Striped Bass Update - Tube Rig Gear

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Striped Bass Anglers, 

At the recent Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission meeting, the Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board voted to approve a proposal submitted by Maine and Massachusetts to study the baited tube rig fishery. In response, DMR will be re-instating the previous circle hook exemption for baited rubber or latex tube rigs ahead of the 2021 fishery. We are also encouraging recreational anglers to participate in the study via Maine's Volunteer Angler Logbook Program.

The Maine and Massachusetts study is intended to gather data on the striped bass baited tube rig fishery. This fishery has been the source of many stakeholder comments, particularly in regards to the use of circle hooks, but is data poor. As a result, the study intends to better understand the number of participants using tube rigs, where the hook sets on the fish, and if circle hooks can be effectively used on a tube rig. The study will be composed of three elements: an angler survey, expansion of Maine's Volunteer Angler Logbook Program, and on-the-water work. 

To carry out the study and enable collaboration with industry, the Board voted to allow a two year coastwide exemption to the circle hook requirement for tube rig gear. As a result, DMR will be re-instating its previous exemption for baited rubber or latex tube rigs ahead of the 2021 fishing season. As a reminder, in December 2020, DMR issued an emergency regulation to remove the circle hook exemption for tube rigs. Given an emergency regulation is only effective for 90 days, DMR will let this emergency regulation expire, re-instating the exemption on March 16, 2021. 

Importantly, DMR is encouraging recreational anglers to participate in the study by collecting data through Maine's Volunteer Angler Logbook Program. The Logbook is a way for saltwater anglers to collect important trip-level information on fish length and catch & effort data. For the study, DMR will be expanding the questions in the Logbook to gather information on participation rates and catch associated with tube rig gear. In addition to a paper Logbook, DMR will also be providing the option for an electronic Logbook this year, which will allow anglers to fill out the information online. Collecting data through the Logbook program is a key way stakeholders can contribute to the Maine and Massachusetts study. 

If you are interesting in participating in the Logbook program or would like to learn more, please contact Victoria Batter at victoria.batter@maine.gov or 207.350.7354.

 

 

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Megan Ware

Director of External Affairs

megan.ware@maine.gov

207.446.0932