Rockfishing in the
Chesapeake Bay
has been a staple of outdoor recreation for years. Anglers flock to the bridge
pilings, cast in the tributaries, and troll open water all in an effort to
bring home some delicious white tasty fillets. Rockfishing is a huge boost to
tourism in many areas around the Bay especially during the fall and spring
seasons. Many of us anglers have enjoyed the resurgence of Rockfish over the
last decade, however that soon may be changing, at least by 20%.
Recently I spoke with a VMRC official who clearly explained
to me that the Rockfish quota for Recreational fisherman will be reduced by 20%
for 2015, 2016, and 2017. Commercial quotas will be reduced as well. The thing
is for now, we don’t really know how that will shake out as to what the limits
will be. VMRC is doing their due diligence in determining how bag limits will
be changed regarding the amount of catch, and the size. All these variables
will be considered based on the hope that reduced take will help aid in the
rebound of the declining brood stock.
Regulating authorities don’t only look at just the
Chesapeake Bay, their research is based on both resident
and migratory fish. This means the overall numbers include the tributaries,
Bay, and offshore Rockfish. VMRC wants your input and is very happy to listen
to what anglers have to say. The bottom line is everyone wants a healthier
stock, however can this be done and also maintain a healthy economic fishery
for business that profit from the seasonal Rockfishng?
A 20% reduction may or may not cause a big alarm in the
charter community. This all depends on how the rules and regulations are broken
out and this we do not yet know so it is important to give VMRC your input. The
best way is to attend the next finfish meeting, send emails, etc, so our voice
can be heard.
(www.mrc.virginia.gov)
One problem that I see is that currently the limit is only
two fish per person. That is not a lot of fish per person when you consider the
cost of charters, travel, accommodations, lodging, meals etc. Heading out for a
day of Rockfish can be an expensive trip for only two keepers. If the quota
calls for less take per person this probably would not be good for the charter business.
Hopefully the new regulations will allow the two fish limit with different
regulations regards to minimum maximum size, length of season, etc. Governing authorities
will favor on the side of protecting the species and that is what they should
do. However they also do take in consideration the fishing community’s needs
and do their best to find a balance that still will best benefit the increased
numbers of brood stock.
So for everyone that benefits from a healthy Rockfish
season, here is what you can do. Make your voices heard! This is exactly what
VMRC told me to say in this article. Contact VMRC in regards to all meetings,
hearings, and anything pertaining to the new regulations being discussed for
the 2015 season and beyond. They are more than happy to hear from you.
What else can you do?
Catch your limit then go back to the dock and enjoy the rest
of the day. For chartering I highly recommended half day trips. These trips are
good for the anglers, the charter, and the tourism industry. By scheduling two
half day trips a boat can simply fish more anglers and more tourism dollars
coming to an area to fish. Half day trips are also more economical for most
anglers and it usually does not take that long to limit out anyway during the
hot time of the season.
What you don’t want to do is catch and release a ton of
Rockfish only to see a large percent of them float on by further down the Bay.
I myself years ago have been guilty of this and charters sometime like to do it
because the paying customers want some more “Pullage” past their limit. This
also made great filming for our TV show, simply constantly catching and
releasing Rockfish non stop made for exciting viewing.
But, I learned in time that this was not the right thing to
do. I have seen WAY to many Rockfish that never lived to bite another hook due
to catch and release. The best thing you can do is to happily catch your limit,
then go back to the dock, clean the boat and get ready for a delicious Rockfish
dinner. Now I know that there are a lot of fisherman that will disagree with
this because the like to enjoy catching Rockfish over and over again, just like
I do. But, overall it is just not a good practice. The reason for limits is to
protect the species and simply abiding to keeping or catching\releasing your
limit and moving on, is what’s best for the fishery.
One other important thing that you can do is to support your
local charter captain and tackle store. Any businesses that are local and there
to cater to the outdoor recreational sportsman please support. The “Ma and
Pops” need your tourist and angling dollars more than ever, especially when
looking at an additional 20% reduction in recreational take. If the keep quota
gets cut, still go out and book a charter! Support the captains so they will be
here in the future. The fact is it is not really about how many fish you bring
home, it is the experience of the outing. These are the things one remembers
most about a great day on the water.
The times and experiences you will share on the water are
memories that last for a lifetime and it is not all just about the fish, its’
about the experience.
For example this year I had the opportunity to fish again
with Captain Buddy Harrison and filmed on board his charter for our 25th
anniversary special. We went out in the Bay and limited out in only a few
minutes and that was fine. But it was not the number or size of fish that made
a huge impression on me. No, it was not. What memories that will last a
lifetime was talking with Captain Buddy in the helm station about his many
years on the water and some of the outrageous stories he told. Yes, we were
spinning some serious yarn. I learned a lot from Buddy and his son that day and
those memories do last a lifetime.
Sadly Captain Buddy passed only months after we filmed the
show. I certainly will remember my time with Buddy much more than the Rockfish
we caught, but when you have both!! Now there is a day!! And folks THAT is what
it is all about!
So, regardless of the 20% reduction in Rockfish for the
upcoming years, get out there and enjoy the experience of a great outdoor adventure
and support the people who make a living on the water. Support the marine industry and the fishery with every opportunity you can.
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| Memories that last a lifetime! |
One other note for all of you traveling outdoor enthusiast. Contact the local tourism authority for good information as to where to stay, local attractions that the family can enjoy, accommodations info, etc. They are there to aid in your travels and usually glad to help. Also when you leave your destination, it is always a productive idea to contact the local CVB or tourism agency and tell them what you thought of your visit, things you liked and things you would like to see improved. It does matter and local authorities need to hear from our sportsman as to what our needs are regarding where we are staying, launching, etc.
Make your outdoor voice heard!
At the time of this article, Rockfish season for 2014 is
still rockin and the bite is on!
Plan on making some new memories that will last a lifetime
today!
See you on the water,
Tight Lines and Godspeed.
Jim Baugh
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PS: CLICK HERE for one of our all time most requested
recipes on Jim’s Galley,
ROCKFISH TACOS!
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