Applies to natural baits (so, not jigs)… This affects all bottom species in federal waters (BSB, Vermillions, Triggers, Amberjack, Grunts, Groupers, etc)…
Got this email from SAFMC:
quote:
NOAA Extends Fishing Ban for South Atlantic Red Snapper
Area closure to prevent snapper bycatch temporarily delayed
In order to protect the red snapper population in the South Atlantic, NOAAs Fisheries Service will <b>extend the ban</b> of commercial and recreational fishing for the <b>red snapper</b> in federal waters off North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and the Atlantic coast of Florida.
<b>This prohibition takes effect today, December 3, replacing a temporary fishing prohibition due to expire December 5.</b> The final rule authorizing the action filed in the Federal Register today.
The final rule also includes an area closure off southern Georgia and northeastern Florida, which would prohibit commercial and recreational fishing for snappers, groupers, and some other bottomfish species to reduce bycatch of red snapper. However, the area closure will be delayed until June 1 to allow time to consider the results of a new scientific assessment that the red snapper population may be in better condition than was previously estimated.
The assessment was completed after the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council submitted its request for NOAAs Fisheries Service to implement the final rule. By delaying the area closure, the agency is providing additional time for the council to review the new scientific assessment and reconsider the area closure.
These assessment results are consistent with what the fishermen are reporting, said Roy Crabtree, southeast regional administrator for NOAAs Fisheries Service. We are delaying implementation of the area closure because we believe it is important for the council to be given t
This is just a continuation of personal and group agendas, not having any correlation to reality.
That being said, I don't have much objection to bottom fishing with circles. I would call myself oldschool. Untill recently I hated circles. Problem was I didn't know how to fish them. I was a "jerk". Just saturday we had one fellow use just circles bottom fishing. He did just as well or close to anybody on the boat. Exception to this line of thought would be right on with scmedic84.
"scmedic84</font id=“red”>
Posted - 12/04/2010 : 3:46:19 PM</font id=“black”>
Guess the only way to get trigger’s now will be to shoot’em…
“The Wet Dream”
20’ Pioneer 197
150hp Suzuki 4-Stroke</font id=“red”>"
When targeting triggers I hook 1/3 on the outside with a sharp J hook.
If you’re not a liberal at twenty you have no heart, if you’re not a conservative at forty you have no brain.
How about hooks for jigs? Do we need to throw out all of our grouper jigs to comply with this? How about assist hooks for Shimano Butterfly jigs? Do all of those need to be replaced? Government intrusion at it’s worst.
“Sometimes I think it’s a shame, when I start feelin better when I’m feelin no pain…”.
I try not to go to far to one side or the other on issues such as this, but I will not be using circle hooks for grouper fishing after march 3rd. I will have plenty of circle hook rigs to show anyone who wants to see them, but I for some reason or another, cannot grouper fish with circle hooks. I know plenty of people have EXCELLENT results using them, but I am NOT one of those people. Part of my ideology on grouper fishing with J hooks using a 7 foot rod is to put the rod tip on the top of the water and have the hook set be my initial measure to pull that grouper away from the rocks. Again this is only speaking for myself, and what works for me. I am not questioning that circle hooks can be used by individuals who know how to use them properly and work for them as a conservation tool, because the science proves that. I just cannot get them to work of me (exception targeting cobia, and large redfish 30"<)… Just because it may be done different does not mean its wrong… PS We have had to change what we fish for due to gov’t regulation, now they are impeding on how we can fish for the species we are allowed to target, when does it stop ?
How to fish with circle hooks? Put the rod in the rod holder; Rodney gets 'em every time cause he doesn’t yank. They take the bait, pull the rod down and that sets the hook - - easy.
Just like most enviro/conservation rules and regs., if the wackos tell you it’s going to “save the fish for the children” enough then people follow and jump on board like zombies. The save the earth crowd is really pissing me off…
Correct me if I have misread this, but it states:
The final rule also requires fishermen to use non-stainless steel circle hooks, which can reduce hook-related injuries, when fishing for snapper-grouper species with natural bait in federal waters north of the 28 degrees north latitude. The circle hook requirement becomes effective March 3.
You can still use circles just not stainless steel. It seems to me that I can continue to bottomfish with circles, and I don’t mind using non stainless, I actually think it’s a good idea, and cutoffs on structure would result in the hook rusting out. It may cost a little more to buy non stainless because you will be replacing more hooks, but I would feel much better if I caught something that is a “rare” catch with a circle then the chance of a gut hook.
