We've had a circle hook requirement in Maine for the past 5 years when using bait for bass and blues, although worm 'n tube was exempt, but no the DMR is looking to left the requirement. Here's the official bass Summary and notification of a public hearing in a week in BBH. Bluefish notification is the same with a "Find/Replace".
Still unsure how I feel about this since I really don't have a dog in this fight; I only drown mackerels/eels a few times a year. I always applauded Maine for taking an aggressive conservation stance, but felt cheated because ASMC never gave us credit for our efforts. At least now the State is taking a "we need to see a quid pro quo position" with ASMFC and I think that is laudable.
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: Chapter 42 Striped Bass Method of Taking
PROPOSED RULE NUMBER (leave blank; to be assigned by Secretary of State):
BRIEF SUMMARY:
This rule would remove the circle hook requirement for Atlantic striped bass. Due to their migratory behavior, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) governs interstate management for Atlantic striped bass. Consistent regulations across jurisdictions are recommended within the ASMFC Striped Bass Management Plan and a circle hook restriction is recommended within Amendment 6 of the Plan to reduce the mortality associated with hooking and releasing striped bass. Maine implemented a circle hook restriction in 2013 with the assumption that it be similarly implemented by the other Atlantic states. Other jurisdictions have not enacted this requirement and do not plan to implement a circle hook restriction. A circle hook restriction limited to Maine waters exclusively is not an effective management measure for a migratory fish species spanning from Maine to North Carolina along the Atlantic coast.
Still unsure how I feel about this since I really don't have a dog in this fight; I only drown mackerels/eels a few times a year. I always applauded Maine for taking an aggressive conservation stance, but felt cheated because ASMC never gave us credit for our efforts. At least now the State is taking a "we need to see a quid pro quo position" with ASMFC and I think that is laudable.
CHAPTER NUMBER AND TITLE: Chapter 42 Striped Bass Method of Taking
PROPOSED RULE NUMBER (leave blank; to be assigned by Secretary of State):
BRIEF SUMMARY:
This rule would remove the circle hook requirement for Atlantic striped bass. Due to their migratory behavior, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) governs interstate management for Atlantic striped bass. Consistent regulations across jurisdictions are recommended within the ASMFC Striped Bass Management Plan and a circle hook restriction is recommended within Amendment 6 of the Plan to reduce the mortality associated with hooking and releasing striped bass. Maine implemented a circle hook restriction in 2013 with the assumption that it be similarly implemented by the other Atlantic states. Other jurisdictions have not enacted this requirement and do not plan to implement a circle hook restriction. A circle hook restriction limited to Maine waters exclusively is not an effective management measure for a migratory fish species spanning from Maine to North Carolina along the Atlantic coast.
