Thread: New Fishing Regulations?

Originally Posted by Haywire

I'd be in favor of it, even though I no longer fish for the cobia. The poor things could use a rest and a chance to repopulate. It would be real hard to see one and not throw on her, though.

Agreed on both counts

Does that include the beach in front of the condos in Orange Beach?

State waters are from the shore out to 3 miles.

If they would shut down some of the big money tournaments that would save hundreds of breeder fish or at least do away with the most fish over 50lbs category.

Originally Posted by Pier#r

State waters are from the shore out to 3 miles.

I thought it was 9 miles now, or is that just red snapper?

Originally Posted by pierboy01

If they would shut down some of the big money tournaments that would save hundreds of breeder fish or at least do away with the most fish over 50lbs category.

The problem is COMMERCIAL decimation of the resource and government saving what's left for the commercial fisherman! Just like with Red Snapper and Triggerfish, you can find Cobia for sale at your Publix fish market and almost everywhere else!

Edited to add this about the ATLANTIC Cobia season, from Georgia to New York is closed to RECREATIONAL fishermen, starting Jan 24, 2017.

NOTE: Recreational harvest of Atlantic migratory group cobia (GA through NY) is CLOSED effective January 24, 2017. The fishery will remain closed through December 31, 2017.

All the data I have seen clearly indicates that recreational landings of cobia far exceed commercial landings.
There is no "directed" cobia commercial fishery: landings are incidental to other fisheries and the limit is the same as recreation, 2/person/day.

In the case of Publix, the cobia is farm-raised: Open Blue Cobia | Open Blue

Originally Posted by frednic

I thought it was 9 miles now, or is that just red snapper?

That was for red snapper and all other fish federally managed by a "Gulf reef Fish Management Plan" but just for FY 2016 (ended Sep 30, 2016)...
9 Mile FAQ | Outdoor Alabama

Which fish are impacted by the 9 nautical mile provision?
The 9 nautical mile provision only applies to fish federally managed by a Gulf Reef Fish Management Plan.
Gulf Reef Fish shall be defined as the fish listed in 50 CFR Part 622 Table 3 of Appendix A and include the following species: Gray Triggerfish, Greater Amberjack, Almaco Jack, Lesser Amberjack, Banded Rudderfish, Hogfish, Red Snapper, Gray Snapper, Lane Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, Cubera Snapper, Silk Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Queen Snapper, Blackfin Snapper, Wenchman, Goldface Tilefish, Blueline Tilefish, Tilefish, Speckled Hind, Yellowedge Grouper, Red Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, Snowy Grouper, Black Grouper, Yellowmouth Grouper, Gag, Scamp, and Yellowfin Grouper.
All fish species not listed above such as king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and red drum will remain under federal regulations beyond 3 nautical miles from shore.

Originally Posted by pierboy01

If they would shut down some of the big money tournaments that would save hundreds of breeder fish or at least do away with the most fish over 50lbs category.

Or at least make them Catch & Release Tournaments like billfish and tarpon!

As a side note, not meaning to derail the thread, farm raised cobia are delicious, and store bought is about the only way we have to enjoy them. And C&R tournaments should be the norm, to protect the broader resource stocks.