Halibut Season’s will be Severely Cut This Year

Byrobtobeck

WDFW is proposing some changes to the halibut seasons for 2010. These proposals are preliminary until approved by NMFS. They are as follows:

  • Marine Area 5: May 28-June 19, open three days per week.  The fishery will be open Memorial Day weekend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Starting May 31st the fishery will be open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
  • Marine Area 6, 7, and 9:  May 1- May 30, open three days a week.  The fishery will be open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on Memorial Day weekend.
  • The fishery in marine Area 8, 10, 11, and 13 will be closed to protect rockfish stocks.  Area 12 is closed due to poor oxygen conditions.

At first glance, this is another prime example of the state taking away access.  According to a new rule, you will not be able to transport any caught halibut through a closed area, so if you planned on launching in Everett and running to area 9, you are screwed!!  This would also apply to those that keep boats at a marina in area 10, 11, 12, and 13. I guess you people with big boats should not be able to fish for halibut.

Also, I have been warning on the show for months that the state will use rockfish as a means to manage and restrict access to other fish. I didn't think that it would happen this fast but guess what, it did.  This is an absolute sham and another example of radical people trying to keep you from enjoying your favorite past time.

Make sure that you comment on this blog ASAP. I want your input so that I can make it known to them at our meeting tomorrow. Better yet, if you can be at the WDFW office tomorrow ,February 17th, from 3-7 you can make a comment yourself.

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