Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries released a press release recently proposing a change of cod limits in state waters. The proposal is as follows:
Recreational Gulf of Maine Cod (322 CMR 6.03). MarineFisheries is proposing to the following regulations affecting the recreational catch of Gulf of Maine cod in waters under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth:
1. For-Hire Vessels
a. Minimum Size: Increase the recreational minimum size for Gulf of Maine cod from 19 inches to 21 inches.
b. Seasons and Trip Limits:
i. From April 15 through August 31, patrons aboard a for-hire vessel will be allowed to possess or land up to 9 cod per angler per day.
ii. From September 1 through April 14, patrons aboard a for-hire vessel will be prohibited from possessing or landing any cod.
2. Private Recreational Anglers
a. Minimum Size: Increase the recreational minimum size for Gulf of Maine cod from 19 inches to 21 inches.
b. Seasons and Trip Limits:
i. From April 15 through August 31, persons fishing as private recreational anglers will be allowed to possess and land up to 9 cod per calendar day.
ii. From September 1 through April 14, persons fishing as private recreational anglers will be allowed to possess and land up to 1 cod per calendar day.
A public hearing has been scheduled for 5PM on September 16th at the Division of Marine Fisheries Annisquam River Station, 30 Emerson Avenue in Gloucester.
For more information, view the entire press release here.
It,s bad enough that we have to pay to fish in the ocean and now the state wants to restrict the recreational fisherman even more by imposing ridiculously strict limits during the fall season when we all like to fish for cod. I never catch more than two or three cod anyway so why impose the restriction on the recreational fisherman when we are not the problem. I like fishing without government over restriction. Most boaters are out of the water by November so make your change from.November 1st not September 1st Thanks for this forum! I like to fish and don’t always have luck.
I’ve fished all over New England for over 60 years. All the regulations are putting the head boats out of business. I called today to book a trip on one of the Yankee Fleet boats and was told I couldn’t keep cod or haddock. This is crazy.It’s the best time to fish now that the water is getting colder. The Government is killing the fishing industry, yet they sell CRAP from all over the world without any kind of restrictions like they have in the United States. Most large boat fisherman can’t afford to leave the docks.They can’t make a living because of all the regulations. VOTE THEM ALL OUT and start over. SEMPER FI