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02/08/2017 11:00 PMThe 2017 Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission winter meeting held in Alexandria, Virginia convened with a jam-packed agenda. So much so that key technical committee reports, followed by in-depth discussions and debate, stretched schedules way beyond their alloted times. This occurred primarily when key issues like draft amendment considerations and conservation equivalencies were discussed concerning things like American lobster, Atlantic menhaden, summer flounder, and striped bass.
Participation by those involved with fisheries management throughout coastal states from Maine to Florida, including various councils and government agencies, was stimulating to say the least. Debates were energetic and drilled down to the crux of whether fish stocks were over-fished or if over-fishing was occurring. The health of various fisheries, as well as disposition of agenda items were discussed in great detail before each board adjourned. The following is just a portion of the work conducted during the three days of meetings.
One of the key points of interest concerned summer flounder (fluke) regulations for 2017. Lengthy discussions took place leading up to final approval for Draft Addendum XXVIII. Of the various options discussed, Option 5, which “applies a near coastwise one-inch size limit increase and bag limit reduction to 4 fish or less,” ultimately was passed. This option was felt to be the fairest and would provide more coastwise consistency achieving a 28- to 32-percent coastwise reduction.
However, the reduction under this option may not be considered in line with the required Recreational Harvest Limit of 39 percent and could trigger the National Marine Fisheries Service to exercise restrictive default measures affecting all state and federal waters. Considering the time and effort put forth in this decision and the fact that a Secretary of Commerce has not been confirmed to date, the feeling was that there would be enough time to tweak that decision, if needed, so the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration can submit new regulations to the federal registry.
Board discussions on Draft Amendment 3 for Atlantic menhaden took place regarding the Public Information Document and a development plan for 2018. The results of scientific studies regarding the socio-economic effects of increasing or decreasing the annual harvest were reviewed. These studies took harvested menhaden from the nets right on through to the commercial and recreational markets and its effect on everything from the environment to employment and revenues generated. All data compiled and input from the various sectors will be woven into a final decision and will impact decisions made affecting the total 2018 harvest numbers.
A motion was made, seconded, discussed, and passed to initiate an addendum to the Atlantic Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan. This addendum “will consider a relaxation of the coastwise commercial and recreational regulations to bring fishing mortality to the target based on the 2016 stock assessment update.” Expect some lively discussions when this hits the public input stage since there has been a push to give striper bass the status of a sport fish.
The American lobster has always been a favorite in Long Island Sound and there is continued serious concern as to its decline in southern New England. Draft Addendum XXV to Amendment 3 has been approved and is in response to the 2015 stock assessment “which found the Southern New England stock severely depleted and experiencing recruitment failure.” This addendum, among other things, focuses on egg production so that if and when conditions improve (especially inshore), the southern New England stock can benefit from a strong recruitment year.
On the Water
Groundhogs reluctantly reared their heads as handlers posed for photo ops in preparation for the anticipated prognostications. Whether a fan of Punxsutawney Phil burrowed in Pennsylvania or Chuckles the Connecticut Yankee, one was led to believe that there would either be six more weeks of winter or spring was just around the corner.
Technically, of course, six more weeks of winter would always be the good bet since the spring equinox generally falls six weeks from Groundhog Day. Judging from the comments around the shop, most anglers favor an early spring, although some February snow would be welcome. Nevertheless, what really counts is when folks feel spring weather is truly in the air, regardless of the date. Certainly, we’ve been teased on more than one occasion this season.
In fact, shy of some windy days and some chill, weather continues to be unseasonably mild. Inshore water temperatures are in the low 40s—not terribly bad when fishing for holdover striped bass. There have been days that even the main lower tidal rivers offered solid action on light gear. Artificials proved the best bet, although some select baits would also do the trick.
There has been limited activity on the sea run trout scene, but then again, this type of fishing needs dedication considering that these fish are unpredictable in their runs from the sea. These hardy fighters will take conventional lures, flies, or even bait. They are generally caught in the lower tidal rivers, although they will swim quite a ways upriver if able.
Windy days have put down some fishing opportunities. However, during the breaks, brown, rainbow, and native brook trout have been caught while scouring the bottom for food. Check out the Trout Management Areas and also rivers known to hold these fish. Since practically all lakes and ponds (especially in lower Connecticut) have been ice free recently, fishing activity in these open waters has also been above average.
Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and international fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.
For all things fishy including fly fishing, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan
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