More (Bad News) on Groundfishing

[JohnR]

Less fish: The science is wrong

Less fish: The science is wrong

Less fish: The science is wrong

No fish: How could you guys let this happn?

Originally Posted by Jackbass

"I don't care whose fault it is as that argument gets us nowhere "
I would like to say I'm surprised and I agree with you're above sentiment.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Yep

Originally Posted by thefishingfreak

Thank you for all the hard work on this issue Patrick.

[PaulS]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Less fish: The science is wrong

Less fish: The science is wrong

Less fish: The science is wrong

No fish: How could you guys let this happn?

Greed?

[DZ]

I've always wondered about recreational discards. Seems most of that groundfish fishery is in fairly deep waters. At what depth is it impossible for a cod, haddock, pollock to survive a hook and line release?

[thefishingfreak]

Originally Posted by DZ

I've always wondered about recreational discards. Seems most of that groundfish fishery is in fairly deep waters. At what depth is it impossible for a cod, haddock, pollock to survive a hook and line release?

Not at all. I would say a great % of the fish that are caught in the lip, and released quickly, survive.
With Cod, If the water is over 250 feet +/- there air bladder will keep them from returning to the bottom. a little squeeze and "fart" is all it takes to get them right back down.
Haddock don't have an air bladder, so this is a non issue at any depth. They will return right to the bottom.
The larger Pollack 10lbs +/- in over 400' will die. there air bladder is deep inside there spine and you can't "fart" out a big Pollack.
the little ones don't seem to have a problem rocketing back to the bottom.

As someone who holds a handgear permit and sells groundfish every chance I get, I will admit the cod are just not around. I have sat on anchor tuna fishing in once prime areas, NWC, NEC, Jeffreys, etc.. for 3 days at a time for the past 4 years and struggle to fill a now 25 pound per day cod quota and a 75 pound per day haddock quota.

[DZ]

Originally Posted by thefishingfreak

Not at all. I would say a great % of the fish that are caught in the lip, and released quickly, survive.
With Cod, If the water is over 250 feet +/- there air bladder will keep them from returning to the bottom. a little squeeze and "fart" is all it takes to get them right back down.
Haddock don't have an air bladder, so this is a non issue at any depth. They will return right to the bottom.
The larger Pollack 10lbs +/- in over 400' will die. there air bladder is deep inside there spine and you can't "fart" out a big Pollack.
the little ones don't seem to have a problem rocketing back to the bottom.

As someone who holds a handgear permit and sells groundfish every chance I get, I will admit the cod are just not around. I have sat on anchor tuna fishing in once prime areas, NWC, NEC, Jeffreys, etc.. for 3 days at a time for the past 4 years and struggle to fill a now 25 pound per day cod quota and a 75 pound per day haddock quota.

Thanks fishbucket.

[niko]

Originally Posted by DZ

I've always wondered about recreational discards. Seems most of that groundfish fishery is in fairly deep waters. At what depth is it impossible for a cod, haddock, pollock to survive a hook and line release?

the most recent science puts the release mortality at 20% for cod - and it looks like solid science

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by DZ

I've always wondered about recreational discards. Seems most of that groundfish fishery is in fairly deep waters. At what depth is it impossible for a cod, haddock, pollock to survive a hook and line release?

Just did a little research, the survival rate for released haddock is very high, no matter the depth. Seems to be that over 90% of the fish, if treated properly will survive.

[beamie]

Correct me if I am wrong but the Federal Rolling Closure goes ALL THE WAY to the coast, superceeding state groundfishing areas. I know that was the case for Commercial Fishing. But how about for recreational / for hire fishing 'non sale' in state waters?

[thefishingfreak]

Originally Posted by beamie

Correct me if I am wrong but the Federal Rolling Closure goes ALL THE WAY to the coast, superceeding state groundfishing areas. I know that was the case for Commercial Fishing. But how about for recreational / for hire fishing 'non sale' in state waters?

In state waters, true recreational fishermen are allowed 2 fish per person, up to 75 pounds per boat, Nov1'st-April 15'th(outside the winter closure- CCZ)(Boston light up to Marblehead)

Charter/Partyboat is closed, per state regs (Sept 1'st)

[DZ]

I read the local paper this morning which had a small article about yesterdays meeting held here in Newport. It mentioned closing certain areas to all commercial cod fishing but allowing recreational fishing but only for "catch and release". Also mentioned that lobstering in those areas will still be permitted - I guess there was some who thought lobstering should also be banned because the pots also catch cod.

[zimmy]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Less fish: The science is wrong

Less fish: The science is wrong

Less fish: The science is wrong

No fish: How could you guys let this happn?

Exactly

[FishermanTim]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Less fish: The science is wrong

Less fish: The science is wrong

Less fish: The science is wrong

No fish: How could you guys let this happn? :

100% spot on!!!

Thanks for the info!