OK You NY Worm Trollers Now's Your Chance to let DEC your Concerns

I've yet to see a definitive study that shows how many fish this reg will save. If possible please point me to one. For example if it's going to reduce rec mortality by let's say 10% than we should get something for it. In 2019 Chesepeake charter captains agreed to use a circle hook and in return they go a 19 inch fish instead of the 20 inches they were looking at. So if they got credit why not us?
 
I believe the tapioca in the large balls can and are used for stripers way upstream in the Hudson. More schoolie than for cows. Not sure but when I was in school many years ago i think my friend said he used it a time or two.
 
Maine and Massachusetts charter captains taking a stand. Get your letters to ASMFC!!

The Maine Association of Charterboat Captains signed onto a joint letter from charter industry groups and recreational angler organizations across the Northeast asking ASMFC to revisit their decision specific to tube rigs. Along with other individuals, we worked with Maine DMR to look at possible options to restore the exemption in place in Maine since 2013.

Maine DMR and Massachusetts DMF have partnered to request a two year exemptions to the circle hook requirement for tube rigs while the two states undertake a study to better understand post=release mortality with this fishing method, the popularity of the technique with anglers and guides, and the potential economic impact to the worm digging industry in Maine. The letter is attached below.

I've attached the study proposal. The Striped Bass Board at ASMFC meets next Wednesday afternoon and this is on the agenda. Written comments will be accepted until 10:00 am this Friday. You must request that your comment be directed to the Striped Bass Board members.

Here's the email address: [email protected]

This is far from the most pressing issue that faces the striped bass fishery (and not without potential pitfalls) but it is important to some anglers, charterboat captains, and local tackle shops. I'm a proponent of involving more people in the management process and here's an instance when two state agencies have responded to stakeholder requests for support in asking ASMFC to revisit their recent decision mandating use of circle hooks without exception.

If it's important to you, I hope you'll allocate fifteen minutes to sending an email to the Striped Bass Board at ASMFC.
 

Attachments

Here's my letter, time for the rest of you to chime in...

Dear ASMFC Striped Bass Management Board Members

As a life-long striped bass fisherman for over 5 decades who's now enjoying his retirement along Maine's Midcoast fishing for striped bass just about every day from late May to early October. The fish is my passion and obsession.

After reading the Proposal to Study the Tube Rig Fishery and Consider Its Exemption from the Circle Hook Provision prepared by Maine DMR and Massachusetts DMF, I feel it is imperative for the Striped Bass Management Board approve the necessary circle hook exemption to allow the data for this proposal to be accurately accumulated. There is no secret among people who actually fish for striped bass using the tube and worm technique that anything but a lip hooked fish is an extremely rare exception.

The study outlines how to bolster the data returned from the MRIP studies. Additionally, Maine and Massachussett have committed to getting some of their employees out on the water to collect tube and worm data. It's nice to see that some states have the good sense to send their marine fisheries personnel out on the water instead of keeping them chained to a computer screen. I would strongly suggest that other states do the same, and maybe some of the members of this committee also. It might be an eye-opening event for desk jockeys to actually deal with the subjects of their theoretical modeling.

Please give this proposal your serious consideration and approval. Such an action will prove to the fishing public that you truly respect and want to protect this resource, instead of paying lip service to it, as many accuse you of.

Sincerely,
Roccus7, PhD
 
Roccus7 said:
No idea George, but when was the last time that NJ didn't want in on a plan that could help them circumvent rules?
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I'm going to make a call. But if I remember correctly, NJ made the motion for no exceptions. I will try and get that from the horses mouth.
 
ASMFC approved ME & MA's proposal OKing J-hooks for Tube and Worms. No votes were US Fish & Wildlife, New Hampshire, NOAA and NY!! The rest said fine.
 
Right NY voted no and never even mentioned the spawning fishing in the Hudson river. blood worms are the preferred bait and ow they can J hooks if they just put a little piece of tubing on their rod tip. It doesn't even have to be in the water. I was trying frantically to get hold of some of the commissioners I know, but none of them were answering their phone or paying attention to messages.

Anyone listen until the very end?
 
MakoMike said:
Right NY voted no and never even mentioned the spawning fishing in the Hudson river. blood worms are the preferred bait and ow they can J hooks if they just put a little piece of tubing on their rod tip. It doesn't even have to be in the water. I was trying frantically to get hold of some of the commissioners I know, but none of them were answering their phone or paying attention to messages.

Anyone listen until the very end?
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If anyone reads the proposal presented in from ME & MA you'll see a diagram that clearly illustrates a Tube-N-Worm setup which would not allow the "tube at the end of the rod" gambit. Here's the diagram from the yesterday's supplemental materials....

1612476024232.png
 
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From what I gather there going to be an ad-hoc committee to provide guidance to the states from ASMFC on how to handle possible exemptions to the circle hook/ bait requirements. Tube and worm fishing were exempted for all states while MA and ME do a study on it for 2 years.

This is a direct result of our fisheries at the ASMFC level are listening to the rec side
 
@MakoMike The least threat to the SB HUdson population is the handful of recreational anglers fishing with worms. The Hudson Stock is thriving. My only fear is the slot fish reg may have a negative effect on the overall biomass.
 
george said:
@MakoMike The least threat to the SB HUdson population is the handful of recreational anglers fishing with worms. The Hudson Stock is thriving. My only fear is the slot fish reg may have a negative effect on the overall biomass.
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Are you saying that worm dunkers don't gut hook any fish? Or that they are figuratively just a drop in the bucket?
 
I'd like to intervene if I may. The catch to keeper ratio is going to increase
for the reason of the big fat breeders that are left aside. In my opinion the
fishing is going to get better, not bigger for striped bass.

What I noticed about seabass is the fishing got considerably bigger, not
better and for sure there's no complaints on my end. The stripers are big
enough and the seabass are well worth the outing.
 
MakoMike said:
Are you saying that worm dunkers don't gut hook any fish? Or that they are figuratively just a drop in the bucket?
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They're just a drop in the bucket. Besides they are very conservation minded there and they will follow whatever the law allows. The Hudson River striped bass fishery is about as healty hy as it can get. Minus pcbs of course.
 
george said:
From what I gather there going to be an ad-hoc committee to provide guidance to the states from ASMFC on how to handle possible exemptions to the circle hook/ bait requirements. Tube and worm fishing were exempted for all states while MA and ME do a study on it for 2 years.

This is a direct result of our fisheries at the ASMFC level are listening to the rec side
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Here's the minutes of what was approved. Since "Tube Gear" is defined in the approved MA/ME proposal, it seems implicit that any significant deviation, e.g. having feet of line between the J-hook and the tube, would be considered non-compliant to the approved motion.

The bait discussions should be interesting. I hope I can continue to have my cups of Tapioca aboard to nosh on when I'm out bass fishing...

Move to accept the Maine/Massachusetts proposal to study the tube rig fishery and, for the duration of the study, delay implementation of the circle hook requirement for tube rig gear through 2022 for all states in the striped bass management unit. Other states wishing to participate in a study on the tube rig fishery should submit a letter of intent to ASMFC within two weeks to ensure consistency in data collection. Motion made by Ms. Ware and seconded by Mr. Armstrong. Motion passes (11 in favor, 4 opposed).

Main Motion Create an ad hoc committee established by the chair to develop a definition of bait that would require the use of circle hooks. This committee will report back to the Striped Bass Board at a special Board meeting to take place early March 2021. Motion made by Mr. Hasbrouck and seconded by Dr. McNamee

Motion to Amend Move to amend to add method of fishing that would require the use of circle hooks and how to handle incidental catch. Motion made by Mr. Cimino and seconded by Dr. Davis. Motion passes (15 in favor).

Main Motion as Amended Create an ad hoc committee established by the chair to develop a definition of bait that would require the use of circle hooks and method of fishing that would require the use of circle hooks and how to handle incidental catch. This committee will report back to the Striped Bass Board at a special Board meeting to take place early March 2021 or as soon as possible. Motion passes by consent.
 
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