack are one of the hardest fighting saltwater fish. They exhibit the classic shape of the jack family, which includes a rounded head, large pectoral fins and a deeply forked tail.

Greater Amberjack have a dark stripe over the eye, silvery flanks and white undersides. They can reach weights of 80 pounds or more.

Amberjack fishermen use a variety of outfits, depending on the situation. Experienced anglers employ stronger than normal tackle as these fish have a reputation for destroying cheap equipment. For casting live baits or lures, most anglers use a spinning or bait casting outfit in the 20-30 pound range.

Other situations such as fishing near obstructions require heavier conventional reels. Most amberjack specialists choose reels with smooth drags and fish with high quality lines.

Anglers fish for amberjack with live baits such as spot, croaker, perch, 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.

Some anglers prefer lures for amberjack although though the fish have a reputation for being difficult to fool. A few basic lures, presented correctly can sometimes incite a strike from a wary amberjack.

These include surface poppers, soft bodied jigs and other lifelike lures. The action and presentation of lures can be critical, with experience being a key asset for fishermen. As with rods and reels, lures and terminal tackle need to be sturdy built to handle the stresses of these brutal fish.

Saltwater fly fishing anglers also target amberjack. Fly casters seek out fish around wrecks, reefs, oil rigs or 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 used most often.

Anglers that catch amberjack usually choose to release the fish unharmed, sometimes tagging the fish before it is released. Fish destined for release are often kept in the water to prevent harming them.

Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic Croaker

Atlantic Croaker or "hardhead" are popular saltwater fish common along the mid-Atlantic region and Gulf Coast of the USA. They are known to have wild population fluctuations.

The fish get their names because of the "croaking" noise the make when removed from the water. Croakers are hard fighters and prolific feeders. They are caught on a variety of baits and lures.

Croaker are a popular fish due to their hardy nature, accessibility and prolific numbers. They are among the first fish to be caught in the spring and are caught over a wide range of habitats. Croaker can be caught from piers, jetties, inlets, in bays, and from the surf.

Croaker baits include shrimp, crabs, squid, clam, bloodworms, or other cut baits. Anglers also have excellent success using artificial bait products. In addition to cut baits, croaker are caught on a variety of jigs and other saltwater lures. They can also be caught in in the shallows and grass beds using fly fishing gear.