Post by: robodad on April 27, 2010, 03:24:30 PM
Quote
To provide additional protection for these fish, WDFW recently closed fishing for all species of rockfish from southern Puget Sound north to the Canadian border and west to Port Angeles, effective May 1. In addition, anglers fishing for other bottomfish in Puget Sound will be required to observe a 120-foot depth restriction. This new measure is specifically designed to reduce mortality of rockfish incidentally intercepted in these fisheries.
Source: http://wdfw.wa.gov/do/newreal/release.php?id=apr2710b (http://wdfw.wa.gov/do/newreal/release.php?id=apr2710b)
Post by: benhuntin on April 27, 2010, 03:40:54 PM
Post by: Dmanmastertracker on April 27, 2010, 03:46:46 PM
Post by: Sneaky on April 27, 2010, 03:50:42 PM
Yeah, I found the quote
"Constraints on fishing opportunities will be most apparent in Puget Sound, due to the combination of this year’s reduced quota and an excessive catch last year, Culver said. WDFW estimates that Puget Sound anglers caught more than 114,000 pounds of halibut in 2009 – well over the 57,393-pound quota. "
I know I didn't catch any of that 114,000 pounds of puget sound halibut...
"In addition, anglers fishing for other bottomfish in Puget Sound will be required to observe a 120-foot depth restriction. This new measure is specifically designed to reduce mortality of rockfish incidentally intercepted in these fisheries. "
Yep 120 foot restriction for other bottomfish.
Post by: Dmanmastertracker on April 27, 2010, 03:59:14 PM
I don't think you can fish for bottomfish deeper than 120 feet regardless whether or not halibut is open if I read it right. Also, the news release claimed that there was over 100,000 pounds of halibut caught in the sound last year? I can't see that as a realistic number.
Unless it includes tribal.
Post by: Sneaky on April 27, 2010, 03:59:48 PM
I don't think you can fish for bottomfish deeper than 120 feet regardless whether or not halibut is open if I read it right. Also, the news release claimed that there was over 100,000 pounds of halibut caught in the sound last year? I can't see that as a realistic number.
Unless it includes tribal.
In puget sound though? where do the indians fish halibut in puget sound?
Post by: benhuntin on April 27, 2010, 04:02:41 PM
Post by: Dmanmastertracker on April 27, 2010, 04:03:24 PM
Post by: Sneaky on April 27, 2010, 04:05:15 PM
Post by: Dmanmastertracker on April 27, 2010, 04:09:52 PM
Post by: Dmanmastertracker on April 27, 2010, 04:10:30 PM
Post by: Rob on April 27, 2010, 04:10:57 PM
Can you fish halibut deeper than 120'? If so how do you keep lings off :dunno:
Halibut are not considered bottom fish in the regs so yes, you can fish for them below 120. Ling don't have air bladders so they can be released and still live when brought up from deeper water. Unlike rockfish.
I am not a bunny kissing nut job, but I think all rockfishing in the Puget sound should be eliminated for a time. recreational, tribal and netting. they grow so slow and the PS is a closed system. As a diver I can tell you first hand, the #'s are dropping big time. However since they made it illegal to spear rockfish in the PS, i can attest that many of the dive sites are seeing #'s return.
Post by: Dmanmastertracker on April 27, 2010, 04:12:06 PM
Post by: Dmanmastertracker on April 27, 2010, 04:21:45 PM
Post by: benhuntin on April 27, 2010, 04:38:36 PM
Post by: robodad on April 27, 2010, 04:50:41 PM
Not trying to cause trouble but can you fish butts deep? What if you use the same gear for lings? I only fish out of lapush and we get big lings with our halibut and it is ok to keep when halibut is open. :fishin:
I need to learn how to fish LaPush better, I have only been out there one time and it was great fishing but rough sea for sure !!!
When halibut is open I believe you can fish for them any depth, just when its closed then ling cod and other bottom fish must be fished shallower then 120' !! Hope thats right !!!
Post by: lokidog on May 01, 2010, 11:06:16 PM
Example, if your fishing an MA where ling cod is open same time as halibut, the depth rule still applies from an enforcement perspective as you can't argue that your lure is intended only for halibut. That said it's going to be tough to regulate, unless someone is fishing well out in deeper waters clearly using enough weight to hit bottom.
You can fish for halibut in any depth of water. If you are fishing in water deeper than 120' and have any bottomfish on board, you will likely get a ticket if checked. Incidental catch of a ling while halibut fishing in 200 feet would require the immediate release of the ling. Same thing for catching a salmon in an open area then going to a salmon closed area and bottomfishing, salmon on board = ticket.