June 12 HMS Angling Category changes

[AndyP]

Just got the NMFS email announcing the angling category limits. Looks like a C&R season, at least based on catch reports so far, as there have been few, if any fish less than 59". Angling category retains the trophy limit.

[On The Edge]

UPDATE TO RECREATIONAL BFT RETENTION LIMITS
NMFS announces the following three actions regarding the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) Angling category fishery: STARTING ON SATURDAY JUNE 12TH (1) adjustment of the daily retention limit for private vessels to one school or large school BFT (measuring 27 to less than 59 inches) per vessel per day/trip and for charter vessels to one school BFT (measuring 27 to less than 47 inches) and one large school BFT (measuring 47 to less than 59 inches) per vessel per day/trip, for the remainder of the 2010 fishing year, (2) closure of the southern area large medium/giant “trophy” BFT fishery (for BFT measuring 73 inches and greater), and (3) transfer of 1.7 mt from the Reserve to the northern area trophy category subquota. The Angling category North/South line is at 39°18’ N. lat. (off Great Egg Inlet, NJ). These adjustments are intended to provide a reasonable opportunity to harvest the U.S. landings quota of BFT without exceeding it, while maintaining an equitable distribution of fishing opportunities; to help achieve optimum yield in the BFT fishery, to collect a broad range of data for stock monitoring purposes; and to be consistent with the objectives of the Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (2006 Consolidated HMS FMP)

[backman]

This is great - I'm pleased to see this action. It makes life a lot easier out east.

[SaltyDog]

It actually looks like they closed the Southern section which is not us around the Cape. Does that mean we are entitled to our one trophy fish/year greater than 73"?

[Capt Fred]

It actually looks like they closed the Southern section which is not us around the Cape. Does that mean we are entitled to our one trophy fish/year greater than 73"?

You still have your one trophy fish per year up here. Actually some extra quota was transfered to the Northern sector. Our Charter friends will not be happy. Lets hope that a good push of smaller fish show for them

[Sageboy]

I think with most of the fish being reported are between 66" and 71/72" I think this may result in a lot of dead fish being released.

[Capt Fred]

Don't think that way. The people I know and fish with have great respect for this fishery and DO know what they are doing. Nobody wants to kill fish for nothing. Catch and safe release is not rocket science. I have been releasing Bluefin for 20 years and believe that the survival rate is excellent

[Sageboy]

It's hard not to but the reality is most rec guys who are using spin gear don't have the right gear or the right technique to revive these fish.

[AlloyToy]

It's hard not to but the reality is most rec guys who are using spin gear don't have the right gear or the right technique to revive these fish.

Enlighten us please

[sushi42]

And once again I feel like I'm getting the screws put to me! Looks like it will be all RI and canyon runs for me too now. I'm not into C&R, I actually like the way they taste.
SONOFABITCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!