Rule to Change: Open Thursdays through Saturdays ONLY. No min. size. Daily limit 1. Retention of botomfish , except sablefish and Pacific cod , is prohibited with a halibut onboard. Season may close earlier if quota is attained. Season will re-open August 3(Friday-Sunday) until remaining quota is taken.
New Rule Proposal: Open May 1st to October 31st. Daily Limit 1. Anglers must posess a valid Catch Tag when fishing for halibut, and a properly nothced Catch Tag when in possession of Halibut. Annual Limit of 5 Tags. Each Tag must be reported prior to obtaining an additional Catch Tag. Season may close early if Quota is exceeded.
Why the change is needed: A two week time period with only 4 days of available fishing time for Halibut annually is not acceptable. This would make it more reasonable and still maintain control over the quota, in fact, it makes the quota even more manageable. Furthermore, it's an easy way to generate revenue while making anglers happier about fishing opportunities.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Northwestkayakanglers.com
Describe their support and/or concerns:
As kayak anglers we find it difficult to fish for Halibut with such a narrow window of opportunity. Further, our plight is not strictly kayak related. With such a narrow window, anglers are basically forced to pay loathesome amounts for charter trips. Having a longer season with Catch Tags would present the state with a huge opportunity for revenue and make anglers happier.
Submitted by: LANDRUM, LEANDER W — TACOMA, WA
Date submitted: 04/27/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Not Recommended for further consideration Reference ID: DFW604947
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(0 comments)
No online public comments submitted for this proposal.
