Species covered in proposed rule • Marine Bottomfish
Rule to Change: halibut season
New Rule Proposal: every other year let the sport season open before the indian long-line season. If people could catch a halibut once in a while a lot more would fish for them . After the indians get done raping the bottom hardly anyone catches a halibut anymore. It's supposed to be a 50/50 deal.
Why the change is needed: Halibut fishing used to be great. The last few years it seems like there are very few fish left after the Indians long line it to death. All most of us sports fishers want is a couple of fish to feed our families with. I used to catch all the halibut I needed, now I almost never hook a fish. As I said above, it's supposed to be a 50/50 deal with the Indians, but they seem to be taking more like 95%. Sport fishers should get the first open season every other year.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Every halibut fisherman I talk to at the marinas.
Describe their support and/or concerns:
Most feel that the indians should be fishing for self consumption like the sportsfihers. No comercial sale.
Submitted by: FLYNN, GARRY L — SEQUIM, WA
Date submitted: 05/21/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Not Recommended for further consideration Reference ID: DFW353346
Reasons not recommended for further consideration
Pacific halibut, goes though the Pacific Fishery Management Council This proposal deals with Pacific Halibut. The Pacific Fishery Management Council, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the International Pacific Halibut Commission have the primary responsibility for regulating this fishery. For more information on this process, please call (360) 249-1202.
Your proposal will be provided to the manager(s) responsible for this species so that it can be considered during the appropriate rulemaking process.
Online Public Comments(1 comments)
BRETT, BARKER J January 30, 2013 SOUTH COLBY, WA Comments: Dear WDFW staff,
The above comments are so very true in regards to longlining halibut and the impact it has on sportfishing in Juan de Fuca Strait. I catch 4-8 incidental halibut fishing for salmon in March/April using salmon tackle up the water column. i cannot go near the bottom in certain areas because incidental halibut are so numerous.
I return to these areas in May and June, dedicated for halibut, fishing for halibut, fish more days and catch the same or less fish. We are only allowed 50,000 to 60,000 pounds for all of Juan de Fuca Strait. i would prefer to fish for our quota ahead of the tribal fisheries. There is also a strong incidental catch of halibut in the July/August time frame also, fish i believe that have migrated in after the commercial native long-line fisheries and sport fisheries have ended.
thank you
Brett Barker
