Everyone please read section A part 2. I never realized this and didn’t want y’all to get in any trouble by posting pictures anywhere.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/50/635.21
I like to bring then in the boat give them a big ole bear hug,take 20000 pictures and then just toss them back…then post said pictures all over facebook about how great i am…#129300;
SAFMC you suck!
There are a couple of interesting rules in there. 2-iii deals with billfish taken during tournaments. From what I read, when using bait or bait/lure combinations (ballyhoo/seawitch example) a non-offset circle hook is required. Am I reading this correctly?
Also, a separate Swordfish permit is required in addition to the HMS permit. Correct?
Thanks for replies
As far as the first question circle hooks have been required for natural baits in HMS tournaments since 2007. Not sure of extra requirements for swordfish but all landed billfish must be reported to NMFS within 24 hours.
Federal HMS Recreational Compliance Guide: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/compliance/guides/documents/hms_rec_compliance_guide_total.pdf
No such thing as a swordfish-specific recreational permit. If you aren’t commercially fishing at all, the HMS Angling permit should cover you for all HMS (sharks, tunas, swordfish, billfish).
I like to saw the bills off! What the hell — they grow back!