joeman79
2011-10-22 02:56:52
I am really green so don't make to much fun of me. I fished on a Troller last summer for a month and loved it. My question is there were a couple times I wanted to fish with a Rod and Reel while we anchored to try and catch a Halibut or Bass. I had a Crewman's License, that would not cover sport fishing would it? Also if we only had a Salmon Troll Permit would I have been breaking the law by having a Halibut in the cooler? I want to come back this summer and do it again and hopefully buy a boat sometime in 2012 or 13. I imagine i Need a Sportfishing License. Just knew you guys would know.
Thanks for any replies.
Joe
Abundance
2011-10-22 05:09:06
Not a dumb question. The legalities of sport fishing from a commercial boat have confused me most of my life, and the laws are always being redefined. I am sure that somebody more knowledgeable will fill the details, but I'm pretty sure that having a sport fishing license is a good idea. When I was a kid I fished off of the side of of my Dads boat every evening for years, catching all sorts of fun things. Nobody ever busted us on it, but you never know. I don't have much knowledge to add, but I am curious as to what other people have say.
Salty
2011-10-23 17:01:44
Since my name was mentioned, and I wrote the proposal allowing sport fishing for salmon off of commercially licensed salmon trollers (which passed the Board of Fish on a 4-3 vote) I will respond. KJ has it exactly correct along with the official language. Thank you! My recommendation is that if you are confused at all call up and discuss the rules with the State Troopers, ADF&G, and NMFS enforcement personnel so you are sure your particular fishing is legal in the area and time you are fishing.
For example, it is my understanding that you can keep halibut while commercial power trolling if you have a subsistence card and are not exceeding the subsistence limits on hooks and numbers of halibut and are not fishing in an area limited to hand hauling of the subsistence gear. But, that whole halibut retention deal while commercial salmon trolling appears to be a marginal situation to me so I let the few halibut that come up on my troll gear go. Whether the hook limit includes hooks being fished or hooks on board appears to need further clarification for example.
It is a wonderful privilege to be able to sport fish salmon off our commercially licensed trollers. Be sure to remove those dorsal fins immediately upon landing the salmon.
Salty
2011-10-23 17:10:59
Actually, I did not write the language that was eventually adopted. The Department and enforcement re-write actually screwed it up.
The following is closer to my original "intent".
(a) One who sport fishes from a vessel licensed for
commercial salmon trolling, other than a charter vessel, shall, immediately
upon bringing a salmon on board, mark the salmon by
removing its dorsal (large back) fin.
(b) Sport fishing from a commercially licensed salmon troll vessel while
commercially caught salmon are in possession is illegal.
But, that is typical when working with regulations, almost everyone wants to stick their nose in and "improve" the language of the proposal often changing the meaning completely.
Off to the fishing grounds.
Salty
2011-10-23 17:12:17
Actually, I don't think I proposed exempting charter vessels either.
joeman79
2011-10-24 01:02:23
Just would like to have some fresh fish once in awhile besides salmon and not get in trouble. And on those days when your swingin on the pick when you have read all you can read and need a break. But part of my question is do I need a sportfishing license or does my crew license cover that?
Salty
2011-10-24 04:46:28
Crew license does not cover "sportfishing".
joeman79
2011-10-25 01:32:59
Thank You all for all your help I appreciate it.
Joe