A federal district court judge from Massachusetts suspended Framework 42 for 60 days as he found the Commerce Dept (NOAA,NMFS) had improperly implemented the framework without consideration of certain fishery requirements.  What this means is that fishing for Cod in the Gulf of Maine now open until the NMFS responds to the court decision.  Besides the season reopening,  the minimum size limit  for cod now reverts back to 22" which is where it was before the framework was established. To the best of my knowledge I believe there is still a 10 cod limit as I believe that was established under Admendment 13.

So what does this mean for us?  Not much as the Lady DIane is currently under 4 feet of snow at its winter home in Yarmouth Maine and won't be on the water until April 1.  It will be interesting to see however how the NMFS responds to the real first challenge to their authority to manage the fishery.  Speaking with some other charter captains we are concerned that if a large number of fish are taken during these 60 days (doubtful considering the winter we are having),  will the NMFS hold this against us and hit us with more reductions in the future.  Stayed tuned as this could get pretty interesting.

I have been receiving telephone calls from previous customers (great to hear from all of you!) and have been booking reservations for the coming season.  Call today and take advantage of a $50 discount on any charter you book before April 1.  Only 8 weeks until the season opens so call soon to get your best dates.

Tight Lines,

Capt. George