1 @ 28" has been passed.

[hq2]

Well, it's obviously overdue by a few years (isn't everything always like that?); shoulda dropped the number in 2011. Won't affect me very much; haven't caught more than one keeper on a trip in 10 years, as I'm a daytime kayak and shore guy. Do think the commercial guys should keep two, but they need to raise the limit; not sure if 32 would be too low, as those guys routinely boat multiples over that. Maybe 34 or 36? Whatever, it won't happen anyway. Maybe just leave it at one; would keep 'em from taking home the bigger breeders anyway.

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by hq2

Do think the commercial guys should keep two, but they need to raise the limit; not sure if 32 would be too low, as those guys routinely boat multiples over that. Maybe 34 or 36? Whatever, it won't happen anyway. Maybe just leave it at one; would keep 'em from taking home the bigger breeders anyway.

The limits we have been talking about on this thread do not apply to commercial fishermen. They are managed by a quota, which will also be cut, but they can keep as many fish as they like, and have tags for, when the season is open.

[hq2]

Clarification: I was referring to the charter guys, which of course
are actually different from the straight commercial fishermen. There ought to be some way that charter guys could keep two; I mean, as
someone pointed out, a lot of folks only charter once a year, while a lot of the regular guys are catching keepers every week, so they're actually taking home many less fish. Or maybe they could just keep it as is, and allow one for the captain and mate, giving a de facto about two keepers per charter hire.

[MikeToole]

NH had their public meeting last night and the plan is to go at one fish 28" or greater. NH has been talking with Maine and Mass hoping that all three states will agree to have the same size limits.

When questioned they do not plan to have any difference for the charter guys. They will also be limited to one at 28".

[BatesBCheatin]

Well that's somewhat encouraging. Hopefully at least Rhody, CT, and NY go along with the program as well. Wishful thinking?

Originally Posted by MikeToole

NH had their public meeting last night and the plan is to go at one fish 28" or greater. NH has been talking with Maine and Mass hoping that all three states will agree to have the same size limits.

When questioned they do not plan to have any difference for the charter guys. They will also be limited to one at 28".

Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[scottw]

Originally Posted by hq2

Clarification: I was referring to the charter guys, which of course
are actually different from the straight commercial fishermen. There ought to be some way that charter guys could keep two; I mean, as
someone pointed out, a lot of folks only charter once a year, while a lot of the regular guys are catching keepers every week, so they're actually taking home many less fish. Or maybe they could just keep it as is, and allow one for the captain and mate, giving a de facto about two keepers per charter hire.

how often you fish or whether or not you pay someone to take you fishing should not exempt you from the regulations that everyone else is following in my opinion, how often you fish is up to you.....why is it assumed that the clients won't be satisfied with enjoying the "fishing" part of fishing and need at least two fish for everyone on board plus something for the people on board who aren't fishing to be content with their fishing trip? they must be livid if they don't get something to keep....I guess I just have a different perspective...I don't have any issue with anglers keeping fish but no one has explained to me yet why 1 fish(bass) per day is not enough for a person to take home, bass are not scup or bsb, fluke(and they can take some of these home too btw)...they're much larger generally, particularly for the boat folks...can shore folks keep two if they hire a guide?...and one(or two) for the guide even if he isn't fishing....it gets very convoluted and creates animosity( or probably fans the flames of already existing animosity)when you start making these exceptions