[Stonefish]

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/rule_proposals/2017-2018/

Some proposed statewide marine rule changes that are open for public comment.
SF

 

[Nick Clayton]

Thanks for the link Brian.

Just glanced at a couple proposed changes. I'm all for descending devices for rock fish. But how does one descend a big halibut?

 

[Stonefish]

Nick,
Do halibut have the same air bladder issue rockfish do when coming up from deep water?
I'm really not sure but I've never seen anyone use a venting device on one.
SF

 

[Nick Clayton]

Nick,
Do halibut have the same air bladder issue rockfish do when coming up from deep water?
I'm really not sure but I've never seen anyone use a venting device on one.
SF

No not at all. It was always my understanding that halibut were able to move all over the water column. I've caught a few of them trolling for coho in 500 feet of water in the straights.

Even the fish we caught at Westport in May in 950' of water never had issue with coming up. (Not really on topic but it just popped into my head while typing this that I released two of the biggest flounder I've ever seen in that same water. And come to think of it they seemed totally fine as well.)

Rock fish on the other hand, not so much.

 

[veilside180sx]

Flatfish dont suffer from barotrauma


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