NMFS eases recreational bluefin rules

[njbob49]

I just saw this on Al Fishtori's blog from last night. 

"Bluefin tuna anglers will get a modest break from NMFS when fishing for bluefin tuna this year. Boats permitted in the Angling category will be able to retain one school bluefin of 27 to less than 47 inches -- plus another large school or small medium from 47 to less than 73 inches per trip. Previously that opportunity to boat both an "over and an under" was only available to charter and party boats."

I think quite a few people thought "party boat" meant you were drinking beer so it was legal to keep both. 

Tight Lines,
Bob G 

[Hunter 2]

Thanks Bob,  Time to get my permit.

[Ms Fish]

Good deal for those that go our regularly for them! 

[Hotrod]

Awesome!!!!!

[Bucktail]

I personally don't think recreational anglers need to keep more than one per trip.  Charter boats might be a different story.

[Ms Fish]

I personally don't think recreational anglers need to keep more than one per trip.  Charter boats might be a different story.

How bout if you have a few people fishing? At least that way everyone can have a nosh... you know if one person catches the two then they can share no? I share, but I guess everyone is different.

[SHARKBITE]

 


Really liking this news especially since Fred and I have a charter out with Rich on MR Charters in July. Would be nice to see them show!

[Hunter 2]

Really liking this news especially since Fred and I have a charter out with Rich on MR Charters in July. Would be nice to see them show!

Charters keep 3 this year.

[Bucktail]

If the NMFS is relaxing the rules, then hopefully it's because of some solid science showing that the bluefin are doing better than previously thought. 
The report about the effects the BP oil spill was still having on them was not encouraging.

[Bucktail]

Here are the new regs (highlights are mine):

2014 Recreational Atlantic Tunas Retention Limits

Effective May 8, the bluefin tuna (BFT) daily retention limits are increased from the default of 1 BFT measuring 27-<73" to the following. For HMS Angling-permitted vessels: 1 school BFT (27 to <47") + 1 large school/small medium BFT (47-<73"). For HMS Charter/Headboat-permitted vessels: 2 school BFT (27 to <47") + 1 large school/small medium BFT (47-<73"). These limits are effective for all areas except the Gulf of Mexico. The recreational BFT trophy fishery (73"+) is closed for the southern area (for landings south 39°18’N, i.e., south of Great Egg Inlet, NJ), but is open for the northern area (for landings north of Great Egg Inlet, NJ) with a limit of 1 BFT measuring 73" or greater/vessel/year. For further information, see notice in library (at left). The recreational yellowfin tuna retention limit is 3/person/day or trip. The minimum size for yellowfin and bigeye tuna is 27" curved fork length. There are no recreational limits for bigeye, skipjack or albacore tunas.

[Kenny]

 

[Hunter 2]

Thanks for the post Bob.

[Think Big]

Sharkbite if your going with Rich and there is a bluefin out there he will smell it.Have you fished with him? I'm three boats away from him.