Fishing regulation and quota changes

Effective Oct. 15, the catch limit for tautog in Massachusetts and Rhode Island increased from three fish to five fish per person per day. Both states have the same trophy fish regulation. Anglers are allowed just one trophy fish, 21” or larger. The minimum size is still 16” and a ten-fish-per-boat limit applies for private recreational vessels.

Black sea bass

In Rhode Island the black sea bass season continues until Dec. 31, with a private recreational fishing limit of three fish/person/day. However, in Massachusetts, the season ended Oct. 14. This difference in state regulation is primarily due to Massachusetts having an earlier season start.

Bluefin tuna commercial closure and quota transfer

Effective Oct. 17, the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category Commercial Fishery has closed, and permitted vessels may not retain, possess, or land large, medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna through Nov. 30. Based on the best available landings information, the sub-quota for this period has been reached.

The closure affects Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna.

Good news for Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels. NOAA Fisheries is adjusting the Atlantic bluefin tuna Angling category quota by transferring 15 mt of quota from the Reserve category. Specific to this action, NOAA Fisheries is increasing the large school/small medium (measuring 47 to <73”) subquota.

This action applies to Highly Migratory Species Angling and Highly Migratory Species Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally for bluefin tuna. The recreational daily retention limits for private vessels, charter boats, and headboat vessels are still effective for all areas except for the Gulf of America, where NOAA Fisheries does not allow targeted fishing for bluefin tuna.

For further information on fishery status and current retention limits, please check the Recreational Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishery Statuses and Bag Limits webpage or call (301) 427-8503.

October is national seafood month

Our nation celebrates National Seafood Month in October. There is a lot to celebrate because — aside from being scrumptious — seafood is good for you, good for the economy, and good for the planet. 

The United States is a global leader in sustainable fisheries management. Our participatory, science-based system under 50 years of the Magnuson-Stevens Act has shown that we know how to rebuild stocks and keep them healthy. U.S. fishermen and fish farmers operate under some of the most robust and transparent environmental standards in the world.

As an angler, my aim is to keep conservation regulations strong and encourage our government to do so in a transparent way to ensure fisheries for future anglers. The idea is to grow them to abundance so there are more fish in the water for all of us to catch, eat and/or release. 

Where’s the bite?

Striped bass, bluefish, bonito, false albacore: “The East Passage of Narragansett Bay has been on fire, with bluefish and striped bass, with bonito and false albacore mixed in. Anglers are catching them right off of Barrington Beach,” said Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, Providence.

Declan O’Donnell of Breachway Bait & Tackle, Charlestown, said, “The inlets have been producing striped bass at night, while the beaches and daytime fishing have been slower. We have not seen much of a traditional fall run, with massive schools of bass pushing bait around and visibly terrorizing the surface. Bluefish numbers seem to have dropped off a bit from earlier this fall. However, bonito and false albacore are still around, but the action has been a little sporadic. Some fish have pushed close enough to the beaches to give shore anglers a shot, which is always a welcome surprise.”

Ed Lombardo, fly fishing expert and guide, said, “We got into some very nice bass on Narrow River Thursday during an outgoing tide. Many were too far away to reach, but for a while we had bass close enough to get. My Ed’s fly in burgundy color worked very well. Hopefully, it will keep up.”

East End Eddie Doherty, Cape Cod Canal fishing expert and author, said, “There were blitzes last week that were as exciting as the old days with dozens of striped bass breaking, creating a whitewater west tide. The jacuzzi top water foam action would then cease as the fish headed for Buzzards Bay, soon replaced by another active school and then another. “Everyday Al” Mazeiko reeled in 10 stripers on a bucktail one morning that were all in the 25- to 30-pound class. “Crazy Chris” Blanchette bounced a green mack FishLab off the bottom, catching several fish up to 26 pounds. I caught 33- and 35-inch stripers on a white, pink tipped Striper Gear Shaddy Daddy in the middle of a west ebb tide.”

Black sea bass continued to make their presence known, with anglers catching them with jigs off the bottom.

Tautog

Angler Greg Spier posted on the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers blog, “Seems like people are catching tautog almost everywhere in the bay and out in front (off Newport, Middletown, Jamestown and Narragansett).”

Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, said, “Tautog fishing in the Bay and out in front in the ocean has been outstanding. Anglers are catching 23” fish all the way up to India Point Park at the start of the Providence River. Anglers are catching keeper fish from Conimicut Point all the way down the Bay.” “Blackfish fishing has been red hot this week, with some really nice catches coming in. We have heard reports of fish weighing up to 9 pounds this week! That is the kind of fishing that gets everyone excited for this time of year. Now is a great time to get out and work the rocks, wrecks, and other structure,” said Declan O’Donnell of Breachway Bait & Tackle.

Freshwater

Freshwater fishing for both trout and largemouth bass has been good. Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle, said, “Most anglers continue to fish in saltwater but those fishing freshwater are doing well with trout in stocked ponds and with shiners targeting largemouth bass.”

Rhode Island and Massachusetts waterways have been stocked with trout. Regular Rhode Island stocking updates are available at www.dem.ri.gov/troutwaters. In Massachusetts visit Mass Wildlife at Trout stocking report | Mass.gov .

Dave Monti holds a master captain’s license and charter fishing license. He serves on a variety of boards and commissions and has a consulting business focusing on clean oceans, habitat preservation, conservation, renewable energy, and fisheries related issues and clients. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verizon.net  or visit www.noflukefishing.com .