Early Halibut Opening

[searun]

any idea when our season is going to kick off?

April 1 start, with 1 fish/day and only 1 in possession, max size is 102 cm. The annual limit remains unchanged at 10. There should be a Fishery Notice out soon.

A lot of analysis went into investigating the 1/1 option as a potential mechanism to allow as full of a season as possible. All our prior modelling did not investigate and develop 1/1 options, so this was entirely new and untested ground. FYI for those who have looked at prior versions of the model - the 1/1 options in the table were not actively connected with any data producing the same estimates as the 1/2 options...so essentially of no real benefit to making decisions. Topping that, the interests from the recreational community are extremely diverse. For example, no one wanted a really late season start, and conversely no one was looking for an early closure.

We dug through 2 years of iREC data (2023/24) to develop a detailed understanding of the sizes of halibut people actually retained, and developed an analysis of which size ranges were accounting for the recreational catch of halibut. No surprise that the majority of fish retained were less than 90cm - this aligns to all the IPHC and commercial catch data. The biomass has shifted substantially and is dominated by 2 younger/smaller age cohorts - so that's the size available for the fishery to catch. Accordingly, our modelling needed to be updated to reflect this shift in biomass.

These are difficult decisions to make, and the Halibut WG looked at the data to find a regulatory framework that best fit the widest possible interests of the recreational fishing community. Impossible to please everyone, especially when the aim is trying to find a compromise to the various and diverse interests.

Looking ahead to next season, if people wish to become engaged in the SFAB process to speak your mind and provide the Halibut WG with your thoughts as to what type of fishery choices best represent your interests, then I would suggest getting involved in your local SFAC committee and making sure this is an agenda item on your SFAC meeting so your group can develop input for the SFAB Halibut WG to consider.

Or find ways to get engaged and involved in the Halibut WG so you can replace old dogs like myself. We need new people with fresh ideas and perspectives willing to learn and help make the SFAB better.

 

[fishinforever]

Thanks for the reply,
And thank you for all of your time and efforts in the process

 

[SpringVelocity]

Who said I’m voting NDP or Liberal? Supporting someone doesn’t mean blind loyalty—it means pushing them to be better. Poilievre has been losing support lately, and his U.S.-style rhetoric is part of the problem. With growing anti-Trump and anti-U.S. sentiment in Canada, he needs to shift focus to real policy if he wants to win over more voters.

Sorry for the derail.

100% agree.

 

[JWS]

April 1 start, with 1 fish/day and only 1 in possession, max size is 102 cm. The annual limit remains unchanged at 10. There should be a Fishery Notice out soon.

A lot of analysis went into investigating the 1/1 option as a potential mechanism to allow as full of a season as possible. All our prior modelling did not investigate and develop 1/1 options, so this was entirely new and untested ground. FYI for those who have looked at prior versions of the model - the 1/1 options in the table were not actively connected with any data producing the same estimates as the 1/2 options...so essentially of no real benefit to making decisions. Topping that, the interests from the recreational community are extremely diverse. For example, no one wanted a really late season start, and conversely no one was looking for an early closure.

We dug through 2 years of iREC data (2023/24) to develop a detailed understanding of the sizes of halibut people actually retained, and developed an analysis of which size ranges were accounting for the recreational catch of halibut. No surprise that the majority of fish retained were less than 90cm - this aligns to all the IPHC and commercial catch data. The biomass has shifted substantially and is dominated by 2 younger/smaller age cohorts - so that's the size available for the fishery to catch. Accordingly, our modelling needed to be updated to reflect this shift in biomass.

These are difficult decisions to make, and the Halibut WG looked at the data to find a regulatory framework that best fit the widest possible interests of the recreational fishing community. Impossible to please everyone, especially when the aim is trying to find a compromise to the various and diverse interests.

Looking ahead to next season, if people wish to become engaged in the SFAB process to speak your mind and provide the Halibut WG with your thoughts as to what type of fishery choices best represent your interests, then I would suggest getting involved in your local SFAC committee and making sure this is an agenda item on your SFAC meeting so your group can develop input for the SFAB Halibut WG to consider.

Or find ways to get engaged and involved in the Halibut WG so you can replace old dogs like myself. We need new people with fresh ideas and perspectives willing to learn and help make the SFAB better.

Thank you for the update. Also, a big thank you to you, derby and anyone else that puts so much effort into this likely thankless task.

 

[Reel Time]

Slowly.... lower limits.... lower size.... I hope the kids today have opportunities later in life to fish and experience what we have. Seems we legislate recreation, the government in return provides free methadone for our suffering.

I do like having limits, gotta keep people honest. Although I do think we should have a trophy tag system, where you can purchase a specified number of tags for over slot size fish. That would be a win win. Those tags would need immediate attachment to the fish and become void thereafter. Hmm, thoughts.

 

[Bod]

Slowly.... lower limits.... lower size.... I hope the kids today have opportunities later in life to fish and experience what we have. Seems we legislate recreation, the government in return provides free methadone for our suffering.

I do like having limits, gotta keep people honest. Although I do think we should have a trophy tag system, where you can purchase a specified number of tags for over slot size fish. That would be a win win. Those tags would need immediate attachment to the fish and become void thereafter. Hmm, thoughts.

The system you want to see, has been in place for years. This just shows us that people don't read the reg's, don't have a clue what's going on, don't get involved, and then complain in the end. Our system isn't perfect, but it's what there is to work with. It usually doesn't give us the results we would like to see, but again it's the numbers the working groups have to deal with.

 

[trophywife]

Slowly.... lower limits.... lower size.... I hope the kids today have opportunities later in life to fish and experience what we have. Seems we legislate recreation, the government in return provides free methadone for our suffering.

I do like having limits, gotta keep people honest. Although I do think we should have a trophy tag system, where you can purchase a specified number of tags for over slot size fish. That would be a win win. Those tags would need immediate attachment to the fish and become void thereafter. Hmm, thoughts.

think about your ask as this a horrible system in my honest opinion. like Bod explained it is in place.
It divides sport fishers by economics and access.
We should be permanently gifted back quota,look at how much more our trickle down economy is.... just like the slipper skipper families should be treated. fish it , or lose it. We as a group have never had a problem fishing it.

 

[Samnjoe]

Anyone know how much quota the commercial guys leave in the water?

 

[wildmanyeah]

Anyone know how much quota the commercial guys leave in the water?

Maybe 5%? im not sure looks like the used up most of it last year

 

[Tips Up]

Any way to see how much quota was was leased by Rec Fishermen, lodges and guides under this stupid "Experimental" halibut program?
5% left in the water plus what ever was leased is what we need transferred to Rec side of the quota. IMO.

 

[SG2.0]

April 1 start, with 1 fish/day and only 1 in possession, max size is 102 cm. The annual limit remains unchanged at 10. There should be a Fishery Notice out soon.

A lot of analysis went into investigating the 1/1 option as a potential mechanism to allow as full of a season as possible. All our prior modelling did not investigate and develop 1/1 options, so this was entirely new and untested ground. FYI for those who have looked at prior versions of the model - the 1/1 options in the table were not actively connected with any data producing the same estimates as the 1/2 options...so essentially of no real benefit to making decisions. Topping that, the interests from the recreational community are extremely diverse. For example, no one wanted a really late season start, and conversely no one was looking for an early closure.

We dug through 2 years of iREC data (2023/24) to develop a detailed understanding of the sizes of halibut people actually retained, and developed an analysis of which size ranges were accounting for the recreational catch of halibut. No surprise that the majority of fish retained were less than 90cm - this aligns to all the IPHC and commercial catch data. The biomass has shifted substantially and is dominated by 2 younger/smaller age cohorts - so that's the size available for the fishery to catch. Accordingly, our modelling needed to be updated to reflect this shift in biomass.

These are difficult decisions to make, and the Halibut WG looked at the data to find a regulatory framework that best fit the widest possible interests of the recreational fishing community. Impossible to please everyone, especially when the aim is trying to find a compromise to the various and diverse interests.

Looking ahead to next season, if people wish to become engaged in the SFAB process to speak your mind and provide the Halibut WG with your thoughts as to what type of fishery choices best represent your interests, then I would suggest getting involved in your local SFAC committee and making sure this is an agenda item on your SFAC meeting so your group can develop input for the SFAB Halibut WG to consider.

Or find ways to get engaged and involved in the Halibut WG so you can replace old dogs like myself. We need new people with fresh ideas and perspectives willing to learn and help make the SFAB better.

Want to get involved on halibut WG but do not want to replace you or Deryk. Two of the good ones.

I do think these regs will have long term implications to tourism to BC…negative implications that were over looked. Plus I’ll bet nice chunk of TAC left in water. On Thursday will be putting forward a motion at north island sfac to have numbers for min size for decisions next year. (Wanted min size this year, realize risky but in times like these risks have to be taken and there would be savings. Just a question of how much).

 

[SG2.0]

Any way to see how much quota was was leased by Rec Fishermen, lodges and guides under this stupid "Experimental" halibut program?
5% left in the water plus what ever was leased is what we need transferred to Rec side of the quota. IMO.

Usually around 8000-10,000 lbs. iphc dfo report has it. In 2025 I will guarantee that will be around 30,000+ lbs. already talked to numerous guys who never used it who are this year otherwise will lose guests

 

[Eden Island]

I appreciate the efforts to maintain the season length - April 1 start is as good as usual over many years. I personally would rather see a higher max size [like the former 126 cm] and a lower annual limit [like 5 or 6] but I know there's been tons of analysis and its not possible to grant all wishes.

Our halibut tend to come in July, August and September and my wife and I might catch 4 to 6 between us. Most are small [8-15 lbs] but we have each caught them right up to 126 cm.

 

[trophywife]

Usually around 8000-10,000 lbs. iphc dfo report has it. In 2025 I will guarantee that will be around 30,000+ lbs. already talked to numerous guys who never used it who are this year otherwise will lose guests

this is what part of the problem is that lodges and guides are facing. literally forced into it and then the government can tell us how well it works. instead of buying in we as a group should up the fight and refuse to buy any.

 

[kaelc]

April 1 start, with 1 fish/day and only 1 in possession, max size is 102 cm. The annual limit remains unchanged at 10. There should be a Fishery Notice out soon.

A lot of analysis went into investigating the 1/1 option as a potential mechanism to allow as full of a season as possible. All our prior modelling did not investigate and develop 1/1 options, so this was entirely new and untested ground. FYI for those who have looked at prior versions of the model - the 1/1 options in the table were not actively connected with any data producing the same estimates as the 1/2 options...so essentially of no real benefit to making decisions. Topping that, the interests from the recreational community are extremely diverse. For example, no one wanted a really late season start, and conversely no one was looking for an early closure.

We dug through 2 years of iREC data (2023/24) to develop a detailed understanding of the sizes of halibut people actually retained, and developed an analysis of which size ranges were accounting for the recreational catch of halibut. No surprise that the majority of fish retained were less than 90cm - this aligns to all the IPHC and commercial catch data. The biomass has shifted substantially and is dominated by 2 younger/smaller age cohorts - so that's the size available for the fishery to catch. Accordingly, our modelling needed to be updated to reflect this shift in biomass.

These are difficult decisions to make, and the Halibut WG looked at the data to find a regulatory framework that best fit the widest possible interests of the recreational fishing community. Impossible to please everyone, especially when the aim is trying to find a compromise to the various and diverse interests.

Looking ahead to next season, if people wish to become engaged in the SFAB process to speak your mind and provide the Halibut WG with your thoughts as to what type of fishery choices best represent your interests, then I would suggest getting involved in your local SFAC committee and making sure this is an agenda item on your SFAC meeting so your group can develop input for the SFAB Halibut WG to consider.

Or find ways to get engaged and involved in the Halibut WG so you can replace old dogs like myself. We need new people with fresh ideas and perspectives willing to learn and help make the SFAB better.

Thank you and all the volunteers. Keeping 10 fish is a good way of holding the line. It's up to the rest of us armchair lobbiest to support you guys and provide pressure where directed on politicians.

 

[Loghauler]

this is what part of the problem is that lodges and guides are facing. literally forced into it and then the government can tell us how well it works. instead of buying in we as a group should up the fight and refuse to buy any.

I remember when I drove up to terrace bc to fish in the rivers of the area I couldn’t get a license in town as the provincial gov raised the price of licenses, tags and classified waters to double the year previous and the locals were protesting
One of the tackle stores caved and nothing was changed
I never went back
Lots will do the same if things continue to be restricted on the west coast as much as they are and the decline will get steeper as restrictions get tighter
I think the people who are involved are doing the best they can given the parameters they are given
governments need to set policies to succeed/grow the fishery not to just let special interest groups lobby and gain control to restrict the true sport fishermen
With all respect to guides and lodges and commies, people who drag a boat and support local town’s economy and only get a smaller portion of fish ( never filling their card ) should be represented and probably are
It’s like going hunting and having someone aim the gun for you clean your meat and pack it for you “not real hunting”
I get it guides need to feed families and everyone wants their share
Should be lots for everyone but doesn’t seem that way
More goes into it than I will know or want to know and thanks for all who get involved
After reading this whole thread it doesn’t seem like anything gets solved or pushed to a level that can accomplish positive change
I’m not saying I want more fish because I don’t need the food source but I like getting out and enjoying my time on the water catching a fish is a bonus
Maybe the time of people paying a professional fisherman to catch fish for them and limit out or they aren’t happy is part of the problem
I’ve often thought I’d like to take a lesson or two on how to fish and where to fish but I’ve persevered and paid for my own learning curve and is has cost way more than any charter or lodge does
But I wouldn’t have it any other way
People who pay for the privilege of having a guide are entitled to do so not everyone can do it for themselves
But I do think that it’s almost cheating to do everything for them then let them real it in and call it theirs when the guide did it all !
I here it time and again that fishing with friends and family is like a chore for guides because they do all the work
Just because somebody with big money can pay doesn’t make it right or fair and yes it still takes big money to buy a boat and gear and drag it out to fish but every fish I catch is mine !
Sorry if I offended anyone not my intention
We all need to get along and push governments to do better
I don’t know what the answer is and I don’t pretend to know but fighting over it will only exacerbate the problem
Time to find working solutions or it withers and dies like most other fisheries have.
Government is in “service” of people not “in charge of” The perspective is wrong and until change happens at that level
We get what we get

My two cents worth
Which equals half a spit lol

 

[Samnjoe]

Thank you and all the volunteers. Keeping 10 fish is a good way of holding the line. It's up to the rest of us armchair lobbiest to support you guys and provide pressure where directed on politicians.

10 fish per year only benefits guys who live on the island with very few exceptions.

 

[kaelc]

10 fish per year only benefits guys who live on the island with very few exceptions.

I didn’t see the 1 possession, that does suck for every islander as well. Few islander ever catch their 10 and most of us do not go Hali fishing two days in a row. Keeping it to 10 helps everyone. We have never seen a rebound from prawn limits being reduced or springs. Sure some guys go Hali fishing from home two days in a row but I haven’t since a Hali derby in 2018.

 

[wolf]

It’s like going hunting and having someone aim the gun for you clean your meat and pack it for you “not real hunting”
I get it guides need to feed families and everyone wants their share

BUT not everyone has a boat hence why its importnat to have a guide , BUT I will say these REGS have killed my long time clients that used to come here 10 years ago for 1 /2 they stopped coming as the value isnt there anymore , hard to ask a guy to come fly out then pay me (my fee) plane and hotel and restaurants for 1 fish especially now at maybe a 30 lber...

13 years ago they pushed for people to lease quotas and we fought hard to stop as the ONLY one who benifits is the slipper skipper that was
" GIFTED" this quota. the commercial sector always carrys over and alot doesnt get used.
ITS vey simple but it will never happen take away a bigger piece of pie from them , but good luck on that we should be thankful that jimmy allows us to have our 15% if we had 25% we would have no issue , pray for a conservative gov, just maybe we might see change...

 

[Loghauler]

BUT not everyone has a boat hence why its importnat to have a guide , BUT I will say these REGS have killed my long time clients that used to come here 10 years ago for 1 /2 they stopped coming as the value isnt there anymore , hard to ask a guy to come fly out then pay me (my fee) plane and hotel and restaurants for 1 fish especially now at maybe a 30 lber...

13 years ago they pushed for people to lease quotas and we fought hard to stop as the ONLY one who benifits is the slipper skipper that was
" GIFTED" this quota. the commercial sector always carrys over and alot doesnt get used.
ITS vey simple but it will never happen take away a bigger piece of pie from them , but good luck on that we should be thankful that jimmy allows us to have our 15% if we had 25% we would have no issue , pray for a conservative gov, just maybe we might see change...

My boating/fishing adventures would be much cheaper buy the pound for guided services, definitely and as stated everyone has the ( I guess “ rights “ would be the wrong word ) privilege to do it the way they see fit absolutely I agree Wolf
Hard for me to justify dragging my boat for fish it’s more the places and the experience
Fishing is the bonus