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Bluefin tuna

Bluefin tuna




I see some have been hooked on the piers and or a kayak, What are the regulation on catching them I know the commercial guy have to get a special permit . Is there any regulation or permits required to land them on the beach or pier ?

I looked but they don't clarify fishing from shore. I'm just curious


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RE: Bluefin tuna




Here's the summary from what I've been reading the past few days from both reputable sources and the Facebook wardens.

An HMS (Highly Migratory Species) permit is required. The permit is issued to a vessel. A pier is not a vessel. A NOAA law enforcement officer showed up at Jennettes yesterday and told them "no tuna fishing" as specifically targeting them and other species covered by the permit is illegal if you do not have a permit. They also suggested that Jennettes sanitize their social media to remove the posts promoting this illegal activity. I guess they never thought about what happens if you can catch one from the pier so in the absence of any ability to get said permit for shore fishing... it's a no go.

The Jennette's Facebook page has a post made yesterday with the above info.


RE: Bluefin tuna




Regarding the kayak catches... I'd bet good money none of the kayak fishermen had the permit, including the well known local guy, but... how badass is that? Even if you tried to get the permit quickly I don't think you could. When I read the permit application process the other day, it takes weeks.


RE: Bluefin tuna




It appears that the BFT fishery has reached its quota and is closed, or tag and release only.

hmspermits.noaa.gov/news


RE: Bluefin tuna




The lesson here is don't post your pics on facebook.


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