Rule to Change: Page 12-Gear Rules:
You may not:
“Use a net, except a dip net to land legally hooked fish or a forage fish dip net.”
New Rule Proposal: Herring, Anchovy, Squid & Sardine 25 pounds in aggregate. May be taken by dip net, cast net, angling and jigs. Cast net must be in immediate control of the angler. Mesh size limited to 1" maximum, no larger than 10’ in diameter. Angler must have retrieval cord in their hand at all times when the cast net is deployed.
Why the change is needed: The intent is to allow recreational fishers to catch their own live bait for use while tuna fishing offshore. Currently rules prohibit the use of a cast net.
The effort would be limited to Marine areas 1-4,Columbia River downstream of the Astoria Bridge, Willipa Bay, Gray’s Harbor, La Push, and Strait of Juan de Fuca-Sail Rock Westward.
There are currently two ocean vendors that sell live bait (anchovies), one in Ilwaco the other Westport. With the additional use of a cast net, fishing effort for tuna can be expanded in areas like La Push and Neah Bay. Additionally, anglers will be able to more effectively catch their own bait and not be limited to slow, inefficient bait catching techniques or paying high commercial prices from vendors with no competition. With the new rules, effort zhould be minimal with the use of a cast net. Many states including Oregon and California allow for this type of gear.
Bait can cost as much as $90 per trip. Some days tuna only hit live bait.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Michele Culver-minor discussion
Describe their support and/or concerns:
Didn't see any problem with it. Very small amount of anglers would catch their own bait.
Submitted by: GARNER, RON G — MONROE, WA
Date submitted: 05/28/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW621358
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Anchovy and sardine daily limit and use of cast net gear
Rules Category Coastal Region Marine
Type of Rule Change Proposal Recreational
County or Location Information Marine Areas 1-4, Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor
Short Description Fishery for anchovy and sardine (25 pounds in aggregate) taken by dip net, cast net, angling and jigs. Cast net must be in immediate control of the angler. Mesh size limited to 1 inch maximum, no larger than 10 feet in diameter. Angler must have retrieval cord in their hand at all times when the cast net is deployed.
Explanation Allow recreational fishers to catch their own live bait for use while fishing for tuna offshore. Current rules prohibit the use of a cast net. The effort would be limited to Marine areas 1-4, Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor. Maintain daily limit of 10 pounds for herring and smelt species.
