Area G Opening

IronNoggin

Well-Known Member
Back at it again as of Sunday...

AREA G WCVI CHINOOK FISHERY

Troll opens 00:01 hours Sunday August 1, 2010 until further notice in the following portions of Statistical Areas:

- 5 nautical miles seaward of the surf line in Areas 124, 125, 126-1, 126-2, 126-3 and in Area 123 only in Troll Zones 1, 11, 12, 15a and 16 and,

- 2 nautical miles seaward of the surf line in Areas 126-4 and 127.

This fishery is a plug fishery only. No person shall fish in a directed Chinook fishery by means of trolling with any gear other than plugs equipped with one single, barbless hook. The plug size shall be no smaller than 6 inches (15.2 cm) as measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail of the plug (excluding the hook).

The target species is Chinook, incidental catch of chum and pink may be retained. Sockeye, Coho and steelhead may not be retained. The minimum size limit for Chinook is 55 cm fork length (head on), and 44 cm (head off).

This fishery will also require observer coverage. Fishers able to accommodate an observer please contact Karin Mathias at 250-756-7290 or email at: Karin.Mathias@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Variation Order No. 2010-G-TR-WCVI-06.


The harvest level for this period is limited to approx. 10,000 Chinook. Coho and Chinook sub-legal by-catch releases will be monitored and the fishery will be shaped to avoid areas of high encounters. This fishery could close on short notice based on catch information, the number of vessels operating or poor compliance with catch reporting requirements.

It is recommended that fishers make arrangements for ice as soon as possible, as there are ice shortages throughout the WCVI.

Trolling is specifically not permitted in the Rockfish Conservation Areas. These closures are listed at the website address http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish/Restricted_Areas/Rockfish_Maps_2004/default_e.htm or can be accessed at DFO district offices.

Fishers and industry are reminded that sampling for coded wire tags from landed Chinook is essential. In order to facilitate sampling, fishers are asked to call J.O. Thomas and Associates 24 hours in advance toll-free at 1-866-638-6301 before they land their catch with the following information:

- Landing location.
- Estimated date and time of landing.
- Processor/company.
- Area(s) fished.
- Number of Chinook onboard.

Note that calls to this number between Monday and Friday during office hours (08:00 - 16:00) will be answered in person. Calls made after office hours and on weekends will be directed to a voicemail box where this information can be left.

Reporting requirements are a legal obligation as a condition of licence. Fishers must consult their licence to ensure that they are in compliance with legal catch reporting requirements.

The fishery may also close on short notice if appears the harvest level will be attained, or if:

1. Vessel masters do not follow catch reporting requirements.
2. Vessel masters refuse to take an observer on board when requested to do.
3. Coho encounter rates are excessive.

Daily catch reporting does not replace the requirement to purchase and enter catch information in a logbook. Note that there is a requirement to report both the catch retained as well as by-catch released.

Freezer vessels are required to retain ALL heads from chinook and coho salmon caught and retained. These heads must be delivered at the time of off-loading of the salmon catch and be made available for examination by representatives of the Department. Contact J.O. Thomas and Associates Ltd. at 1-866-638-6301 between 08:00 hours and 16:00 hours for instructions relating to these heads.

As an alternative to retaining the whole head from retained Chinook and coho, fishers can opt to keep the upper jaw and head, from the tip of the nose back to 1 cm behind the eye. These "snouts" must be cut from the top of the head, with the cut travelling one centimetre posterior (behind) the eye, to the back corner of the mouth. There is no need to retain the lower jaws or gill plates.


Notices concerning potential short notice closures, fishery extensions, or boundary amendments will be released via Tofino Coast Guard radio. Information and updates concerning this fishery are available by phoning 250-754-0281.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Terry Palfrey 250-756-7158
......................................

Given the lack of tuna water our side of the line, there will likely be a strong showing as far as boat numbers go. Suspect with the target being but 10,000 for the entire Coast of the Island, the show won't last more than 2 days...

Cheers,
Nog
 
quote:Originally posted by kelly

Nog in your opinion how much does this realistically effect sports fishing in the area?Curious as I will be out aug 4th.

It will have some effect Kelly, but not nearly as drastic as some might have you believe. The effort will be spread right from Bamfield and all the way up the Island nearing Hardy. Given that wide a footprint, and the low harvest rate, I don't expect there will too much of a decline in our local waters. There are a LOT of springs out there right now, 10K isn't going to be too significant a hit. In fact, I am booked for guiding again commencing on the 4th myself.

This is the optimal time of year for this opening to occur. larger fish, but few coho as of yet, and it shouldn't take long at all to mop up the number. For those that think this is somehow an imposition of sorts on the recreational sector, you simply have to put it in perspective. The Recreational Sector's harvests will again this year greatly surpass the those of this particular fleet.

Given the size we've been seeing of late out there, methinks we will be seeing the odd Biggie! I'll drag along the camera... Just in case... [}:)]

Cheers,
Nog
 
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[}:)]
 
Hmmmmmm, nice job Nog. I heard they shut her down for lack of fish..........

SS

seaswirlstiper.jpg
 
quote:Originally posted by Striper Sniper

I heard they shut her down for lack of fish..........

LOL! Hardly! And still lots about! yesterday was a Reel Hoot out on the sport rig!! ;)

Cheers,
Nog
 
No doubt those fish will end up in some fine 5 star restaurants in the US or Japan. Prime fish like that deserve to be sold at a premium.
 
Some great looking fish there Nog and some big Hatch jobs I see.
Great pics.
What would you estimate some of the larger ones to be? (lbs)

Thanks
Tips
 
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