Saturday, March 05, 2011

New Circle Hook Regulations For Atlantic

New fishing regulations took effect  this month in the Atlantic. As of March 3, 2011, all vessels fishing for snapper and grouper in federal waters of the South Atlantic, north of 28 degrees, will be required to use non-stainless steel circle hooks (offset or non-offset) when using hook-and-line gear with natural baits to fish. It will be unlawful to possess snapper or grouper north of 28 degrees N. latitude without possessing non-stainless steel circle hooks. The use of circle hooks is expected to reduce the mortality rate of incidentally caught red snapper and other non-target fish.

Thanks to Reel Work Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters for this report.

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