Circle Hook / YoYo Rig Comment Period and Hearings

[Chunkah]

Just got this email....just in case anyone is interested in making their voice heard.


Public Hearing: Nov. 29, 6:00 PM. in Danvers & Nov. 30, 6:00 PM in Plymouth

The MA Div. of Marine Fisheries (DMF) will be holding public hearings on two important conservation measures that will have an immediate impact on saving our stripers. You can help stop the wasteful killing of stripers by voicing your support for these two proposals. The DMF is doing something right. Let's let them know we have their back on this

1) The DMF is proposing to require both recreational and commercial fishermen fishing for or in possession of striped bass to use circle hooks when fishing with whole or cut natural bait. The reasoning is that traditional "J" hooks are often swallowed by striped bass causing internal damage and increasing discard mortality. Circle hooks have demonstrated the ability to hook the fish in the mouth and thereby decrease mortality rates.

2) The second proposal is to prohibit the use of "yo-yo" rigs. "Yo-yo" rigs and other similar gear that use natural baits rigged with embedded weights not attached to the terminal tackle increase discard mortality when striped bass swallow the bait and the associated weight. DMF is proposing to prohibit the use of this gear by both recreational and commercial fishermen.
MA Stripers Forever endorses both proposals. The outcome will be greatly influenced by input from the public and the DMF is looking for our support. You can be certain that all the recreational fish hogs and the "commercial" SB fishermen will be out in force to oppose both proposals. This is our chance to support and not fight the DMF!

The first hearing will be Nov. 29 at 6:00 PM. at the CoCoKey Hotel and Water Resort, 50 Ferncroft Road in Danvers.

The second will be Nov. 30 at 6:00 PM at the Radisson Hotel Plymouth Harbor at 180 Water St. in Plymouth.

Written comments will be accepted until Dec. 2. E-mail to marine.fisheries@state.ma.us or jared.silva@state.ma.us, or mail to 251 Causeway St., Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114.

[JohnR]

Interesting.

I see a lot of people would

A) Freak if that went into play ('specially YoYo)

B) Say eff 'em and continue to do it anyway.

I think I am OK with this though

[Rob Rockcrawler]

The only concern i have is with using circles for eels. Even if they pass it i agree with John R, many will say effem and keep using the hooks they want. With the general lack of enforcement of all the fishing laws in this state i think it is m re symbolic than anything else. Ive been fishing the salt in MA for 15 years now and once had a green cop watch me land and release a striper, all he said was "nice fish" as i released it.

[Chunkah]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Interesting.

I see a lot of people would

A) Freak if that went into play ('specially YoYo)

B) Say eff 'em and continue to do it anyway.

I think I am OK with this though

If someone puts in a little effort they can make sure that the weight is attached to their terminal tackle thereby making sure a lost fish doesn't end up with a belly full of led. As with anything, enforcement would be the issue.

[Chunkah]

Originally Posted by Rob Rockcrawler

The only concern i have is with using circles for eels. Even if they pass it i agree with John R, many will say effem and keep using the hooks they want. With the general lack of enforcement of all the fishing laws in this state i think it is m re symbolic than anything else. Ive been fishing the salt in MA for 15 years now and once had a green cop watch me land and release a striper, all he said was "nice fish" as i released it.

I've used circles with eels and have never had a problem with missed hits etc....I think I'm in the minority though.

[Rob Rockcrawler]

I use circles a lot with eels also, but there are times where i want a "J" hook, and dont think a law restricting them will help. 1 @ 36", will help more than anything else. I sent an email explaining my point of view.

[Saltheart]

I have no issue with the Yo Yo thing. As stated already , just attach it to the line if you must Yo Yo.

The J hooks for eels will hurt IMO. I can see Circle Hooks for chunks or Clams , etc but for something like an eel that is actively fished like a lure , there should be an allowance of J hooks. Thet also need to consider rigged eels. Is that a lure or a bait?? I say its a lure.

[JohnnyD]

Agree with the Yo-yo stuff, but it looks like I'll be "fishing for Bluefish" when I'm tossing eels at the canal.

[piemma]

This is such a stupid thing they are trying to do. It will make no material difference in the striper stocks. 1@36" is what will make a difference. We proved it in the 80s and it would prove out now.

Just finished reading On the Run for the second time. You want to see what the problem is? Look at Oregon Inlet in the winter. Charter takes 4 guys out in the morning and another 4 in the afternoon. They kill 16 20 to 30# fish EVERYDAY on each and every charter boat. We're not even talking about the recs. They probably kill 1/2 million breeder fish every winter. And some nitwit in Mass is worried about circle hooks.

[basswipe]

Originally Posted by piemma

This is such a stupid thing they are trying to do. It will make no material difference in the striper stocks. 1@36" is what will make a difference. We proved it in the 80s and it would prove out now.

Just finished reading On the Run for the second time. You want to see what the problem is? Look at Oregon Inlet in the winter. Charter takes 4 guys out in the morning and another 4 in the afternoon. They kill 16 20 to 30# fish EVERYDAY on each and every charter boat. We're not even talking about the recs. They probably kill 1/2 million breeder fish every winter. And some nitwit in Mass is worried about circle hooks.

Or why not implement the aforementioned proposals ALONG with 1@36".Maybe suggest this to your representative/senator instead of calling someone who has two very good ideas about helping to improve striper mortality rates a nitwit.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by Rob Rockcrawler

The only concern i have is with using circles for eels. Even if they pass it i agree with John R, many will say effem and keep using the hooks they want. With the general lack of enforcement of all the fishing laws in this state i think it is m re symbolic than anything else. Ive been fishing the salt in MA for 15 years now and once had a green cop watch me land and release a striper, all he said was "nice fish" as i released it.

I use Circles almost exclusively. When I don't it is because it is dark and I tie on the wrong hook

Originally Posted by Chunkah

I've used circles with eels and have never had a problem with missed hits etc....I think I'm in the minority though.

Me too.

Originally Posted by piemma

This is such a stupid thing they are trying to do. It will make no material difference in the striper stocks. 1@36" is what will make a difference. We proved it in the 80s and it would prove out now.

Yeh. 1 @ 36 and 50% reduction in commercial take would do far more.

[piemma]

instead of calling someone who has two very good ideas about helping to improve striper mortality rates a nitwit.[/QUOTE]

..and pray tell who is the someone I called a nitwit, DMF?? If they think this is the solution to the striper mortality problem they are not in touch with what's really going on with the fishery.

Second point: How the hell do you see either rule as being enforceable? The only people that would adhere to either rule are the ones who practice C&R, don't wantonly kill indescriminently and are not the problem. You think the guys who were out on Brenton Reef during the commercial season in RI, Yo-yoing their brains out and killing 50s like they were blue gill, are going to say: "Well, OK it's 2 in the morning and I'm 2 miles off shore and it's pitch black, I better not yo-yo because it's against the law"? Of course not. It would be the same in Mass.

You know what the real answer is? Make the damn fish a game fish. Stop all commercial fishing up and down the coast from NC to MA and make it 1@36" for the recs. Then you would see results.

[Chunkah]

You know what the real answer is? Make the damn fish a game fish. Stop all commercial fishing up and down the coast from NC to MA and make it 1@36" for the recs. Then you would see results.

I like this idea the best.

[JohnnyD]

I said it before and I'll say it again... this proposal is like putting a band-aid on a severed limb.

[piemma]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

I said it before and I'll say it again... this proposal is like putting a band-aid on a severed limb.

Well, at least I'm not the only one who thinks it doesn't make sense.

[b-ware]

Originally Posted by piemma

instead of calling someone who has two very good ideas about helping to improve striper mortality rates a nitwit.

..and pray tell who is the someone I called a nitwit, DMF?? If they think this is the solution to the striper mortality problem they are not in touch with what's really going on with the fishery.

Second point: How the hell do you see either rule as being enforceable? The only people that would adhere to either rule are the ones who practice C&R, don't wantonly kill indescriminently and are not the problem. You think the guys who were out on Brenton Reef during the commercial season in RI, Yo-yoing their brains out and killing 50s like they were blue gill, are going to say: "Well, OK it's 2 in the morning and I'm 2 miles off shore and it's pitch black, I better not yo-yo because it's against the law"? Of course not. It would be the same in Mass.

You know what the real answer is? Make the damn fish a game fish. Stop all commercial fishing up and down the coast from NC to MA and make it 1@36" for the recs. Then you would see results.[/QUOTE]

Enforceable my a$$ What ever happened to SPORTMANSHIP, does every fisherman need a personal EPO to make sure he obeys the laws????????????????

[DZ]

I could live with using circles for my eel fishing. Probably just alter them a bit.

I do endorse the yoyo ban. This method is just so ethicly and morally wrong its hard to believe any responsible fisherman would use it.

DZ

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by Chunkah

You know what the real answer is? Make the damn fish a game fish. Stop all commercial fishing up and down the coast from NC to MA and make it 1@36" for the recs. Then you would see results.

I like this idea the best.

Game fish won't do as much. best impact is reduce overall pressure not just pressure from one group.

Pogies Forever!

[Sea Dangles]

Originally Posted by DZ

I could live with using circles for my eel fishing. Probably just alter them a bit.

I do endorse the yoyo ban. This method is just so ethicly and morally wrong its hard to believe any responsible fisherman would use it.

DZ

Morals and ethics DZ? I would guess it is just perspective.Some don't like people fishing at all. Others think they should dictate the methods people use to catch fish.

[stripermaineiac]

I'll go with piemma on this one.He's hit it right on the head. Gamefish and one fish 36 in.All the rest is just window dressing and a waste of time as there is no ;onger any enforsement with budget cuts an all.With all the time I spend fishing from NY to Me I've never seen anyone or run into any type of enforsement people. Sensus takers 10 yrs ago only on the Vineyard and Block.

[landwave]

Gamefish would be the best policy IMO, but, I'm glad they are doing something.Even if is just a band aid, it's a step in the right direction. I wouldn't mind seeing 1@32", I like to eat the smallest legal fish I can, the rest goes back. There's a lot of mercury in big fish, never mind what they picked up if they went through the east river at all

[bassballer]

Circle hooks, J Hooks, square hooks, Z hooks. Its fishing. Your still still driving a hook through a fish's face. Some just arent going to make it.

Good luck trying to get the RI Reef fleet to stop Yo Yoing.

[Grapenuts]

fisherman..self policing

comm. can't fish,but rec's can...lissen to yourself..do as I say but not as I do.

call your rep's who's pockets are full of pay off's and ask for more rules that'll drain their pocket's:, stop comm. fishing



game fish...peta will get ahold of this and run with it...we got you now..game fish//take nothing home , look at the new rule thats in fine print that'll come later on..be carefull.

These "united states" are so corrupt from bottom to top nothing will ever change...when the fish are gone they'll just say..We don't what happened..we tried our best...//all for a fist full of dollars//.

[piemma]

Good luck trying to get the RI Reef fleet to stop Yo Yoing.[/QUOTE]


That's what I'm saying. 50% of that group, maybe more. I watched 2 comms yo-yo in front of one of the lighthouses in the Upper Bay and absolutely CRUSH fish on every drift. Not that I have a problem with it. If you are going to sell fish then you gotta kill fish.

Just as long as the Striper is not exclusively a game fish, banning any and all methods of taking them will not make one damn bit of difference in the populations demise.

[piemma]

Originally Posted by Grapenuts

fisherman..self policing

comm. can't fish,but rec's can...lissen to yourself..do as I say but not as I do.

call your rep's who's pockets are full of pay off's and ask for more rules that'll drain their pocket's:, stop comm. fishing



game fish...peta will get ahold of this and run with it...we got you now..game fish//take nothing home , look at the new rule thats in fine print that'll come later on..be carefull.

These "united states" are so corrupt from bottom to top nothing will ever change...when the fish are gone they'll just say..We don't what happened..we tried our best...//all for a fist full of dollars//.

No totally disagreeing but I will sight one specific instance where it did make a difference. Before the Redfish was declared a game fish they we almost wiped out. Now that they have gamefish status, there is a thriving fishery.

[bassballer]

Originally Posted by piemma

Good luck trying to get the RI Reef fleet to stop Yo Yoing.

That's what I'm saying. 50% of that group, maybe more. I watched 2 comms yo-yo in front of one of the lighthouses in the Upper Bay and absolutely CRUSH fish on every drift. Not that I have a problem with it. If you are going to sell fish then you gotta kill fish.

Just as long as the Striper is not exclusively a game fish, banning any and all methods of taking them will not make one damn bit of difference in the populations demise.[/QUOTE]

Yup, Ive gone out with a couple of those guys and then I understood why all the comm guys yoyo. The method consistantly puts big fish in the boat. And its more like 90%. And when your paying your bills on fish, you gotta do what you gotta do. I dont have an issue with it, to each his own. And banning it I doubt will effect the stocks.

1 @ 36 and be done with it.

[piemma]

Yup, Ive gone out with a couple of those guys and then I understood why all the comm guys yoyo. The method consistantly puts big fish in the boat. And its more like 90%. And when your paying your bills on fish, you gotta do what you gotta do. I dont have an issue with it, to each his own. And banning it I doubt will effect the stocks.

1 @ 36 and be done with it.[/QUOTE]

Amen brother, amen

[trapperpierre]

..........read Zack Harvey's Editor's Log in The Fisherman N.E.Edition issue numbers 44 & 45(Nov 3 2011 & Nov 11 2011).....Parts 1 & 2 on circles & yo yos..................... could gonna open a Pandora's box of regs that Pew people & animal rights will have a field day,,,,,,,,groups of this type just love to see such fragmentation in any group(i.e.fisherman both rec & comm) that utilizes natural resources.............freeze the commercial harvest of SB(been frozen for years)------reduce rec & charter/comm to 1 fish.......get the mackerel, squid, and menhaden numbers up.......clean up the coastal watersheds........the group up north in Maine wants to grab the whole SB resource for themselves,,,,,,,and little do they know.....the anti -fisherman groups are right behind them and will devour them..........."Enjoy what you have"----as ALL SB users --will be in a SB fishing Lotto........drawing for dates to access the fish in the MPA areas.....using submerged tv cameras........and don't forget famed Marine Scientist Jock Costeau.........distains any form of recreational fishing--especially catch & release-as torture to the fish.............maybe win the battle.................loose the war...ALL our days are numbered...........................peace

[stripermaineiac]

LOL same dumb retorick that led to the moratoriums in the 80's. better to do nothing than do anything to save the fishing for the future. Just cause someone else is gonna shut it all down. amazing the red fish and sea trout down south are doing good and amazing how the stripers rebounded in the past. But oooooh lets not do anything cause we're gonna loose it all to the antis.Amazing the decline in numbers of stripers in Maine since the mid 90's.I wonder what happened back then. Oh that's right commercial striper fishing increased LOL.
But your right lets just do nothing like before the government will step in again . Only this time we're at the 2nd strike mark.3rd an we're out.
As far as Stripers Forever goes they kinda sound like the old Stripers Unlimited that Bob Pond founded. Both were and are coastwide organizations working for keeping the fish we all love to chase in the coastal waters an not in a net or floating dead.

[trapperpierre]

retroburn-ing of stocks by recs........and by the way, Bob Pond became a good friend ---we shared -side by side--booth space at the Worchester Sports show for 15 years(he was a giving soul that would share his fantastic tuna salad sandwiches with me-as the show pizza was terrible and not healthy.....sandwiches prepared by the one Ms. Boyd---I have boxed lures he presented to me-signed and dated)....we agreed then & I do know ...that striped bass is a wonderful resource--a multiple use resource......to be utilized in a responsible way..........and...funny..very funny how the rec & charter group is the largest group that ends up with the most dead fish in their nets......