McClory: Bone up on new state saltwater regulations

Over the last few years I’m sure you have heard talk about a salt water fishing requirement here in Massachusetts.Well, it is no longer a rumor, it is real.The Division of Marine Fisheries is alerting saltwater anglers to new saltwater fishing registration requirements that are occurring in 2010 and 2011.A new federal law that took effect Jan. 1 requires most Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishermen 16 and older to register with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) either online via www.countmyfish.noaa.gov or by calling (888) MRIP-411 [(888) 674-7411].There is no fee for federal registration in 2010. People fishing on saltwater charter or head-boats will not be required to register.Private boat or family registrations are not available.This year, non-residents planning saltwater fishing trips in Massachusetts must possess a saltwater fishing permit from any state or from the federal saltwater registration system.Beginning in 2011, saltwater anglers need to be aware that a new state law will require purchase of a state recreational fishing permit for saltwater fishing.The fee for this permit is estimated to be $10 and will be the same cost for all anglers, including non-residents.Now before you get upset you need to know that support for the act was driven by a large group of recreational saltwater stakeholders seeking a state permitting program that would exempt anglers from a higher cost federal permit in 2011 and ensure permit revenues went to local user benefits.Stakeholders insisted that the new state law establish a dedicated saltwater recreational fishing fund and that one third of annual appropriated permit funds be devoted to public access projectsuWell the deer harvest numbers are in and I am surprised. I thought the numbers would be lower.A preliminary total of 10,121 deer were taken during the 2009 deer hunting seasons.For the 2009 archery deer season, a preliminary total of 3,243 deer were checked in at official deer check stations. The Western District office tallied 340 deer while Connecticut Valley District office reported 445.Central District stations checked 597 deer checked, Northeast District 892, and Southeast District checked 969. The statewide shotgun season totaled 4,869.Deer checked by District were: Western District 637; Connecticut Valley District 770; Central District 1,070; Northeast District 812 and Southeast District with 1,580. In addition to the above total, 200 deer were taken during the controlled hunt at the Quabbin Reservation.Deer checked in during the 2009 muzzleloader season was a preliminary total of 2,005.By district, the numbers of deer checked in are as follows: Western District 287; Connecticut Valley District 315; Central District 440; Northeast District 400 and Southeast District with 563. In 2008, the final muzzleloader total was 1,895. Final numbers will not be available until later in the year after all data has been analyzed.uThe Super Bowl Ice Fishing Derby sponsored by Ippis and Lynn Fish and Game lured 87 anglers to Sluice Pond last two weeks ago.With over $800 in prize money and the Seelley Memorial Salmon award at stake, hundreds of holes were drilled for tip ups and jigging rods.Prizes are awarded for the largest trout, bass pickerel and salmon.This year no pickerel were caught so the prize money was split 3 ways.Winners, by category were as follows, Bass-2.75 lb: George Fortin caught with a shiner, Rainbow Trout-1.24 lb Steve Dumas caught with a shiner and Salmon-4.25 lb: Rick Mytkowicz caught while jigging with gold kastmaster lure tipped with a meal worm.Rick also won the Seelley Memorial Annual Salmon Award , a $50 gift certificate to Ippi’s Bait and Tackle.