Cod fishing

[turbor2]

Is the Cod season open on April 1 or April 15 this year? I can't keep track of all these rules.

[AlloyToy]

GOM waters 4/15/10

[mzajac]

What is the reason for the 4/15 opening? Usually it is 4/1.

[FullStrikeAngler]

We had a choice of either accepting the 4/15 date (thus extending the closure two more weeks and reducing mortality) or taking a reduced bag limit to 6 fish...personally I wouldnt run myself out there for 6 fish never mind ask customers to pay for the chance.

We chose the best of the worst that was pesented to us. No one was happy about this and the debate was heated to say the least.

BTW...if I am not mistaken the reg states the closuer is from 11/1/09 until 4/15/10 so I believe cod possesion becomes legal at 0000 4/16/10. I am going to confirm this today with NMFS.

[Wayward Sun]

Thanks for the info capt.

[AlloyToy]

Thanks Capt. George.....I'm fine with it, we had a great late April, and early May...Can't wait!!

[On The Edge]

Thanks Capt. George.....I'm fine with it, we had a great late April, and early May...Can't wait!!

^ X2 what alloy said. If memory serves last season us small boat guys were blown out for most of the first 2 weeks of april anyway. Late April and all of May was really productive.

[AT Grimaldi]

Being the FNG codfisher here, is stellwagon considered part of "GOM" which I assume is the "Gulf of Maine?"

- ATG

[Shark Bait]

Pretty sure everything north of 42 degree line is considered in the closed zone. That should encompass Stellwagen.

I to can wait, we did not hit good keeper Cod numbers until May. Prior to that we did well with Haddock.

[FullStrikeAngler]

GOM does indeed mean Gulf of Maine

Shark Bait is correct...North of the 42 is the closed area which includes Stellwagen.

You can currently fish for cod in MA state waters (within 3 miles of shore) and keep 2 fish per person with a limit of 75lbs total. On April 1, cod season opens in MA state waters when you can take 10 cod per person per day. However, if you catch and retain cod in state waters you cannot go into the EEZ and actively fish for other species (haddock) etc. with cod aboard your vessel. You may transit the EEZ but all gear must be stowed during transit

Finally, I did speak with the NMFS in Gloucester this morning and the gentleman said he thought I was correct about 4/16 being the first date you can possess cod in the EEZ. He said he would call me back if he found anything to the contrary (no calls yet).

Wont be long now