June 3, 4, and 5, 2016 have been designated as Free Fishing Days in Virginia. No fishing license of any kind will be required for rod and reel fishing in freshwater or saltwater, except in designated stocked trout waters, on … Continued
Scientists from NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) and the University of Massachusetts Boston have found evidence of Atlantic bluefin tuna spawning activity off the northeastern United States in an area of open ocean south of New England and … Continued
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting public input on a draft amendment to address management and conservation of blueline tilefish in the Mid-Atlantic. The draft amendment considers adding blueline tilefish (Caulolatilus microps) as a managed species in the Golden … Continued
From March 2016 through February 2017, NOAA Fisheries will conduct a web-based survey of Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) tournament operators and participants. The agency will collect data on the costs associated with operating and participating in these events. These … Continued
Since early spring, anglers have been concerned about the possible early closure of the 2016 Virginia cobia season in federal and possibly, state waters. In early March, NOAA Fisheries announced that the recreational harvest of Atlantic migratory group cobia (from … Continued
The ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board recently approved Addendum XXVII to the Summer Flounder and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan. The Addendum continues the use of regional management for the 2016 summer flounder and … Continued
This post includes saltwater fishing-related things to do that can be done during the winter months. Clean, inspect, and store fishing tackle. Service rods and reels. Winterize boats, trailers, batteries, and other equipment. Check safety equipment for damage, wear, etc. … Continued
NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) has established an annual fee of $29 for registration of anglers, spear fishermen, and for-hire fishing vessels to register under the National Saltwater Angler Registry Program. NMFS completed its biennial review and determined that the annual registration … Continued
The 2015 Atlantic HMS Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Report is now available, according to NOAA Fisheries Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division. The report contains a review of the current status of Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) stocks … Continued
NOAA’s Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Management Division recently announced that the 2016 Atlantic Tunas and Atlantic HMS Permitting System is now operational. NOAA is issuing vessel open access permits to those fishing commercially for Atlantic Tunas and Swordfish, recreationally … Continued