Happy New Year!

I hope everyone has survived the holidays and are are looking forward to spring!  My trip to Pittsburgh, Pa was great and my new first mate (grandson Adrian) looks like a keepah for sure!

The NMFS has announced the 2009 tuna regs and the news is not bad.  In 2009 Charter Boats and Recreational anglers will be allowed a bag limit of one tuna 27"<73" per day.  This is a change from last year when we were allowed to take an additional fish in the 27"<47" range. 

I personally think this limit is fine as it protects the resource and still allows a party to take home a prize fish. You can still tag and release as many as you want.  Last year the fish that came into to area averaged 58"-60" which was about 10" greater than 2007.  If the pattern holds 2009 should be seeing fish in the 65"-70" range which will really test the skill and stamina  of everyone who hooks up.  I will be upgrading all my tackle this winter to handle these fish as there will be no room for error when dealing with fish of this size.  Can you tell that my tuna fever is starting early and by June the thermometer will explode.

No word on the ground fish regulations as far as bag limits but the iterim report is due any day.  It does look like the Feds will be holding off on establishing a salt water registry until 2010  but state licensing is still a possiblity.  The good news is that if you are fishing on a charter boat, you will not need to purchase a license as the boat will hold the license.  Off course all of this could change as fast as the wind direction does so stay tuned!

Tight Lines,

Capt. George