Mid-Atlantic Bluefin Tagging

Tuna Taxi · 10-07-2005, 01:20 PM

Those of us near the DMZ remember last's year's BFT closure once the fish reached Virginia waters, as well as the catch & release closure that accompanied it. The only legal angling category BFT fishing was if you were in the bluefin tagging program.

I just called and entered the program. It is free and takes about 30 sec. You get a tagging kit and applicator tip, you just need to provide a tag stick that will accept thier applicator. The number for the tagging center is 1-800-437-3936.

The last couple years the angling category shut down as soon as catches off Virginia were reported. I'm betting it will happen again this year since we don't have much of a commercial fishery here and they've ear-marked all of them for the 'Box in NC once they leave the north (I think NMFS likes the videos!

). If you want to catch & release the beasts, I'd get the tag kit in case they close non-tag C&R again this year.

Capt-D · 10-07-2005, 01:40 PM

Is the program free?

shortbus · 10-07-2005, 02:25 PM

yup - free

Tuna Taxi · 10-07-2005, 03:16 PM

Well, fisherman free. All it costs is:

boat
gear
bait
fuel
food
drinks

So yes, from my perspective, free. No fee paid to NMFS.

JD5652 · 10-10-2005, 06:31 PM

Bill-

Thanks for the info......

Tuna Taxi · 10-11-2005, 04:53 PM

Hey JD. You don't need to worry about taggin up north where BFT are a birthright, but if you move this way before the BFT do, then make sure you have the kit. When are you bringing Mags down? If the dates work out, the slip next to mine may be open and I can toss a few cold ones across the finger pier when you have your lay-over. If the tunas are snappin', you might want to stay a day or 2.

JD5652 · 10-11-2005, 06:09 PM

Bill-

It's looking a LOT like departure from Mystic, CT on 11/3 or 11/4. The "primary" plan is to make AC on the first day and then AC to Norfolk the second and then Norfolk to Morehead City the third.

HOWEVER, if there's a great bite going on somewhere in between or we get an offer we can't refuse, we might just have to take a lay day on the way down.

I've got a charter boat captain that's a personal friend coming down with me that's done the trip many times. I also have a couple of other boating mates that are coming along just for the trip, so it should be a great time.

Now, where's your boat docked and where is it in relation to Norfolk?

Tuna Taxi · 10-12-2005, 08:12 AM

JD,

I'm in Little Creek which is just inside the Norfolk line from VB. It's the first inlet (on the left) once you come in through the Ches Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

Fishin Fool · 10-14-2005, 07:30 AM

Bill:
Thanks for the info, I ordered my kit yesterday... All I have to do now is get a tagging stick..

10-07-2005, 01:20 PM	#1
Tuna Taxi Crab mustard is good Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 901 Credits: 1,364.7	Mid-Atlantic Bluefin Tagging Those of us near the DMZ remember last's year's BFT closure once the fish reached Virginia waters, as well as the catch & release closure that accompanied it. The only legal angling category BFT fishing was if you were in the bluefin tagging program. I just called and entered the program. It is free and takes about 30 sec. You get a tagging kit and applicator tip, you just need to provide a tag stick that will accept thier applicator. The number for the tagging center is 1-800-437-3936. The last couple years the angling category shut down as soon as catches off Virginia were reported. I'm betting it will happen again this year since we don't have much of a commercial fishery here and they've ear-marked all of them for the 'Box in NC once they leave the north (I think NMFS likes the videos! ). If you want to catch & release the beasts, I'd get the tag kit in case they close non-tag C&R again this year. __________________ Bill Currently Boatless Virginia Beach

10-07-2005, 02:25 PM	#3
shortbus Hide- My Wifes Logged On Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Hightstown NJ Posts: 140 Credits: 1,230.0	yup - free __________________

10-07-2005, 03:16 PM	#4
Tuna Taxi Crab mustard is good Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 901 Credits: 1,364.7	Well, fisherman free. All it costs is: boat gear bait fuel food drinks So yes, from my perspective, free. No fee paid to NMFS. __________________ Bill Currently Boatless Virginia Beach

10-10-2005, 06:31 PM	#5
JD5652 I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: CT & MHC Posts: 2,381 Credits: 1,636.0 Occupation: Nuclear Stuff	Bill- Thanks for the info...... __________________ JD Maggie B Ocean 44 SS

10-11-2005, 04:53 PM	#6
Tuna Taxi Crab mustard is good Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 901 Credits: 1,364.7	Hey JD. You don't need to worry about taggin up north where BFT are a birthright, but if you move this way before the BFT do, then make sure you have the kit. When are you bringing Mags down? If the dates work out, the slip next to mine may be open and I can toss a few cold ones across the finger pier when you have your lay-over. If the tunas are snappin', you might want to stay a day or 2. __________________ Bill Currently Boatless Virginia Beach

10-07-2005, 01:40 PM	#2
Capt-D You have your ideology and I have mine! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Severna Park, MD/OCMD Posts: 2,998 Credits: 1,754.4 Best Catch: Mrs. Capt-D and Liam	Is the program free?

10-11-2005, 06:09 PM	#7
JD5652 I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: CT & MHC Posts: 2,381 Credits: 1,636.0 Occupation: Nuclear Stuff	Bill- It's looking a LOT like departure from Mystic, CT on 11/3 or 11/4. The "primary" plan is to make AC on the first day and then AC to Norfolk the second and then Norfolk to Morehead City the third. HOWEVER, if there's a great bite going on somewhere in between or we get an offer we can't refuse, we might just have to take a lay day on the way down. I've got a charter boat captain that's a personal friend coming down with me that's done the trip many times. I also have a couple of other boating mates that are coming along just for the trip, so it should be a great time. Now, where's your boat docked and where is it in relation to Norfolk? __________________ JD Maggie B Ocean 44 SS

10-12-2005, 08:12 AM	#8
Tuna Taxi Crab mustard is good Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 901 Credits: 1,364.7	JD, I'm in Little Creek which is just inside the Norfolk line from VB. It's the first inlet (on the left) once you come in through the Ches Bay Bridge-Tunnel. __________________ Bill Currently Boatless Virginia Beach

10-14-2005, 07:30 AM	#9
Fishin Fool Crab mustard is good Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Norfolk, Va. Posts: 786 Credits: 1,404.9	Bill: Thanks for the info, I ordered my kit yesterday... All I have to do now is get a tagging stick.. __________________ Fishin Fool - Lucian 31' Contender FA

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