2021-2022 bag limits and seasons

We have some bag limit changes and possibly depth changes in some areas.  As always, we get screwed in our section up north even though we have less good weather fishing days and less pressure because of smaller population.

The PFMC just published in the briefing book the depth, seasons and bag limit alternatives being proposed for 2021/2022.

Options 1and 2:   no season change
Option 3           :   Jan 1 to Dec 31

Bag Limits: all three options   
Cabezon    up to 10
Black RF    up to 10
Canary       up to 10
Ling Cod    2
Vermillion  Probably set at 2 for a sub-bag

Depths:

Option 1   No change for any area
Option 2   North - no change: stay at 30 fathom
                Mendo go to 30 fathom from 20 f
                SF       go to 50 fathom  from 40f
                South  75 to 100 fathom
Option 3  All areas - all depths

These three alternatives will be put out for public comment at the April Meeting, the final decision will be made at the June Council meeting.

Tom  (Sandcrab)   

CDFW is supporting Option #2 at our last discussion, but that is no guarantee, so stay tuned

Vermillion sub-bag limit is interesting. I have no idea how that stock is faring, but I know that many anglers will CnR various other rockfish species while retaining the "red" guys (verms, canary, etc.). I'm guilty as charged for doing that. Outside of the hard-to-reach spots, it seems vermillion RF are few and far between around most NorCal fishing ports. Could that be due to selective harvest?

With canaries going to 10 and being relatively abundant you can target them and leave the verms alone for a while.

Well at least I won't have to change my profile pic!

I do wonder about raising the limit on Canaries and, especially, Blacks though. My understanding is juvenile Blacks need kelp forests to hide in, but the urchins removed those about five years ago. We might be just about to see the effects of that on the adult population.

Increasing the depth limit means everyone needs a descender...

Vermillion sub-bag limit is interesting. ... Could that be due to selective harvest?

That seems like a safe bet. And, I’m guilty too, as I have a hard time passing up those prestigious red colored fishies...

Central California   ( My black rock fish percentage were low last few yrs. Lots of blues. Glad they kept black retention at 4 )



Includes all of Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties, and parts of Santa Barbara and San Mateo Counties

link opens in new windowView a printer-friendly version of this table (PDF)

Note: Before engaging in ocean sport fishing for groundfish and associated species, please review one of the resources listed in Footnote 1 to receive the most up-to-date regulations. Some marine protected areas restrict or prohibit sport fishing. Check the MPA website for more information.

Species   Time Period1,2,3   Depth Limit1,2,3   Daily Bag Limit1   Min. Size Limit1,4,5
RCG Complex1
(including all species of Rockfishes, Cabezon and Greenlings, Sections 1.91 and 28.55, 28.28, and 28.29)   Boat-based Anglers2:

Open: Apr 1 - Dec 31

Closed: Jan 1 - Mar 31

Divers, Shore-based Anglers2:
Open year-round   Take is prohibited seaward of the 50 fathom depth contour (300 feet), defined in Federal regulations (50 CFR Part 660, Subpart C)



SEE EXCEPTION AT END OF TABLE   10 fish in combination per person EXCEPT:
 
Black rockfish: 4 per person
Cabezon: 3 fish per person
Canary rockfish: 3 fish per person   See individual species and groups below:

Cabezon: 15” total length

Kelp and/or rock greenlings: 12” total length