Halibut Size Limits Coming???

[Sushihunter]

I heard a rumor the other night about new size limits on Halibut - limiting the catch to fish under 100 pounds. When I quizzed her about it, she said that everyone is talking about it.

Funny, never seen a word about it on here.

Personally, I think this is total BS, but thought I would throw it out just in case. Anyone heard anything?

Jim's Fishing Charters
www.JimsFishing.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/Sushihunter250

 

[scott craven]

I am surprised we haven't hit our TAC yet , and the season is still open. Maybe one per day is the answer

 

[jimbob]

New rules for the halibut derby?? Closest to 100 pounds without going over??

 

[wolf]

when we sat in on the afab meeting they really didnt want to do the size thing tooo much danger maybe governor can put a stop to all these rumors!!!
The time will come soon for them to close it im sure this is the government you know....


Wolf

 

[Enniberg]

They say that the weight of a halibut can be determined quite accurately by measuring it's length, but to get a accurate length measurement of a halibut close to 100 pounds must be extremely difficult without first subduing the fish to the point where it would already be too injured to survive if released???

www.cobbcanada.ca

 

[phnapa]

I agree with enniberg, this would be hard to police, perhaps a yearly limit like lingcod would be a better answer. Ive heard theese rumors but, dfo has nothing on this.

 

[Sushihunter]

quote:Originally posted by phnapa

I agree with enniberg, this would be hard to police, perhaps a yearly limit like lingcod would be a better answer. Ive heard theese rumors but, dfo has nothing on this.

Ya, I kinda figured that was the deal. My source was obviously poorly informed - if she was informed at all.

Thanks, everyone!

Jim's Fishing Charters
www.JimsFishing.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/Sushihunter250

 

[Tips Up]

I am pretty sure we won't see a size limit due to the safety issues involved. I think the idea got shot down at most meetings.

I am surprized they have not put a yearly limit on yet as all user groups have supported this. I think it has to do with the cost of redesigning licenses to add this.

While we are on the hali reg subject...
How has the 1 fish limit effected everyone?
Especially charters in Renfrew and other off shore fisheries?
Losing bookings due to this?
More clients wanting to stick to the beach?

I am OK with it here in Victoria waters because the fish are bigger and the grounds are closer. Not sure if I will bother heading out to Swiftsure for a chicken though.

Tips

 

[juandesooka]

Tips:

I suspect the interest in going offshore at Renfrew hasn't lessened much (for those going anyway), because the salmon fishing is so good on the Bank this year. The beach has been giving up a few springs, but the fishing is so much better for those willing to go the extra miles. So, I think the current Renfrew plan is to chase the great salmon fishing, pick up your one halibut while you're there...throw back the ping pong paddles until you get a decent size one.

However, for those specifically wanting halibut, especially charters with fewer people aboard, I bet there's a lot more boats anchoring closer to shore trying to find one big one.

I do think there's less people chartering boats this year in general...mostly due to the economy, but I'm sure lesser hali limit is a contributor too. Those in it just for the meat are reconsidering the value. While that's too bad, I think it might prompt a change for the better...refocusing on the fun and sport of fishing, with the meat a bonus, rather than the other way around. Tough transition in the lean years, but the long-term health of this kind of fishery is much better.
(seems to me this is what high end lodges in QCI have attempted to do, with encouraging throwing back the big salmon over 50...maybe big hali too?)

Hey sushihunter...sorry about thread hijack!

*************************
http://fishingportrenfrew.ca
http://fishingsooke.ca

 

[Deewar25]

I was told by sheas letter runner, that size restrictions were not being considered one bit...of course I'm sure this can change and they will give us a 32.5 to 41.7 lb slot limit next year!

 

[Sushihunter]

quote:Originally posted by juandesooka

Tips:

Hey sushihunter...sorry about thread hijack!

*************************
http://fishingportrenfrew.ca
http://fishingsooke.ca

Hey, no problem - the thread was pretty much done anyway.

Everyone that I've talked with has said their business was down this year - I've certainly not gotten the number of phone calls and emails that I usually get by this time.

The economy is the 800 pound gorilla in the room, but restricting Halibut to half what it use to be on a daily basis is also a big reason. After all, if money is tight and you can only go one day -is it worth it for one 20 pound Halibut? At least with a daily limit of 2 you can take your first 20 pounder and be selective with the second fish.

Now, you have to ask yourself: do I keep the 20 pounder or release it and hope to get something bigger later in the day? Tough call.

Or, do you do as I'm sure SOME will do - keep the 20 pounder and throw it back dead when you land the 60 pounder?

The other problem at Esperanza is the over 77 cm rule for inside the surf line. Forces everyone who wants big Chinook to run off-shore. That rule hurt us big time last year when the weather brought us nothing but gale force winds and rain for a couple of weeks.

Oh well - there's always next year...



Jim's Fishing Charters
www.JimsFishing.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/Sushihunter250

 

[the fog ducker]

Sushihunter ,were also with ya ,Size limits ?..ain't gonna happen , some are talking " TAC " allready , scary , I have seen the fewest Halibut on the tables in years , here in 123 , we talked about this earlier this season , people will " Not " be too motivated to head offshore for only one fish ,it's a fact now ,especially when our Salmon fishery has been so outstanding Inshore , sure would be nice to have a daily of 2 ( Chickens ) , possesion of 2, here in 123, Wishful , but... Selective ,ah , not a good idea , bonk your first 2 , get out , I'm ok with , No " catch and release "On Purpose " . Would also be nice to break up Halibut into zones or areas ,different peak times for different areas, Again , Wishfull...

 

[Sushihunter]

quote:Originally posted by The Fog Ducker

Sushihunter ,were also with ya ,Size limits ?..ain't gonna happen , some are talking " TAC " allready , scary , I have seen the fewest Halibut on the tables in years , here in 123 , we talked about this earlier this season , people will " Not " be too motivated to head offshore for only one fish ,it's a fact now ,especially when our Salmon fishery has been so outstanding Inshore , sure would be nice to have a daily of 2 ( Chickens ) , possesion of 2, here in 123, Wishful , but... Selective ,ah , not a good idea , bonk your first 2 , get out , I'm ok with , No " catch and release "On Purpose " . Would also be nice to break up Halibut into zones or areas ,different peak times for different areas, Again , Wishfull...

I've said it here before - many times, I'm sure...

Sportsfishermen (and guides) are too quick to give away what they have. Why on earth would we advocate for things like size limits, reduced catch limits, reduced seasons, yearly TAC's etc.????

If someone can tell me that Halibut are endangered, then fine - I'm willing to take whatever hit needed. The problem here is one of allocation. Halibut quotas were gifted to the commercial fleet and we got locked in at 12% of the TAC. End of story.

All that is needed is to split the TAC properly - how about equally? 50/50 to start and see where that goes! [}]




Jim's Fishing Charters
www.JimsFishing.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/Sushihunter250