This is from the TBF newsletter...Just some FYI for you tourney guys/gals.

GOVERNMENT RELEASES ATLANTIC HMS PLAN WITH CIRCLE HOOK REQUIREMENT




Special Note to Tournament Directors




The Final Amendment 2 to the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan has been finalized by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).


The agency adopted and will implement all provisions in the Draft Plan identified in July as Preferred Alternatives. Regulations implementing the Plan Amendment will be effective January 1, 2007. Mandatory requirement of non-offset circle hooks generates the greatest interest and demands special attention by Tournament Directors. Circle hook rigging workshops should be a priority before next season begins.




Final Provisions include:




- merged Atlantic Billfish and the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan into one Plan;


- required use of non-offset circle hooks in billfish tournaments when using natural baits (dead or live) or natural baits in combination with lures or skirts ;


- mandates 250 marlin landing cap (now a U.S. regulation as well as an international measure);


- authorized a buoy gear in commercial swordfish handgear fishery – no more than 35 buoys per vessel with each having no more than 2 hooks, or gangions, attached;


- closed the Madison-Swanson & Steamboat Lumps Marine Reserves for all HMS fishing except for surface trolling from May through October;


- required permitted recreational vessels to abide by Federal regulations regardless of where fishing (in U.S. and beyond), unless a state has more restrictive regulations;


- required all Tournament Directors/Operators, including swordfish tournaments, to register 4 weeks prior to the event & submit catch and effort data within 7 days following conclusion of the tournament on NMFS forms. (To register, call 727-540-5447; download forms at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/tournament.htm; or click “Tournaments” at www.nmfspermits.com.)




Once released, you will be able to review all the adopted regulations in Amendment 2 by going to: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/breaking_news.htm .


Note: All former Atlantic Billfish Plan objectives and Billfish and HMS regulations not amended remain in place, including the regulation requiring all vessels fishing recreationally for HMS (billfish, tunas, sharks & swordfish) to be in possession of a current HMS Angling Permit (call 888-872-8862 or visit www.nmfspermits.com) and the regulation requiring all billfish (including swordfish) landed outside of a tournament to be reported through a phone-in system at (800) 894-5528 within 24 hours of landing. In Maryland (410-213-1531) and North Carolina (800-338-7804) reports are phoned in to state offices.

Thanks Don, no real surprises. When we comply with the Tournament notification requirement, that should put us in a higher bracket to attract sponsors! Good point about workshops (read Meet & Greet) on circle hooks, rigging, include tagging, etc.. The Bluewater could be great pre-fish for the VB Billfish Tourney for the local boats.
Tight lines.
Dave

We gave a few circle hooks a shot last time out. Defininitly need to get the mechanics down on using them. Of course no marlin were harmed on that trip by our J's or circles.

I'll set up a circle rig demo at one of the Meet and Greets. It will be good to practice using them for non-tourney fishing too.

You're right Don. We all need to get used to this gear, it's the wave of the future with offshore fishing. It's just a matter of time before all pelagic species are non-offset circle hook only. Eventually inshore fishing for drum, cobia and even stripers may go this way. I have no issues with them, but it does take some rigging and tactical changes to maximize the benifits.

I'm interested to see a circle hook rig for skirted or lured dead baits. Sounds like some new innovations may show up.