Regulatory changes to Kootenay angling management

This just in from our neighbors to the north.....

The main change is implementation of a booking system for non-resident anglers on three “classified waters” in the Kootenays: the Wigwam River, Skookumchuck Creek and Michel Creek. All three of these fisheries have seen non-resident, non-guided angler use exceed targets, creating overcrowding on the river as well as pressure on fish populations, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations announced today.

Under the new system, a set amount of non-resident, non-guided angler days will be made available through the existing online angling licensing system. Selections will be made on a first-come, first-serve system, ensuring all non-resident anglers have an equal opportunity.

Once these days are sold, non-resident anglers will have to book through a licensed angling guide to fish on these waters.

LINK

New, tougher Florida fishing rules could be on the way

Plenty of discussion remains before the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission makes a decision, but some of the state’s favorite fish species might soon get greater protection.

Florida has no official designation for game fish and sport fish, so at the FWC meeting Dec. 5 in Apalachicola, staff will recommend to commissioners:

• A game fish designation for redfish, snook and spotted sea trout.

This designation could include no commercial harvest, recreational harvest by hook and line only, and zero bag limit for captain and crew of for-hire vessels. Under current regulations, commercial harvest is allowed for spotted seatrout but not redfish or snook.

• A sport fish designation for tarpon, bonefish, permit and billfish.

This designation could include catch-and-release only, no recreational or commercial harvest, fishing with hook and line only. Under current regulations, commercial harvest is allowed for permit but not tarpon, bonefish or billfish.

LINK (via: Florida Today)