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Friday, March 30, 2012

Fly Fishing Learning Center

If you've ever thought about trying out fly fishing here's a free, low impact web based introduction to a sport that will bring you a lifetime of pleasure.  If you already fly fish, you already know that but this series is also designed for you too. The Chapters are laid out so you can pick and choose the skills and techniques that are important to you. If you're new to the game you'll want to start at the beginning and build on your learning at your own pace.

These guys have done an excellent job of not just teaching the "how" but they also show you the "why".  Check it out here: Fly Fishing Learning Center

Fly fishing isn't just about trout.  Sunfish to marlin are all within the reach of the fly rod!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council Appointments Announced

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the appointments of 23 individuals to the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council.  The panel was created in 1993 to advise the Secretary on significant recreational fishing, boating and conservation issues.

“With its vast experience and expertise in boating, fishing and conservation, the council will continue to play a vital role in achieving the goals of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative to foster a 21st century approach to conservation and outdoor recreation,” Salazar said. “Thanks to the council’s ongoing work, the nation is benefitting not only from more opportunities for outdoor recreation but also from the $3.6 billion in economic activity generated by fishing and boating, which supports 68,000 jobs across the nation.”

"In order to maintain the environmental, recreational and economic benefits aquatic resources provide to our nation and local communities, the Fish and Wildlife Service must increase its ability to deliver science-driven conservation at a watershed level," said Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. "The council's expertise and advice will continue to play a key role in helping us improve program delivery and enhance our work with partners and stakeholders to further our shared goal of the stewardship of these important resources."

The following individuals – whose terms begin immediately – have been appointed to serve on the Council for the upcoming two-year term:
  • James Adams – States Organization for Boating Access
  • John Arway – Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
  • Douglass Boyd – Coastal Conservation Association
  • Jeffrey Crane – Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
  • Thomas Dammrich – National Marine Manufacturers Association
  • Roy Elicker - Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • Frederick Harris – American Fisheries Society
  • Betty Huskins – Southeastern Tourism Policy Council
  • Scott Kovaravics – Izaak Walton League of America
  • Ryck Lydecker – Boat Owners Association of the United States
  • Eugene “Mac” McKeever III – L.L. Bean
  • Jerry McKinnis – Bass Anglers Sportsman Society
  • Michael Nussman – American Sportfishing Association
  • Geoffrey RattĂ© – FishingKids
  • John Sprague - Marine Industries Association of Florida
  • James Zorn – Great Lake Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission
Seven alternate Council appointments, who may attend meetings and vote when the primary member can't attend, were also announced.

The alternates are: Janine Belleque of the States Organization for Boating Access; Noreen Clough of Bass Anglers Sportsmans Society; Christopher Edmonston of the Boat Owners Association of the United States; Roger Fuhrman of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; Michael Grayum of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission; Gary Kania of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation; and Theodore Venker of the Coastal Conservation Association.

During its 19 year history, the Council’s advice and recommendations have played a major role in providing guidance to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on its fisheries program and improving the efficiency of grant programs delivered through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.

The Council played a leading role in the development of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, a groundbreaking, partnership-driven strategy to restore fisheries and aquatic habitat across the nation. It also continues to offer support and guidance to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, a non-profit organization it helped establish and whose mission is to increase the number of conservation-minded recreational anglers and boaters.

During 2012, the Council is expected to lend assistance to the Service’s fisheries program in updating and revising its strategic vision and plan.

The fisheries program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in association with state agencies and other conservation organizations, contributes $3.6 billion to the nation’s economy and supports 68,000 jobs across the country, according to a 2011 report released by the agency.

Monday, March 26, 2012

FREE Fly Fishing Clinics


Orvis Announces Spring 2012
FREE Fly Fishing 101 and 201 Clinics

Fly Fishing 101—Learn the basics; Fly Fishing 201—Chance to catch your first fish

Visit www.orvis.com/ff101 to register for a local class


From May through July, Orvis will offer free fly fishing lessons nationwide through Orvis retail stores and participating dealers (www.orvis.com/ff101). This season Orvis hopes to introduce even more outdoor lovers to the sport with Fly Fishing 101 and 201 beginning in May 2012. Classes are complimentary to the public and a great way for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors together. 

“The past two years' success of Fly Fishing 101 is truly amazing and encouraging,” explains Tom Rosenbauer, Marketing Director of The Orvis Company. “Based on the success of the program, we've been delighted to welcome many thousands of novice and advancing students to the joys of fly fishing through Fly Fishing 101 and 201. Our goal is to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to come learn more about the fascination of fly fishing. The classes are unique opportunities to enjoy a new sport and the success of the program speaks volumes to what folks are seeking in terms of healthy outdoor recreational activities for themselves and their families.”

Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) will be lending their support again this year with volunteers at the event and free memberships to their organization for attendees of the class.

Fly Fishing 101/201 Highlights -- The 101 course will consist of two parts—one hour of casting instruction and one hour of rigging. Most participants are true beginners so keeping the focus on learning these basic skills is the best place to start. FF201 classes are conducted on the water, with a lower instructor/student ratio. The main thrust of the 201 course is getting those interested in taking the next step in fly fishing on the water at a local location where they have a great chance at catching their first fish. Private water, local bass/bluegill ponds, or a recently stocked river or creek are typical class sites.

Once instruction is completed, each group attendee will receive a $25 coupon off any purchase of $50 or more and other coupons good toward Orvis gear. Additionally, each group attendee will receive a certificate for a FREE Trout Unlimited membership and a FREE membership to the Federation of Fly Fishers—a $70 value. The total free package value including the instruction is valued at over $150.

To get started in fly fishing and to make it more accessible to start in the sport, participants will also receive discounted offers on a fishing lanyard with tools and a beginner's rod outfit—all the basics needed to hit the water after the class.


Event Dates (exact times determined by store):
Fly Fishing 101
Saturday, May 5
Sunday, May 6
Saturday May 12
Sunday, May 13
Saturday, May 26
Sunday, May 27
Saturday, June 2
Sunday, June 3
Saturday, June 16
Sunday, June 17
Saturday, June 23
Sunday, June 24
Fly Fishing 201
Saturday, May 19
Sunday, May 20
Saturday, June 9
Sunday June 10
Sunday, July 1

About The Orvis Company
Founded in 1856, Orvis pioneered the mail order industry in the United States, operates more than 80 retail stores in the U.S. and the U.K. including its Flagship store in Manchester, VT; and maintains a network of over 400 dealers worldwide. Orvis donates five percent of pre-tax profits each year to protecting nature. You can read more about Orvis on their website at www.orvis.com.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Invasive bass threaten Miramichi River Atlantic salmon

Wild Atlantic salmon in New Brunswick's Miramichi River are now looking at a new threat in the form of an invasive species.  The culprit is the smallmouth bass, a popular sport fish that has made it's way into Miramichi Lake and is currently found in 68 other other lakes in the province.

So far, the smallmouth hasn't made it into the river and to help keep it that way Department of Fisheries and Oceans personnel have erected a mesh barrier to keep the fish from invading the river. Andrea Locke, a research scientist with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans said they also have a large-scale program to remove smallmouth bass from Miramichi Lake which so far has removed thousands of bass.

Mark Hambrook, president of the Miramichi Salmon Association says "this as the biggest threat to Atlantic salmon that we have encountered in a long time"

Hambrook said smallmouth bass most likely were introduced to the lake by people, a sentiment shared by Locke who agrees, adding that most of the introductions of smallmouth bass in New Brunswick have been illegal.

Hambrook said some fisheries organizations would like to see the government use a poison like Rotenone to kill all of the fish in Miramichi Lake, including the bass.

Hopefully the battle will be won in favor of the salmon and we won't see bass fishing tournaments on the Miramichi.

Trout Unlimited Issues First-Ever Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund grants

 Grants awarded by conservation group support land protection projects throughout Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Trout Unlimited issued its first-ever Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund grants to land trusts seeking to acquire land and conservation easements that protect native trout habitat in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The grants, totaling over $53,000, will fund projects to protect Eastern brook trout habitat. The funding comes from a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Five grants were awarded to organizations in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Grant recipients include the Finger Lakes Land Trust in New York, the Lancaster County Conservancy in Pennsylvania and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation.

The grants will pay for conservation easement and land transaction costs, including appraisals, boundary surveys and attorneys' fees.

"Trout Unlimited has long recognized the importance of private land conservation as a tool to protect coldwater fisheries," said Elizabeth Maclin, vice president for Eastern conservation at Trout Unlimited. "These grants allow us to put this philosophy into practice throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed where loss of native brook trout has been particularly severe" Maclin said.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust will use its grant for a 128-acre conservation easement project on the East Branch of Owego Creek near Richford, N.Y. The creek lies in a portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed designated as "best for protection" by the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, a collaboration of agencies and non-profits seeking to protect, restore and enhance brook trout populations throughout their historic range. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation holds public fishing rights on lands adjacent to the parcel and has expressed an interest in acquiring them on this parcel if successfully preserved by the Trust.

Three grants to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation totaling just over $29,000 will be used to acquire conservation easements on brook trout streams in Bath, Highland and Roanoke counties. One conservation easement will be acquired by the foundation on the upper Jackson River south of Monterey, Va.

The Lancaster County Conservancy will use its $12,000 grant toward the acquisition of land for a 75-acre publicly-accessible nature preserve in the Pequea Creek watershed in Martic Township.

Additional Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund grants are available for land and conservation easement projects in 2012. For more information about the next cycle of grants and to download the request for proposals, visit http://www.tu.org/easternlandprotection/chesapeake-bay-coldwater-land-conservancy-fund.

The Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund was established in 2010 to help Trout Unlimited achieve its strategic plan commitment to protect key watersheds and riparian areas on private lands. Land trusts or government agencies in need of funding to protect trout and salmon habitat through land or conservation easement acquisition may apply to Trout Unlimited for Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund support after first seeking the endorsement of a Trout Unlimited chapter or state council. Trout Unlimited intends to broaden the Fund’s geographic scope over time as it demonstrates success in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast with Tom Rosenbauer Hits 2 Million Download Mark


Anglers from Around the World Help Orvis Program the Web’s Most Popular Fly-Fishing Podcast

The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast, featuring well-known fly-fishing author Tom Rosenbauer, has hit the 2 million-download mark. Produced in Manchester VT since 2008 by Orvis, the podcast features a wide range of instructional information and fly-fishing tips for both the novice and the more seasoned angler. Topics range from Tips on Leaders to advice on Getting the Kids and Teens Interested in Fly Fishing. More than 120 podcasts are available for free at www.orvis.com/podcast and can also be found on iTunes. The show has iTunes’ highest-possible five-star rating.

The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast has evolved over the years, as a result of the feedback the show has received from the thousands of anglers who listen every day. Tom Rosenbauer says, “In 2008 we started with fifteen-minute segments on many of the basics. As our audience grew and provided feedback on what they wanted out of the show, we have added more segments and covered topics we could not have imagined without them. Some of our episodes now reach up to well over an hour. I never thought people would actually want to listen to me for that long, let alone for over 120 episodes, but we have a lot of fun doing this and I think our listeners pick up on that.” 

Those with questions they want answered about fly fishing, and would like to have Tom answer on the show, are encouraged to email The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast at podcast@orvis.com, post on Facebook.com/orvisflyfishing or on The Orvis Company’s blog at OrvisNews.com. 

About Orvis
Founded in 1856, Orvis pioneered the mail-order industry in the United States; operates more than 80 retail stores in the U.S. and the U.K., including its flagship store in Manchester, VT; and maintains a network of over 400 dealers worldwide. Orvis donates five percent of pre-tax profits each year to protecting nature. You can read more about Orvis on their website at www.orvis.com.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Hardwater Lakers

Check out this video of the seasons premier episode of Hook Shots.  Host Joe Cermele takes fly fisherman, Tim Romano on an ice fishing trip for jumbo lake trout.  They caught some huge lakers and documented it all on this video.  Check out the entire story here: http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/honest-angler/2012/03/new-hook-shots-colorado-lakers-through-ice


Thursday, March 15, 2012

Have a Pennsylvania fishing license? Save money on a Pirates game


The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) are teaming up this year to offer an exclusive discount to Pirates fans with fishing licenses.
 
“During the baseball season, 2012 fishing license holders are eligible to purchase discounted tickets and receive a free custom, limited-edition Pirates ball cap with each PNC Park game ticket,” said Ted Walke, chief of the PFBC’s division of outreach. “The offer is good for outfield box tickets on any day of baseball, with the exception of opening day and Saturday games.”
 
The Pirates will open their season at PNC Park on April 5. This special offer will begin on Sunday, April 8, when the Pirates take on the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1:35 p.m. game.
 
Each fan who takes advantage of the offer will receive an outfield box ticket and a limited-edition ball cap for only $21, a $3 discount. Each ticket is good for one high-quality, blue camouflage pattern cap made especially for the Fish and Boat Commission.
 
The promotional offer is good for advance ticket purchases only. Visit the Pirates web site at www.pirates.com for a seating chart. Fans can complete an order form on the PFBC website and mail it to the Pirates office or fax it to 412.325.4410. Phone orders cannot be accepted. The online form (with more details) can be found at: http://fishandboat.com/promo/2012events/pirates-mag-form.pdf.

NOAA authorizes states to remove sea lions that threaten protected salmon

NOAA Fisheries announced that they are authorizing Idaho, Oregon and Washington to permanently remove specific California sea lions have that eaten between one-and-a-half and four percent of returning adult salmon at the Columbia River's Bonneville Dam each year during the past eight years.

The majority of the fish eaten were spring Chinook or steelhead, and almost a third of the salmon and steelhead eaten by the sea lions are from stocks listed under the Endangered Species Act.

This authorization will allow the states to target only individual sea lions that continue to eat salmon after deterrence methods have proven unsuccessful. The states may euthanize individually identified California sea lions if no permanent holding facility, typically aquariums, for them can be found.

The current population of California sea lions is almost 300,000, and biologists estimate that more than 9,000 animals could be removed from that population through human-caused actions such as ship strikes or entanglement in fishing nets without harming the species. Typically about 430 California sea lions die from human-caused actions each year.

For several years, NOAA’s Fisheries Service and state, tribal and other federal agencies have tried a wide range methods to deter the sea lions from eating the salmon, including using firecrackers and rubber buckshot, to discourage the sea lions from foraging at the dam. These efforts have been largely unsuccessful.

This authorization is in respose to a request last summer from the three states to “lethally remove” predatory sea lions under a provision of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Good news for the endangered salmon and steelhead.  Not so good news for the non endangered, growing population of California sea lions.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Pennsylvania's New Web Page Lists Proposed Wild Trout Waters

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) has put up a new web page that lists the waters they propose for listing as wild trout water.

Dave Miko, chief of the PFBC’s Division of Fisheries Management explains, “The wild trout designation is a biological classification which indicates that a stream is producing and sustaining a natural trout population.” He adds, “It’s important because streams with this designation, and their associated wetlands, are entitled to greater regulatory protection.” 

The PFBC and cooperating partners have sampled the waters on the list and feel they meet all the criteria to come under their Class A wild trout stream designation.

Before these streams become officially listed the board of commissioners have to approve it.  On the top of their web page is a link for Streams Officially Proposed for Listing This is where you want to go to make your comments. Comments are accepted for 60 days from the date the proposal is posted.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

NOAA paying some Massachusetts anglers not to fish this year

NOAA Fisheries is trying to persuade 1,900 Massachusetts recreational anglers not to fish this season, well maybe bribe is a better word.

The reasoning behind this experiment is to try and measure the value of sport fishing to anglers.  The payoffs go from $15 to $500 per angler and for the cash they have to surrender their saltwater fishing permit.  Federal officials claim the results will help them measure the potential loss to anglers in the case of environmental disasters like oil spills and the like.

Anglers who have registered for a 2012 saltwater fishing permit are being randomly selected to receive either a check, an offer or a survey asking how much they'd be willing to pay for a permit.  The idea is to compare the scenarios and come up with a dollar value of what anglers are willing to pay to go fishing.

Scott Steinback is the NOAA economist who came up with the idea. He feels that the survey and its cost are likely to result in puzzlement, or worse. So the question becomes why is NOAA spending the $145,000 the survey is expected to cost? 

Remember these are the same folks who wasted money on a pleasure boat in the Pacific Northwest, see: http://crosscurrentfishing.blogspot.com/2012/02/noaa-fisheries-booze-cruising.html Is it just a coincidence that NOAA chose Massachusetts for this experiment, the state that the senator who blew the whistle on the pleasure boat fiasco represents.

Many recreational fisherman are skeptical that the survey will be used to increase permit fees, something that NOAA and Massachusetts denies. Others have stated that if it were offered to them they'd take the money and fish anyway.

Even if the governments intentions are indeed noble, to me this whole survey is flawed from the start.  NOAA should scrap the whole thing and save the $145,000. 


Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing TV Show Premiers Tonight on the World Fishing Network (WFN)

The first episode of the "Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing" airs tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern on the World Fishing Network (WFN):

World Fishing Network, North America's only 24-hour fishing lifestyle network, and The Orvis Company, North America's leading outdoor retailer since 1856, are teaming up to teach people all the essentials they need to start fly fishing. Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing, hosted by respected author and angler Tom Rosenbauer, kicks off a 13-consecutive week run on Tuesday, March 13, at 9:00 pm ET, teaching viewers the fundamentals of fly fishing for all species in all waters.

Friday, March 09, 2012

Fishing Permit Study Will Improve Economic Evaluation Tools, Better Characterize Worth of Massachusetts’ Recreational Fishery

An unusual social sciences study just getting underway in Massachusetts will measure the value of the recreational saltwater fishing experience by surveying those who actually go fishing or plan to go fishing in 2012.

Most economic studies of saltwater recreational fishing estimate the number of jobs and the amount of sales and income supported by the spending of saltwater recreational fishermen in the state, but have not included the value anglers themselves place on being able to go saltwater fishing.

“Being able to improve evaluation methods by comparing responses to real offers with responses to hypothetical offers will be a great benefit, and that’s what this study is intended to give us,” said Scott Steinback, the NOAA economist who designed the study. “Studies like this have been done to value other kinds of intangible benefits like recovering endangered species or valuing open space, but I think this is the first time it has been used to value the pleasure and satisfaction derived from recreational fishing,” he said.

The resulting data will thus allow researchers to validate and improve frequently used economic evaluation methods by gathering data from anglers themselves about the value they place on recreational fishing, a topic Steinback has studied for about 20 years.

Dan Ariely, a professor of behavioral economics at Duke University, called the recreational saltwater fishing permit survey a very interesting and important study that could benefit many other fields of research.

“For a long time, we have been doing studies asking people for their intuition, what they believe will happen. In this particular case, the study is going to contrast beliefs to actual decisions - actual decisions when the money is in front of you.  Hypothetical questions and how we respond to them is central to a lot of other questions,” Ariely said. “If we find that there are substantial biases between these approaches, it would be easy to conduct more hypothetical studies to get a sense for what would be the response if they saw it in front of them.”

The survey is being managed by Quantech, Inc, a statistical analysis and survey research firm, for NOAA Fisheries Service and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, which maintains the state’s recreational saltwater fishing permit registry. The state is providing a list of randomly selected recreational fishing permit holders who will be mailed the survey. Participation is voluntary and individual information is confidential.

NOAA Fisheries has allocated $145,000 to conduct the study, about $75,000 of which is set aside for cash incentives being offered to 500 of the 1,900 randomly selected permit holders to help determine the value people place on access to saltwater angling.

The survey involves three “treatments” or survey approaches. The first treatment, being mailed to 500 people, includes a written survey plus an actual check in an amount ranging between $15 and $500 that can be cashed in exchange for the recipient giving up their Massachusetts saltwater angling permit for the remainder of 2012.

The second treatment, being mailed to 700 anglers, includes a survey with hypothetical cash incentives offered in the same varying amounts as those offered in the first treatment but without an actual check in that amount enclosed. The third treatment, being mailed to 700 people, includes the same survey but asks the recipient what amount they would be willing to pay; the amounts to choose from are the same as those in the other treatments.

The first surveys were mailed February 23, 2012 and will continue monthly through May. Those receiving the survey are notified in advance of the initial mailing to explain the importance of the study, why it is being conducted, and who is conducting it.

Those who receive checks can cash them at any time during a specified time period, approximately 45 days after they receive the check, but in return are asked to give back their 2012 permit. Mailings remind recipients to think carefully before responding.

Steinback and other NOAA economists will compare the rates of acceptance between the real and the hypothetical offers to evaluate differences between the approaches and to, ultimately, calculate the total dollar value anglers place on recreational fishing in Massachusetts waters.

Steinback says the focus of the study is about measuring the value of recreational fishing in Massachusetts, and not about an attempt to raise fishing permit fees or prohibit people from enjoying the recreational saltwater fishing experience.

“I understand if there are some questions and concerns because this kind of survey has not been done before, but it is not about taking anything away. Rather, I see it as a way to provide a monetary estimate of ‘angler satisfaction’,” he said. “Recreational anglers spend a lot of money to enjoy their passion, and this study will allow us to place a value on the level of satisfaction anglers receive, above and beyond their out of pocket costs. It is a return on investment for everyone:  we want to provide the best possible information to enable them to continue to do so.”

“I am a big fan of the endowment effect: once people own something they think about it very differently,” said Ariely, who also serves as a visiting professor at MIT’s Program in Media Arts and Sciences.  “The fact that government agencies are collaborating and doing some experiments or studies like this permit survey rather than relying on intuition or hypothetical responses is a positive thing.” 

How to Remove a Fish Hook

This short video from the guys at GinkandGasoline.com go through extreme means to show you how to easily remove a hook imbedded in flesh.


Friday, March 02, 2012

Weigh your fish with a tape measure

Who weighs more, a 23 inch brown trout or a 23 inch walleye?

Well, according to a table of fish length vs. weight put out by the New York Department of Environmental Protection, the scales are tipped in favor of the brown trout who comes in at 4 lbs 12 oz. while a walleye is a light weight at 4lbs 1 oz.  As you'd expect, largemouth bass are the husky guys weighing in at 7 lbs 5 oz. at the same 23 inch length.

The scale was devised by using average weights of fish sampled across NY so you can expect local variations.  I wonder if anyone fishes where the skinny fish live?

Anyway, below are the tables that will let you give it your best guesstaweight prior to releasing your catch.

Bass and Trout

Length Smallmouth
Bass
Largemouth
Bass
Brook
Trout
Rainbow
Trout
Brown
Trout
Lake
Trout
Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight
9"





9.5"





10" 8 oz. 8 oz. 6 oz.


10.5" 9 oz. 9 oz. 7 oz.


11" 10 oz. 11 oz. 8 oz.


11.5" 11 oz. 12 oz. 10 oz.


12" 13 oz. 14 oz. 11 oz. 10 oz. 10 oz.
12.5" 15 oz. 1 lb. 0 oz. 12 oz. 11 oz. 12 oz.
13" 1 lb. 1 oz. 1 lb. 2 oz. 14 oz. 12 oz. 13 oz.
13.5" 1 lb. 3 oz. 1 lb. 5 oz. 1 lb. 0 oz. 14 oz. 15 oz.
14" 1 lb. 5 oz. 1 lb. 7 oz. 1 lb. 2 oz. 1 lb. 0 oz. 1 lb. 1 oz.
14.5" 1 lb. 7 oz. 1 lb. 10 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 1 oz. 1 lb. 3 oz.
15" 1 lb. 10 oz. 1 lb. 13 oz. 1 lb. 6 oz. 1 lb. 3 oz. 1 lb. 5 oz. 1 lb. 0 oz.
15.5" 1 lb. 12 oz. 2 lb. 0 oz. 1 lb. 8 oz. 1 lb. 5 oz. 1 lb. 7 oz. 1 lb. 2 oz.
16" 1 lb. 15 oz. 2 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 11 oz. 1 lb. 7 oz. 1 lb. 9 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz.
16.5" 2 lb. 2 oz. 2 lb. 8 oz. 1 lb. 14 oz. 1 lb. 10 oz. 1 lb. 12 oz. 1 lb. 6 oz.
17" 2 lb. 6 oz. 2 lb. 12 oz. 2 lb. 0 oz. 1 lb. 12 oz. 1 lb. 14 oz. 1 lb. 8 oz.
17.5" 2 lb. 9 oz. 3 lb. 0 oz. 2 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 15 oz. 2 lb. 1 oz. 1 lb. 11 oz.
18" 2 lb. 13 oz. 3 lb. 5 oz. 2 lb. 7 oz. 2 lb. 1 oz. 2 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 13 oz.
18.5 3 lb. 1 oz. 3 lb. 10 oz. 2 lb. 10 oz. 2 lb. 4 oz. 2 lb. 7 oz. 2 lb. 0 oz.
19 3 lb. 5 oz. 3 lb. 15 oz. 2 lb. 14 oz. 2 lb. 7 oz. 2 lb. 11 oz. 2 lb. 3 oz.
19.5 3 lb. 9 oz. 4 lb. 4 oz. 3 lb. 2 oz. 2 lb. 11 oz. 2 lb. 14 oz. 2 lb. 6 oz.
20 3 lb. 14 oz. 4 lb. 10 oz. 3 lb. 6 oz. 2 lb. 14 oz. 3 lb. 2 oz. 2 lb. 9 oz.
20.5 4 lb. 3 oz. 5 lb. 1 oz. 3 lb. 10 oz. 3 lb. 2 oz. 3 lb. 6 oz. 2 lb. 12 oz.
21 4 lb. 8 oz. 5 lb. 7 oz. 3 lb. 15 oz. 3 lb. 5 oz. 3 lb. 10 oz. 3 lb. 0 oz.
21.5 4 lb. 13 oz. 5 lb. 14 oz. 4 lb. 3 oz. 3 lb. 9 oz. 3 lb. 14 oz. 3 lb. 4 oz.
22 5 lb. 3 oz. 6 lb. 6 oz. 4 lb. 8 oz. 3 lb. 13 oz. 4 lb. 3 oz. 3 lb. 8 oz.
22.5 5 lb. 8 oz. 6 lb. 13 oz. 4 lb. 13 oz. 4 lb. 2 oz. 4 lb. 8 oz. 3 lb. 12 oz.
23 5 lb. 15 oz. 7 lb. 5 oz. 5 lb. 3 oz. 4 lb. 6 oz. 4 lb. 12 oz. 4 lb. 0 oz.
23.5 6 lb. 5 oz. 7 lb. 14 oz. 5 lb. 9 oz. 4 lb. 11 oz. 5 lb. 2 oz. 4 lb. 5 oz.
24 6 lb. 12 oz. 8 lb. 7 oz. 5 lb. 15 oz. 5 lb. 0 oz. 5 lb. 7 oz. 4 lb. 9 oz.
24.5 7 lb. 3 oz. 9 lb. 0 oz. 6 lb. 5 oz. 5 lb. 5 oz. 5 lb. 13 oz. 4 lb. 15 oz.
25 7 lb. 10 oz. 9 lb. 10 oz. 6 lb. 12 oz. 5 lb. 11 oz. 6 lb. 3 oz. 5 lb. 4 oz.
25.5


6 lb. 0 oz. 6 lb. 9 oz. 5 lb. 9 oz.
26


6 lb. 6 oz. 6 lb. 15 oz. 5 lb. 15 oz.
26.5


6 lb. 12 oz. 7 lb. 6 oz. 6 lb. 5 oz.
27


7 lb. 2 oz. 7 lb. 13 oz. 6 lb. 11 oz.
27.5


7 lb. 9 oz. 8 lb. 4 oz. 7 lb. 2 oz.
28


8 lb. 0 oz. 8 lb. 12 oz. 7 lb. 8 oz.
28.5


8 lb. 7 oz. 9 lb. 3 oz. 7 lb. 15 oz.
29


8 lb. 14 oz. 9 lb. 11 oz. 8 lb. 7 oz.
29.5


9 lb. 6 oz. 10 lb. 4 oz. 8 lb. 14 oz.
30


9 lb. 14 oz. 10 lb. 12 oz. 9 lb. 6 oz.
30.5


10 lb. 6 oz. 11 lb. 5 oz. 9 lb. 14 oz.
31


10 lb. 14 oz. 11 lb. 15 oz. 10 lb. 7 oz.
31.5


11 lb. 7 oz. 12 lb. 8 oz. 10 lb. 15 oz.
32


12 lb. 0 oz. 13 lb. 2 oz. 11 lb. 8 oz.
32.5


12 lb. 9 oz. 13 lb. 12 oz. 12 lb. 2 oz.
33


13 lb. 3 oz. 14 lb. 7 oz. 12 lb. 11 oz.
33.5


13 lb. 12 oz. 15 lb. 2 oz. 13 lb. 5 oz.
34


14 lb. 7 oz. 15 lb. 13 oz. 14 lb. 0 oz.
34.5


15 lb. 1 oz. 16 lb. 8 oz. 14 lb. 10 oz.
35


15 lb. 12 oz. 17 lb. 4 oz. 15 lb. 5 oz.
35.5



18 lb. 0 oz. 16 lb. 1 oz.
36



18 lb. 3 oz. 16 lb. 12 oz.
36.5



19 lb. 10 oz. 17 lb. 8 oz
37



20 lb. 7 oz. 18 lb. 5 oz.
37.5



21 lb. oz. 19 lb. 2 oz.
38



22 lb. 3 oz. 19 lb. 15 oz.
38.5



23 lb. 2 oz. 20 lb. 13 oz.
39



24 lb. 0 oz. 21 lb. 11 oz.
39.5



25 lb. 0 oz. 22 lb. 9 oz.
40



25 lb. 15 oz. 23 lb. 8 oz.
40.5




24 lb. 7 oz.
41




25 lb. 7 oz.
41.5




26 lb. 7 oz.
42




27 lb. 7 oz.

Pike and Walleye

Length Walleye Chain Pickerel Northern Pike Tiger Muskellunge Muskellunge
Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight
15" 1 lb. 1 oz. 11 oz.


16" 1 lb. 4 oz. 14 oz.


17" 1 lb. 9 oz. 1 lb. 1 oz.


18" 1 lb. 14 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz.


19" 2 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 8 oz. 1 lb. 7 oz.

20" 2 lbs. 10 oz. 1 lb. 12 oz. 1 lb. 11 oz.

21" 3 lb. 1 oz. 2 lb. 1 oz. 1 lb. 5 oz.

22" 3 lb. 9 oz. 2 lb. 6 oz. 2 lb. 4 oz.

23" 4 lb. 1 oz. 2 lb. 12 oz. 2 lb. 9 oz.

24" 4 lb. 11 oz. 3 lb. 3 oz. 2 lb. 15 oz.

25" 5 lb. 5 oz. 3 lb. 10 oz. 3 lb. 5 oz.

26" 6 lb. 0 oz. 4 lb. 1 oz. 3 lb. 11 oz.

27" 6 lb. 12 oz. 5 lb. 3 oz. 4 lb. 2 oz.

28" 7 lb. 10 oz. 5 lb. 12 oz. 4 lb. 9 oz.

29" 8 lb. 9 oz. 6 lb. 7 oz. 5 lb. 1 oz.

30" 9 lb. 8 oz. 7 lb. 2 oz. 5 lb. 10 oz. 6 lb. 5 oz. 7 lb. 4 oz.
31" 10 lb. 8 oz. 7 lb. 14 oz. 6 lb. 3 oz. 7 lb. 1 oz. 8 lb. 1 oz.
32" 11 lb. 13 oz.
6 lb. 13 oz. 7 lb. 13 oz. 8 lb. 15 oz.
33" 12 lb. 13 oz.
7 lb. 7 oz. 8 lb. 10 oz. 9 lb. 15 oz.
34" 14 lb. 1 oz.
8 lb. 2 oz. 9 lb. 8 oz. 11 lb. 0 oz.
35" 15 lb. 7 oz.
8 lb. 13 oz. 10 lb. 8 oz. 12 lb. 1 oz.
36"

9 lb. 10 oz. 11 lb. 8 oz. 13 lb. 4 oz.
37"

10 lb. 6 oz. 12 lb. 9 oz. 14 lb. 8 oz.
38"

11 lb. 4 oz. 13 lb. 11 oz. 15 lb. 14 oz.
39"

12 lb. 2 oz. 14 lb. 15 oz. 17 lb. 5 oz.
40"

13 lb. 1 oz. 16 lb. 3 oz. 18 lb. 13 oz.
41"

14 lb. 1 oz. 17 lb. 9 oz. 20 lb. 7 oz.
42"

15 lb. 2 oz. 19 lb. 0 oz. 22 lb. 2 oz.
43"

16 lb. 3 oz. 20 lb. 9 oz. 23 lb. 15 oz.
44"

17 lb. 5 oz. 22 lb. 2 oz. 25 lb. 14 oz.
45"

18 lb. 8 oz. 23 lb. 13 oz. 27 lb. 14 oz.
46"

19 lb. 12 oz. 25 lb. 10 oz. 30 lb. 0 oz.
47"

21 lb. 1 oz. 27 lb. 8 oz. 32 lb. 3 oz.
48"

21 lb. 6 oz. 29 lb. 7 oz. 34 lb. 8 oz.
49"

23 lb. 12 oz. 31 lb. 8 oz. 37 lb. 0 oz.
50"

25 lb. 4 oz. 33 lb. 10 oz. 39 lb. 9 oz.
51"

26 lb. 12 oz. 35 lb. 14 oz. 42 lb. 4 oz.
52"

28 lb. 5 oz. 38 lb. 4 oz. 45 lb. 1 oz.
53"

29 lb. 15 oz. 40 lb. 11 oz. 48 lb. 0 oz.
54"

31 lb. 10 oz. 43 lb. 4 oz. 51 lb. 1 oz.

Panfish

Length Bluegill Rock
Bass
Black
Crappie
Yellow
Perch
Brown
Bullhead
Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight
7" 4 oz. 4 oz.


7.5" 5 oz. 5 oz.


8" 7 oz. 6 oz. 4 oz. 3 oz.
8.5" 8 oz. 7 oz. 6 oz. 4 oz.
9" 10 oz. 8 oz. 7 oz. 5 oz.
9.5" 12 oz. 10 oz. 8 oz. 6 oz.
10" 14 oz. 12 oz. 9 oz. 7 oz.
10.5" 1 lb. 1 oz. 14 oz. 11 oz. 8 oz. 9 oz.
11" 1 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 0 oz. 13 oz. 9 oz. 10 oz.
11.5" 1 lb. 7 oz. 1 lb. 2 oz. 15 oz. 11 oz. 12 oz.
12" 1 lb. 10 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 1 oz. 12 oz. 14 oz.
12.5" 1 lb. 14 oz. 1 lb. 7 oz. 1 lb. 3 oz. 14 oz. 1 lb. 0 oz.
13" 2 lb. 3 oz. 1 lb. 10 oz. 1 lb. 6 oz. 1 lb. 0 oz. 1 lb. 2 oz.
13.5" 2 lb. 7 oz. 1 lb. 13 oz. 1 lb. 9 oz. 1 lb. 2 oz. 1 lb. 4 oz.
14" 2 lb. 12 oz. 2 lb. 1 oz. 1 lb. 12 oz. 1 lb. 5 oz. 1 lb. 6 oz.
14.5"
2 lb. 4 oz. 1 lb. 15 oz. 1 lb. 7 oz. 1 lb. 9 oz.
15"
2 lb. 8 oz. 2 lb. 3 oz. 1 lb. 10 oz. 1 lb. 12 oz.
15.5"

2 lb. 6 oz. 1 lb. 13 oz. 1 lb. 15 oz.
16"

2 lb. 11 oz. 2 lb. 0 oz. 2 lb. 2 oz.
16.5"

2 lb. 15 oz. 2 lb. 3 oz. 2 lb. 6 oz.
17"

3 lb. 4 oz. 2 lb. 7 oz. 2 lb. 9 oz.
17.5"

3 lb. 9 oz. 2 lb. 11 oz. 2 lb. 13 oz.
18"

3 lb. 14 oz. 2 lb. 15 oz. 3 lb. 2 oz.
18.5"



3 lb. 6 oz.
19"



3 lb. 11 oz.
19.5"




20"




Seven New Committee Members Appointed to Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee

The Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee, or MAFAC, advises the Secretary of Commerce on all living marine resource matters that are the responsibility of the Department of Commerce. The committee members draw on their expertise to evaluate and recommend priorities and needed changes in national programs and policies, including the periodic re-authorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. 

The Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee is part of NOAA and works to ensure the nation’s marine policies and programs meet the needs of fishing, environmental, academic, state, tribal, consumer, and other related stakeholders.

The addition of these seven members brings the committee to its full compliment of 21 members.

The new members are: 

Julie Bonney, Kodiak, Alaska: Ms. Bonney is the Owner and Executive Director of Alaska Groundfish Data Bank, a consulting, research, management and public relations firm specializing in fisheries and related issues. Her current and past appointments include membership on three North Pacific Fishery Management Council committees, the Kodiak Fishery Advisory Committee, and University of Alaska Fishery Industry Technology Center Review Committee. She is a board member of the Alaska Sea Life Center, Marine Conservation Alliance, and the Alliance’s Foundation. 


Richen (Dick) M. Brame, Wilmington, North Carolina: Mr. Brame is the Atlantic States Fisheries Director of the Coastal Conservation Association and member of the MAFAC Recreational Fishing Working Group. Prior affiliations are with the Izaak Walton League, North Carolina Wildlife Federation, Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, and Pennsylvania Wildlife Federation. 


Michele Longo Eder, Newport, Oregon: Ms. Eder is an attorney who has been practicing law in Oregon coastal communities for over 25 years. She is also the owner/principal of commercial fish harvesting and seafood businesses. Her current and past appointments include a Presidential appointment to the U.S. Arctic Research Commission and an appointment to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee. She is also a member of the North Pacific Research Board, the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, and several committees under the Pacific Fishery Management Council. 

Elizabeth (Liz) Hamilton, Oregon City, Oregon: Ms. Hamilton is the founding Executive Director of the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association, a trade organization of over 300 sportfishing-related businesses. Her current and prior work includes membership on State of Oregon, Governor-appointed salmon recovery and forestry-related boards. She is also the State  of Oregon’s advisor to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, and a member of several committees under the Pacific Fishery Management Council. 


Micah McCarty, Neah Bay, Washington: Mr. McCarty is Chairman of the Makah Tribal Council and a Treaty fisherman, tribal artist, and activist. He is also a Makah Whaling Commissioner, an appointed member of the Governance Coordinating Committee to the National Ocean Council, and a member of a number of regional bodies, including the Intergovernmental Policy Council. Mr. McCarty also testifies regularly before the State of Washington, Federal Government Commissions and Senate and House Congressional Committees. 


Robert Rheault, Wakefield, Rhode Island: Dr. Rheault is the Executive Director of East Coast Shellfish Growers Association. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Rhode Island Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Veterinary Services and holds leadership positions in the National Shellfisheries Association and in the Ocean State Aquaculture Association. 


Pamela Yochem, San Diego, California: Dr. Yochem is the Senior Scientist and Executive Vice President of the Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute. She is affiliated faculty at the Wildlife Health Center at the University of California, Davis and an adjunct professor of biology at the University of San Diego. Her current work includes membership on the Advisory Board and Scientific Advisory Committee for California’s Oiled Wildlife Care Network.

MAFAC, is the only federal advisory panel charged with making recommendations to NOAA and the Secretary of Commerce on the department’s living marine resource responsibilities. MAFAC members represent commercial and recreational fisheries interests, environmental organizations, academic institutions, tribes, and consumer groups from a balance of U.S. geographical regions.

Established in 1971, MAFAC consists of 15 to 21 individuals who are selected through a comprehensive public recruitment process. Member terms are three years, and members may serve two consecutive terms. MAFAC meets twice a year with supplementary subcommittee meetings as determined necessary by the chair.

Thursday, March 01, 2012

Quebec reports Gaspé Atlantic Salmon Returns Were Up 21% in 2011

The Quebec Government just came out with a report that shows Atlantic salmon returns for the GaspĂ© region were up a remarkable 21% in 2011.  There's even more good news reported; the average number of returning fish from 2006 to 2010 was also up by an astounding 49%!

“This is encouraging news,” said Bill Taylor, President of the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) “and confirms the anecdotal reports from anglers that resounded throughout the season last year.  Quebec is the first province to report, and we expect similar information from regions throughout eastern Canada.”

More fish returning also means better spawning success and  last season the estimated number of salmon on the spawning grounds of the GaspĂ© rivers actually exceeded the minimum recruitment numbers for all the salmon rivers on the GaspĂ© Peninsula.