Tuna Permits

[SteveH2112]

I believe you need to have a captains license for the Party/charter permit.

[Capt Fred]

Ah yes, Professional Tuna Fisherman. The most expensive job in the world

[SteveH2112]

Easy money on any single day, tough money when you add up the whole season.

[hotreels]

Ah yes, Professional Tuna Fisherman. The most expensive job in the world

or Rec Fisherman, the most expensive hobby in the world

[pelagic addicted]

The gear depends on:

1) your boat (size, documented/undoc, etc)
2) where you fish (12-20 mi, 20-50 mi, 50+)
3) and when

Cold water requires extra stuff such as immer suits, additional raft reqs (eg. Solas A/B)

To be honest, I haven't quite figured it out.

Even if you already have a raft, it may be inadequate to meet the comm reqs. You could check with the coasties. I'll see if I can find the regs. It's quite lengthy and clear as mud.

1) 23 ft for the next few years then 28 or 29
2) most likely 20 to 50 miles
3) every day i can from April to November
so it looks like i will stop spending on rods and reels and save for the more expensive stuff.Thank you

[Dauntless]

If you choose the General category, beside that required HMS permit, don't neglect to secure the somewhat more expensive state commercial vessel fishing permit and possibly a commercial operator permit, and inform your insurance company you are using the boat commercially. Add'ly, anyone else on the boat beside the person whose name is on the Comm vessel permits still needs to be registered with the SW fish registry if you ever fish in the EEZ outside the 3nm line. ( same with the Angling vessel permit

Technically, I believe the General and other comm categories require all fish to be sold , not retained for personal use, but I'd be hard pressed to document that & I expect it's not fully adhered to. Obviously the Angling category requires zero sales of any fish but you can keep a nice smaller fish. Depending on where you fish & the class of BFT commonly found there that can be a handy distinction.
If you are not a regular, it may be difficult to find a willing buyer (licensed buyer only), especially if the fish is not handled & protected just right or a lot of other fish have already come in.

If you plan to write off expenses , I believe you can only deduct them to the limit of income derived from fishing and the amount of use specifically for commercial fishing, and must show a profit in around 3? yrs, or it is considered simply a hobby for no write-offs.

Unless you plan to fish commercially quite often & seriously, I'd suggest you are likely better off with the Angling permit.

[SteveH2112]

Just as easy to show a profit as a loss. Catch a fish and don't deduct any expenses. Instant profit.

I believe inside 12 miles no raft for boats without a "sleeping area or formal galley". I think it's up to 34' if I'm not mistaken.

[Capt Fred]

[QUOTE=hotreels;1640225]or Rec Fisherman, the most expensive hobby in the world[/QUOTE

That's the truth Capt

[On The Edge]

who wants to be a millionaire ?

I Do, I do, Pick me, Pick me. I got a pole and a reel.

[sokinwet]

"If you plan to write off expenses , I believe you can only deduct them to the limit of income derived from fishing"

This is not true; IRS has specific rules on business vs. hobby, profitability, effort, etc. that you must be aware of however if you file as a "sole proprieter", IRS looks at you and your business as one and the same. If your business has a loss it can be deducted from other income claimed. It's best to get tax advice if setting up a fishing business.