Change to fishing regulations ?

[Mark Dougherty]

I am in the US. I fish Abaco at least twice a year. I fish with the same guide out of Cherokee. Here's my point: I read on a US Saltwater Message Board that the Bahamian Gov is considering making it illegal to bonefish without using a guide. I usually like to fish with a guide for 2 or 3 days (its all I can afford) and then strike out on my own.......wading the flats and enjoy the beauty of the fishing and environment.....Many US bonefish fanatics fish on their own in the Bahamas.....they know the areas to fish.....and save a few $$....but they still spend $$ on lodging, food, taxi, booze and other stuff....If anyone can clear this
issue up, I will get the word out on the US Boards....I hope it is just a rumor.
As bonefishing becomes more popular ....and hence more pressure on the fish,
I am not sure where I stand on the issue........Thanks
Tight Lines
Mark

[DrRalph]

Mark, can you send us that link?

[zancada2002]

We heard something about that last Spring in GTC....that the government was proposing no-take areas where all fishing would be banned (bone fishing allowed with a guide) as well as taking conch, lobster, etc. from certain areas. Under discussion at that time was the Bight of Old Robinson and the area including GTC to the north end of Manjack. Haven't heard anything since.
Kathy
SV Zancada

[SamFamAustin]

I think that if you can actually catch a bonefish, which is quite a super-human feat in itself, and then if you release it right away without hurting it, you ought to have all the bonefish action you want. My grandpa used to fish Florida from Anna Maria Island down to the keys and although I don't know exactly how many he caught, he used a fly-pole and probably caught more ears than bonefish (hehe). If you've ever whipped the skinny waters with a fly-rod, you'll know what I mean. I'm still learning and am still waiting on my first bone, so let me know how all this shakes out. :)

[Mark Dougherty]

As I said, I am not sure where I stand on the issue. With my fav guide we usually can expect 15-30 bonefish a day to the boat....all catch and release of course....conch and crayfish ? perhaps that should be the province of Bahamian
fishermen, as that is a major income source. Seen any conch in the Keys lately?? I ask this tounge in cheek....the conch are are for the most part gone...I never take conch....prefer it cooked by others with a lot of hot sauce !!! Business can be a complex matter ....I do not know all sides of this issue but hope i can still hire my fav guide, and fish for bones on my own...otherwise I will probably be spending my $$ and time in Belize and the Southern Yucatan.....