Cast net allowense in SC.

[Mahigeer]

I thought I beat Jim's post about this possible regulation change.


THE SPORTFISHING CONSERVANCY WILL ASK CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION TO EXPAND CAST NET USE BELOW POINT CONCEPTION

In Light of Escalating Live Bait Prices,
Regulation Change Could Provide Relief for Many Private Boat Anglers

The Sportfishing Conservancy plans to ask the California Fish and Game Commission for a regulation change that could make it easier - and more affordable - for Southern California private boat anglers to "tank up" with local live bait. Program Director April Wakeman will present this proposal at the upcoming Commission meeting in Bakersfield, asking that the Commission allow the recreational use of cast nets in Southern California ocean waters for gathering live bait. Currently, they are only allowed North of Point Conception.

Cast nets (also known as Hawaiian Type Throw Nets) are commonly used by anglers in many other ocean live-bait fisheries. For example, guided and private-boat trips in Florida and Gulf Coast waters (where there are no "bait receivers") typically begin with cast netting a tank of pilchards, goggle eye and other live baits effective for inshore or offshore gamefish. The same techniques and equipment could be used to catch popular live baits found in Southern California waters, and in many instances it would likely be faster and more effective than "jigging" individual baits using hook-and-line or waiting in long lines at bait receivers.

"We are seeking a minor regulatory change that should put Southern California anglers on level footing with those in the north," said Ms. Wakeman. "The change should have little or no impact on baitfish populations," she added.

"This change would help recreational fishermen in several important ways," said Tom Raftican, President of The Sportfishing Conservancy. "Last summer, when offshore and island fishing opportunities were both historically great, finding readily available, quality live bait was often an issue that could impact where you fished, when you fished and what you fished for. A simple regulation change like this could help make private boat anglers more self-reliant and provide a faster, better way for them to 'make bait.' And given the recent increase in live bait prices from professional bait operations, this ability could also provide some much-needed financial relief for anglers," he added.

Recent live bait cost increases (sardines/anchovies increased to $45/scoop at Everingham Bros. receivers starting June 1) were likely driven by rising expenses. Giving anglers the ability to use cast nets to supply their own live bait would give fishermen an affordable, expedient and dependable option they don't currently have.

Last summer, private boats often stopped to jig up live mackerel on Sabiki rigs when bait was limited to "pinhead" anchovies. For those who put in the time and effort, it often made the difference between getting skunked or scoring some yellowtail, tuna or dorado. "This rule change could make it easier and faster for these boaters to do what they're already doing - and get down to fishing faster," said Raftican. "Even so, use of cast nets in this way is a well-controlled fishing method that should have minimal impact, and is already legal for use north of Point Conception."

To learn more about this proposal and follow the ongoing sportfishing and conservation-oriented activities of The Sportfishing Conservancy, contact www.sportfishingconservancy.org.


*Photo Credit Ron Ballanti- Strikezone Communications