Gill Net - Mass Regs

[Shark Bait]

Anyone have a link to the regs and permit fees for operating a gill net in Massachusetts? This past weekend we spent close to 90 minutes hanging around the harbor waiting for the bait guy who came up short because we were 3rd on the list. Meanwhile I am listening and watching other boats netting bait and heading out. It was driving me crazy so I am ordering a net.

I am all for supporting the local proprietors and have been doing so for the past couple years. I did not mind spending $40/dzn but when I get up at 3:30 and wind up going out empty handed at 5:30 it is time to increase my chances.

[amarshall]

I've asked several people the same question and I've gotten the same response "what license". It's all fun and games until you pay a big fine.

[Shark Bait]

AMARSHALL,

I sent an e-mail to Mass Div. of Marine Fisheries so if I get an answer from them I'll let you know.

[Cpt Dave]

If your net is over 250 sq ft, you'll need a commerical boat permit and a surface gill net endorsement.

Once you get that, you'll also need a commercial insurance and all required safety gear for a commercial boat.

Around where I fish, I've already seen them checking permits twice this year.

[amarshall]

AMARSHALL,

I sent an e-mail to Mass Div. of Marine Fisheries so if I get an answer from them I'll let you know.

thanks

Andrew

[canyonjunkie]

like capt dave said, you are allowed 250ft though. Also you are now allowed to throw any size cast net you wish to throw. 10 or 12 ft nets with 1 1/4 inch mesh work very well.

[Fffiisshh0]

Please be aware that ther are determining factors as to where you may use a net exceeding 250 sq feet. It is in STATE waters only. This does NOT include "INSHORE" waters where no nets over 250' are allowed regardless of what license and endorsements you have! If you look at the map defining "inshore" waters, it is just about every harbor and bay on the coast, including ALL of Buzzards Bay and its tributaries! If you call the DMF and ask the woman thats in charge of Gillnets, she will tell you there are no restrictions in any Mass waters. The rules that effect Gillnetting requirements were changed at meetings last winter, these will take effect in 2010. If youplan to use a gillnet in a harbor it has to be 250' or less, which is tiny, and you may only deploy 1 net at a time, so best of luck, it would be almost impossible to get any if you follow the rules. Rule out Plymouth, Duxbury,GH, Scituate, Hyannis, Barnstable, Wellfleet, ALL of BB, for using a decent size net,get the picture!! I saw guys at the ramp in Scituate waiting for their pogie guy on Sat AM. I had a load of livies, but not enough to sell or share. Good luck, and realize there are more than 1 state & fed agency ruling the waters, and each have different rules!!

[Cpt Dave]

Here are the reg's for Mass.

Inshore Net Regulations for Pelagic Fisheries
10. Regulations were enacted that implement net specifications and performance standards in the
Commonwealth’s nearshore pelagic fisheries (322 CMR 4.02, 4.14, 4.15, 6.07, 7.00 & 12.00). Approved
measures:
a. specify that a Coastal Access Permit (CAP) for mobile gear is required to use purse seines, but that
moratorium on new CAPs does not apply to those being issued specifically for the use of purse
seines;
b. specify that the 72-foot maximum vessel length limit for CAP holders does apply to purse seine
vessels but certain permit holders who have fished purse seines with vessels longer than 72-feet in
waters under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth since 1995 may be exempt from the vessel size
limit;
c. establish a distinct commercial surface gillnet endorsement, separate from a sink gillnet
endorsement;
d. increase the maximum gillnet size from 200 to 250 square feet that could be used and still be
exempt from surface gillnet permit requirement;
e. clarify requirement that any person using a surface gillnet for purposes of obtaining and selling
bait to a person who is not a licensed dealer must obtain both a commercial fishermen’s permit and
a bait dealer’s permit;
f. clarify that vessels using or possessing surface gillnets shall not be precluded from possessing
striped bass under a longstanding regulation that prohibits striped bass possession for vessels
“rigged for netting;”
g. require all fishermen fishing surface gillnets to remain within 200 feet of the net at all times. This
recommendation increases the maximum distance from 100 feet proposed at public hearing;
h. approve a maximum net length of 300 linear feet fishing at any one time. Permit holders seeking to
fish longer nets or setting overnight without tending may be permitted through experimental
fishery permits;
i. require that for each 50 linear feet of gillnet, at least one headrope float must be marked with the
letters “SGN” as well as the DMF 6-digit permit number, and a buoy marking scheme that
includes reflective tape and the 6-digit number;
j. prohibit use of more than one net in the water at a time; additional nets must be stowed aboard the
vessel;
k. approve maximum mesh opening of 3 ¾” and a minimum mesh opening of 1 7/8.” This
recommendation liberalizes the minimum mesh size from 2 ½” down to 1 7/8”;
l. enact a seasonal river herring protection closure that prohibits the use of surface gillnets in south
coastal waters prior to May 16 and in waters east and north of Cape Cod prior to June 1;
m. prohibit year-round use of surface gillnets in excess of 250 square feet in Buzzards Bay;
n. allow any person to use a cast net for purposes of catching bait species for personal use without a
permit;
o. require any person using a cast net for purposes of obtaining bait for sale to a bait dealer to obtain
a commercial fishing permit; and
p. require any person using a cast net for purposes of obtaining bait for sale to someone who is not a
dealer to obtain both a commercial fishermen’s permit and a bait dealer’s permit

[Fffiisshh0]

Im reading PINK as the areas where no nets are to be over 250'?? It wouldnt allow me to post. It is the DMF Mobile Gear Restriction Map. Perhaps someone more computer literate could post!!

[Cpt Dave]

Fffiisshh0, that chart is for mobile gear, which is defined as Otter and Beam Trawls, Bottom Pair Trawls, Scottish/Danish Seines and Pair Seines. It does not apply to surface gill nets.