I was at a local shop (Bbay) and asked about how the eels were looking. They said there didn't seem to be a shortage but there are some new regulations this year. She said that you must have a SW license to buy ( or maybe it was possess) them and that if two people came in as one party, each person would need to have a license. They also mentioned something about a max of 25 at a time but the regs clearly state you can possess up to 50 per person.

Note 1 in the regs does mention that regulation is up to local authorities.

Anyone know what the deal is?

http://www.eregulations.com/massachusetts/fishing/saltwater/recreational-saltwater-fishing-regulatons/

In order to possess more than 25 you will need to have a receipt/proof of purchase. There is no mention in the regs about having to show a saltwater license to purchase eels.

here's the notice from last month from Mass DMF:
American Eels
MarineFisheries has made a series of adjustments to its eel fishery rules. The recreational and commercial minimum size for eels has been increased from 6 inches to 9 inches; the recreational possession limit has been reduced from 50 eels to 25 eels, with an exception for for-hire vessels which may continue to possess 50 eels;

and the follow-up when MSBA asked for some clarifications:

On April 16, 2014, the Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) announced revisions to a number of regulations affecting the harvest and possession of American eels to reduce fishing mortality on all life stages. Among these regulatory amendments was an action to reduce the recreational eel possession limit from 50 eels to 25 eels, with an exception for permitted for-hire vessels. Following this announcement, MarineFisheries has received a number of inquiries regarding this new possession limit. This notice serves to clarify any confusion.

It is unlawful for any fisherman to take, possess or land more than 25 eels per day without holding a commercial fisherman permit endorsed for eels. Additionally, it is unlawful for a recreational fisherman to be fishing while in possession of more than 25 eels, whether purchased or harvested. These limits apply to both the individual and the vessel regardless of the number of persons onboard.

If an individual purchases more that 25 eels from a bait shop or dealer and is transporting eels, the individual must be able to document the purchase of eels with a receipt from the seller. This will allow Law Enforcement to determine that these eels were lawfully purchased.

All of the above is true for for-hire permit holders, except their limit is 50 eels, rather than 25 eels.
The complete text of Massachusetts’ American eel regulations can be found at 322 CMR 6.30.

Thanks. Sounds like the shops won't be able to sell crap shoe strings anymore.

This change went into effect across all of the New England states, perhaps beyond as well.

ASMFC has put the following out for comment in their draft amemdment which was just released:
"The recreational fishery is managed under a 25 recreational fish per day creel limit (with an exception for party/charter boats) and 9 inch minimum size."

Not sure if this will affect possession limits for those not in the party/charter industry or impact bait shops. But that is why they have a comment period.

So this means that I as well as many I am sure that keep a live well at home with well over 25 eels will be poaching violators. Better watch out for the men in the black helicopter dropping in to get me in the middle of the nite. Probably get me for cutting the tags off my mattress too. Good to see the size limit increase at least. Hopefully no more crap shoestrings to have to sort thru anymore
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

So this means that I as well as many I am sure that keep a live well at home with well over 25 eels will be poaching violators.Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Not to mention all the rigged eels in the freezer and skins in the brine.

This is a good start. I have a friend in my fishing club who suggested getting rid of Rhode Island's six inch eel limit for years. Beside what kind of jerk kills off the small eels so the wont grow to be fishable eels or go to the Sargasso to make more eels? Only a short sided selfish fool.

I wonder what rules or regulations are on the boards for those wonderful idiots that were poaching the juveniles for the Asian food market?

I was also wondering if the size restriction was meant to "deter" these POS's from raping this resource with impunity?
(Notice I said DetER and not STOP, as we all know that if there are no strick laws against poaching then there really are NO LAWS against poaching. (Poach thousands of dollars in eels and get fined $500.00 is a slap on the wrist.)

We can all thank those poaching turds, most that come from up north (maine) for helping to make these new regs a reality, and who knows what else will be added if these poachers continue to reap rewards at our expense?? :fury: