Official Fishing Guide lines for New York & other states***UPDATED 5-8-20***

[RUNNIN REBEL]

PENNSLYVANIA

Good afternoon.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Wolf has issued several Executive Orders that have direct bearing on our day-to-day lives.  Since fishing was included in the list of permitted activities as a lift-sustaining business on 3/24/2020, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission encourages you to adhere to the recommendations contained in the following press release, with particular emphasis on practicing the social distancing guidelines mentioned in Governor Wolf’s orders.

With your assistance, we can help stop COVID-19 from spreading.  If you have any questions, please let us know.  Thank you for your cooperation.

COL Corey L. Britcher

PA Fish & Boat Commission

Bureau of Law Enforcement

PO Box 67000

Harrisburg, PA 17106

717-705-7861

 

3/26/2020

 

PFBC RESPONDS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING COVID-19

Agency encourages anglers to practice social distancing while fishing and boating

 

 

HARRISBURG, Pa (March 26) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) knows that anglers and boaters are ethically minded, passionate outdoor enthusiasts who might have some questions about how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting their favorite activities this spring. As we continue to face the challenges of this rapidly shifting situation including travel restrictions, business and facility closures, and the desire to find safe and beneficial recreational activities, the PFBC is providing answers to several Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Many detailed answers to questions about the upcoming trout season can be answered by reviewing the PFBC news release issued on March 16, 2020.

Still have questions? Stay informed through official PFBC information updates posted on www.fishandboat.com and our official social media channels, Facebook and Twitter. We welcome your call at (717)705-7800 or email at [email protected].

Please practice social distancing while fishing and boating.

3/26/2020

 

 

 

FAQs

May I still fish? 

Yes! In Pennsylvania, fishing is a year-round activity with many species of fish to enjoy, including bass, panfish, musky, walleye, catfish, trout in select waters, and many more. Fishing is often a solitary activity and is currently acceptable per the guidelines issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health if social distancing guidelines are followed.

 

Are there any changes to trout season?

Yes. If you plan to fish for stocked trout, be aware that the PFBC is operating under a consolidated statewide schedule for all counties during the 2020 trout season. Under this revised plan, a single Mentored Youth Trout Day will occur on Saturday, April 11, and a single Statewide Opening Day of trout season will take place on Saturday, April 18.  As a result of these changes, separate, earlier regional mentored youth and opening days will not occur this year in the 18 southeastern counties, including: Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, and York. Anglers in these areas should revise their plans as necessary to adjust to the statewide schedule.

 

What should I do to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus while fishing?

When bank fishing or wading, please keep a distance of at least 6 feet between you and the nearest angler. A good rule of thumb is that if you can turn your rod perpendicular on all sides of you without hitting anyone, that is a safe distance. 

• If fishing with a child or children, advise them to not wander into the personal space of other anglers.

• Refrain from carpooling. Sharing a vehicle with others could put you at risk. 

• Avoid crowds. If you arrive at your fishing spot and it’s crowded, find another location.

• Avoid sharing fishing gear with anyone. Each angler is advised to have their own fishing gear (bait, bait container, waders, gloves, hand towels, clippers, pliers, or other personal items).

• Remember to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; to clean your gear well after using it; and to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after fishing. 

• If you are fishing at a state or local park, the restrooms may be closed to protect staff and visitors. Use the bathroom before you visit or dispose of waste properly. Carry out any trash, since there are limited staff at these facilities.

• Purchase your fishing license online at www.fishandboat.com.

• Continue to follow the guidance from the CDC below: 

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.

• Clean surfaces frequently.

• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.

 

Is the Regional Trout Opener still happening in 18 southeastern counties?

No. The PFBC is operating under a consolidated statewide schedule for all counties during the 2020 trout season. Under this revised plan, a single Statewide Opening Day of trout season will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020.

 

Why did we consolidate the Regional Opening Day and Statewide Opening Day? 

To best protect the public and our staff from the spread of COVID-19, we consolidated the Regional and Statewide Opening Days. Opening days are the busiest fishing days of the year. We made the decision to consolidate the openers to the later date in order to reduce fishing pressure, provide more time and space to reduce the chance of anglers spreading or coming into contact with COVID-19, and to allow our staff more time to stock trout.

 

Is Mentored Youth Trout Day still happening? 

A single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will occur on Saturday, April 11, 2020. The earlier Regional Mentored Youth Trout Day will not occur this year. 

 

Are you still stocking fish? May I help?

The PFBC is still stocking fish! But to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the public is not permitted to help stock fish at this time. For the sake of your and our staff’s health, we respectfully ask that you not attend stockings this year.  The 2020 trout stocking is being conducted on an accelerated schedule. These changes will not result in any reduction in the approximately 3.2 million trout scheduled to be stocked statewide in 2020. To complete trout stocking operations without the assistance of the public, the PFBC has modified stocking methods for this year. Many PFBC staff are being reassigned from their normal work duties to assist with stocking fish into lakes and streams. In some cases, pre-season and in-season allocations of trout will be combined into single stocking events to increase the efficiency of stocking trips.

 

Why aren’t we updating the stocking schedule online immediately after stocking?

Our focus is on stocking the fish as quickly and efficiently as we can. We will update the online stocking schedule in advance of the April 11 Mentored Youth Trout Day and April 18 Opening Day. 

 

Where may I fish? 

Some trout waters managed under special regulations are open to year-round fishing. For instance, the PFBC’s Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters are managed under Artificial Lures Only and Catch-and-Release regulations and feature high concentrations of trophy-sized trout.  You can also fish for other species like bass, panfish, or catfish at a creek or lake that is not stocked with trout. There are lots of great options out there! Check out the PFBC’s online list of Pennsylvania’s Best Fishing Waters by navigating to www.fishandboat.com, clicking on the “Locate” tab in the upper right hand corner of the screen, then clicking on “Best Fishing Waters” in the drop-down list. Pennsylvania state park waterbodies are also still open to fishing, as long as the waterbody is not stocked with trout. If the state park waterbody is designated as Open to Year-Round Fishing per the PFBC Fishing Regulations and is stocked with trout, anglers may fish it, but must immediately release any trout caught. Remember that the facilities at the 121 state parks and 20 state forests will be closed until April 30. The public will continue to be able to access trails, lakes, forests, roads, and parking areas at state parks for passive and dispersed recreation. Please be sure to adhere to the latest travel guidance from the Governor’s Office and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Please refer to the Regulations Summary Book on www.fishandboat.com for more information on creels and other regulations. 

 

The store where I buy my fishing license is closed. How do I get a fishing license? 

Buy it online using the FishBoatPA smartphone app or on a computer at www.fishandboat.com.

 

Do I still need a fishing license? 

Yes. During this unprecedented time, anglers and boaters will be able to display their fishing license digitally on a phone or other mobile device, and they will be able to provide electronic receipts for the purchases of launch permits, fishing licenses, and boat registrations as proof of purchase.  Fishing licenses and permits, launch permits, and boat registration renewals can be purchased online by using the FishBoatPA app or at www.fishandboat.com. If approached by a Waterways Conservation Officer in the field, an angler or boater can provide a digital image or receipt of their fishing license, and a digital receipt from their launch permit or boat registration as proof of purchase. Of course, you may display your fishing license on your hat or vest as you always have. We expect many anglers will continue to display their licenses and encourage them to do so.

 

How are fishing license dollars reinvested in Pennsylvania?

The PFBC is a user-funded agency and relies on fishing license revenues to fund the services and programs it provides to anglers – like the hatchery-raised trout that are being stocked across Pennsylvania at an unprecedented rate this spring. Thank you for expressing your support for fishing in the Commonwealth through the purchase of a license that is your ticket to fun and relaxation all year long.

 

How do I report suspected fishing violations, including poaching before trout season starts?   

Call the tip line at 1-855-FISH-KIL (1-855-347-4545). 

 

Reminder: Wear your lifejacket! 

If you fish from a boat or go boating without fishing, please remember to wear your life jacket! Everyone is required to wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket) during the cold weather months from November 1st through April 30th while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.

 

Still have questions?

Again, we welcome your call at 717-705-7800 or email at [email protected] and will get back to you as soon as possible.   Your cooperation is essential in helping the PFBC provide safe and memorable fishing experiences in the midst of many unexpected events happening this spring. By following the guidelines listed above, which are meant to optimize public health and safety while fishing, we hope that you are able to get out along a stream or lake this spring and enjoy the many benefits of fishing and being outdoors.

 

##

Media Contact:

Mike Parker
Communications Director
(717)705-7806

(717)585-3076 mobile
[email protected]

Jerry

RUNNIN REBEL

[RUNNIN REBEL]

MICHIGAN

 

Michigan's State Emergency Operations Center coordinates release of all important news related to COVID-19, and the DNR and all state agencies are working closely with the SEOC.

 

 

Charter fishing and guide operations

 

Charter and fishing guide operations that involve boats, canoes and other marine vessels are not currently permitted.

These activities should cease immediately and not resume until at least April 13.

 

In addition to the DNR’ Law Enforcement Division, Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies have full authority to enforce the provisions of this order.

 

Jerry

RUNNIN REBEL

Edited March 28, 2020 by RUNNIN REBEL

[Fishy]

If you go to the DEC Facebook page, it tell you fishing is open, how to get your licenses on line and stay 6 ft apart while fishing streams. Fishy Business on Keuka Lake is open. 

[RUNNIN REBEL]

Ohio
Now closed also.       3-27-2020

 

 

Washington State

Closed recreational fishing

 

Jerry

RUNNIN REBEL

 

 

Edited March 29, 2020 by RUNNIN REBEL

[RUNNIN REBEL]

PENNSLYVANIA

Charter boats and Guides operations now not permitted

THINGS ARE UPDATING QUICKLY


The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has received clarification from the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office regarding the classification of charter boat and fishing guide operations. The Governor’s Office has determined that charter boat and fishing guide operations (whether conducted by boat or on foot) DO NOT meet the definition of a life-sustaining business. Such operations are classified as a recreational industry and continued operation of such businesses is not permitted under the Governor’s Order of March 19, 2020. Operators may be subject to enforcement procedures if found out of compliance with that Order.

With your assistance, we can help stop COVID-19 from spreading.  If you have any questions, please let us know.  We apologize for any confusion.  Thank you for your cooperation.

 

COL Corey L. Britcher

PA Fish & Boat Commission

Bureau of Law Enforcement

PO Box 67000

Harrisburg, PA 17106

717-705-7861

 

 

Jerry

RUNNIN REBEL

Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United

Edited March 31, 2020 by RUNNIN REBEL

[RUNNIN REBEL]

N Y STATE      3-30-20

 

Below find guidance as it relates to charters and guides.


The "New York State on PAUSE" Executive Order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone during the COVID-19 response, includes a directive that all non-essential businesses statewide must close effective at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, and temporarily bans all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason.

At this time, fishing guides or charters of any size have been determined to be not essential and are subject to workforce reduction requirements of the Executive Order. The full and updated guidance on which types of businesses are determined essential and other designations associated with the order can be found at: https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026

 

Jerry

RUNNIN REBEL


Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United

Edited March 31, 2020 by RUNNIN REBEL

[Kevin J Legg]

NY STATE.                3-30-20
 
Below find guidance as it relates to charters and guides.


The "New York State on PAUSE" Executive Order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone during the COVID-19 response, includes a directive that all non-essential businesses statewide must close effective at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, and temporarily bans all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason.

At this time, fishing guides or charters of any size have been determined to be not essential and are subject to workforce reduction requirements of the Executive Order. The full and updated guidance on which types of businesses are determined essential and other designations associated with the order can be found at: https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026
 
Jerry
RUNNIN REBEL


Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United

I figured this was coming.


Sent from my iPhone using Lake Ontario United mobile app

[r5dogs]

Thank Jerry! Please keep updates coming.

[RUNNIN REBEL]

NEW YORK      3-31-20

 

DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Share or view as a web page || Update preferences or unsubscribe   Response to COVID-19: A Message to Fishing Charters, Guides and Anglers Fishing Safely This Season New York State is open for fishing and DEC encourages anglers to recreate locally at a nearby waterbody. New York's lakes and streams offer great opportunities for fishing in a wide array of settings across the state. Even during the current COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors and connecting with nature while angling in New York's waters is a great way to help maintain mental and physical health. Please continue to follow the CDC/New York State Department of Health guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19: Try to keep at least six feet of distance between you and others. Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands. Wash hands often or use a hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs, handrails, and playground equipment. When fishing, DEC recommends avoiding busy waters and following the guidelines on DEC's website about fishing responsibly in New York State. If an angler arrives at a parking lot and there are several cars, they should consider going to another parking lot. If an angler is fishing upstream, they should fish downstream of the other angler or consider fishing another day. Anglers fishing from boats should always be able to maintain at least six feet of distance between one another. For more information about the benefits of being outdoors safely and responsibly, go to DEC's website.  Charters and Guides The "New York State on PAUSE" Executive Order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone during the COVID-19 response, includes a directive that all non-essential businesses statewide must close effective at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, and temporarily bans all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason. At this time, fishing guides or charters of any size have been determined to be not essential and are subject to workforce reduction requirements of the Executive Order. The full and updated guidance on which types of businesses are determined essential and other designations associated with the order can be found online.    The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation respects your right to privacy and welcomes your feedback  |  Update preferences or unsubscribe  |  Learn more about DEC Delivers. Connect with DEC:          Basil Seggos, Commissioner   Jerry RUNNIN REBEL This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation · 625 Broadway · Albany, NY 12233 · (518) 402-8013

Edited March 31, 2020 by RUNNIN REBEL

[RUNNIN REBEL]

OHIO         3-31-20

 

See reply from ODNR.  Self explanatory.

 

From: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Cov-19 and Charters

 Our Lake Erie Charter Boat Association worked with the Director’s office and determined that charter businesses were considered non-essential and should not operate in the spirit of the Governor’s Stay at Home Order.  It’s my understanding that the LECBA president, Paul Pacholski, sent an email notification out to all members to inform them of the determination.  Enforcement of issues associated with the Order ultimately falls upon local health departments.  I can’t speak to the nature of actual enforcement of the non-essential determination, I can only convey to you second hand what I’ve heard.

 

Thanks, and best of luck.

Take care,

Travis

 

Travis Hartman Lake Erie Program Administrator ODNR Division of Wildlife Phone: 419-871-6142 Email: [email protected]

 

[RUNNIN REBEL]

 

There has been discussion of aid within the stimulus plan for fisheries and aquaculture, though the details of the distribution and process behind are not yet available

Stimulus includes $300 million for fisheries and aquaculture

By Jessica Hathaway  March 26, 2020

 

 

A $300 million earmark in the Senate’s $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill passed late Wednesday, March 25, is slated for fisheries and aquaculture. It’s aimed at supporting independent operators who are not otherwise covered by agricultural disaster assistance programs.

[Update: President Donald Trump signed the bill into law shortly after it passed through the U.S. House of Representatives on a voice vote, Friday, March 27. Stay tuned for more details on how these benefits will be accessible to commercial fishermen and other independent operators.]

The Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (or CARES) Act late Wednesday, March 25. It returns to the House of Representatives for a vote on Thursday, March 26. The bill is designed to stimulate the economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that has led to widespread shutdowns intended to slow the spread of the virus.

The language in the fisheries portion of the bill stipulates that the funds are “authorized to provide assistance to Tribal, subsistence, commercial, and charter fishery participants affected by the novel coronavirus.”

It specifies that this fund is designated for businesses not covered by agricultural relief programs defined by part 1416 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

“Tribes, persons, fishing communities, aquaculture businesses not otherwise eligible for assistance under part 1416 of title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations for losses related to COVID–19, processors, or other fishery-related businesses, who have incurred, as a direct or indirect result of the coronavirus pandemic — economic revenue losses greater than 35 percent as compared to the prior 5-year average revenue.”

Funds may be awarded on a rolling basis “and within a fishing season to ensure rapid delivery of funds,” which will remain available until Sept. 30, 2021.

At press time, the agency that will oversee applications for relief funds under the Commerce Department is to be determined.

The National Coalition for Fishing Communities made a statement thanking the industry for uniting in requesting help from federal legislators and also Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) for their quick action in speaking on behalf of the industry in a letter to Senate leaders.

“The speed with which the domestic seafood industry has come together to speak with one voice is unprecedented,” said Bob Vanasse, executive director of Saving Seafood, which organized the coalition. “There are many differences in our nation’s fisheries — geography, species, gear types and management — but today our fisheries are simultaneously diverse and unified. We look forward to working together across traditional industry lines, and with elected officials and administrators, to ensure the aid the federal government is providing will flow fairly and equitably across regions and fisheries.”

 

 

As I hear more about this or other sources of relief (e.g., the US Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance), I will convey those as well.

 

Another resource to aid in application development can be found through SUNY Stony Brook's Small Business Development Center: https://www.stonybrook.edu/sbdc/ 

 Jerry
RUNNIN REBEL

Edited March 31, 2020 by RUNNIN REBEL

[wishinfishin]

Thanks for posting

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J327A using Lake Ontario United mobile app

[Low Baller]

Good info. Thanks Jerry

Sent from my SM-G900P using Lake Ontario United mobile app

[brucehookedup]

Thanks Jerry. Let's see who adhere's to the PAUSE of running trips. Better yet who is going to enforce it??? I certainly hope that somebody does. We need to stop this nasty virus. Nobody know's where the people are coming from and where have then been. Be smart.

I guess better late than never from N.Y. My frustrating thoughts.

[Fishy]

I don’t run trips. Plan on going out April 1 for trout flat lining by myself. 

[RUNNIN REBEL]

From Jesse M. Lepak, Great Lakes Fisheries and Ecosystem Health Specialist, New York Sea Grant * SUNY Oswego   "This is most relevant to NY Charter Captains:" Recent events have been challenging for many, and unfortunately this has presented obstacles for the fishing industry as well.  There has been discussion of aid within the stimulus plan for fisheries and aquaculture, though the details of the distribution and process behind are not yet available.   A few more details can be found here: https://www.nationalfisherman.com/national-international/stimulus-includes-300-million-for-fisheries-and-aquaculture/    As I hear more about this or other sources of relief (e.g., the US Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance), I will convey those as well.   Another resource to aid in application development can be found through SUNY Stony Brook's Small Business Development Center:  https://www.stonybrook.edu/sbdc/   U.S. Travel CARES Act Resource Links   If you are a Self-employed individual, you may want to consider looking into the following:   ● SBA Business Interruption Loans           ● SBA Coronavirus Economic Injury Disaster Loans     Jerry RUNNIN REBEL

Edited April 1, 2020 by RUNNIN REBEL

[RUNNIN REBEL]

IMPORTANT SURVEY for ALL Fisheries BUSINESSES

 

 

Jerry, 

Below is a link to a survey that will be going to the National Sea Grant Office to identify needs related to impacts of COVID-19 on aquaculture and fisheries businesses.

 

No one is in need of more on their plate at this time, but this should provide an indication of the specific challenges that you are currently facing.

 

The survey will not release any individual identifiers.

 

If you or others you know would like to participate, please provide your input so it can be considered at the National level as they are navigating the availability/accessibility of relief measures.  The link to the survey will be live through April 10th.

 

Here is the link: https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6rsUSOKhqD7dAln 

The purpose of this survey is to quantify the effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on commercial aquaculture, aquaponics or allied businesses. This survey should take about 15 minutes of your time to complete. This survey will be distributed once per quarter throughout 2020, to capture the evolving effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). No personally identifiable information (name, address, e-mail, telephone number, IP address, etc.) will be collected. All data from this survey will remain anonymous.

 

This survey is not tied to any funding or sponsor. There are no benefits or rewards for participating in this study. Results from this study may be used to communicate the effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on commercial aquaculture, aquaponics or allied businesses to State and Federal agencies, in an effort to secure relief. Results from this study may also be published in the future. Participation in this research survey is voluntary. By continuing with this survey, you are consenting to the use of your responses for research purposes. If you do not consent for your responses to be used for research purposes, please discontinue this survey by closing the browser window.

 

This survey will close at 11:59 pm (eastern time) on April 10, 2020.

 

If you would like a copy of the summary results, or have any questions about this study, please contact:

 

Matthew Smith - The Ohio State University - [email protected]

Jonathan van Senten - Virginia Seafood AREC - [email protected].

Thank you for your participation in this project.

 

 

 

 

 

--

Jesse M. Lepak

Great Lakes Fisheries and Ecosystem Health Specialist

New York Sea Grant

SUNY Oswego Penfield 4

Oswego, NY 13126

Phone: 315-312-3045

Email: [email protected]
www.nyseagrant.org

 

Edited April 1, 2020 by RUNNIN REBEL

[RUNNIN REBEL]

Lucky13    133

• 

Posted 8 hours ago

"Is there some kind of official announcement that has escaped many of us on suspension of the trawls?  I know it was announced that charter fishing is verboten yesterday, but I've seen nothing on the science end."

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2020 spring bait trawl with the US & Canadian vessels was canceled for this spring due the COVID spread concerns. . It is too bad as this is the earliest they have been ready to go. Plus some trawling vessels have new electronic data systems and faster upgrades in measuring/scales ETC.

 

ALSO a 3 year plan between the US & Canada to do a chinook salmon fin clip ( adipose fin ) only study (no nose tags ) on all stocked kings was canceled this year 2020.  Hope fully that can continue at least the next 2 years or even be extended to the full 3 year agreement again. Brightside is without having logistics of time and travel of our 1 tagging trailer to tag ALL stocked kings ( US & Canada ) the US Altmar hatchery should be able to deliver our pen reared kings earlier if needed.

 

Jerry

RUNNIN REBEL

Edited April 1, 2020 by RUNNIN REBEL

[RUNNIN REBEL]

Webinar: Resources to support the fishing industry during COVID-19

Interested in hearing more about SBA loans to support the fishing industry? What bills are in the pipeline to support small- and community-based fisheries?    Join us for a webinar with SBA, the US House on Natural Resources Committee, and Castlemain Group: Amy K. Bassett, District Director, Maine District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration Lora Snyder, Staff Director, Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee, House on Natural Resources Committee. Christy Whitmore, Business Development Advisor, Castlemain Group, a liaison between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative and 24 Commercial Fishery Enterprises in British Columbia When: April 8, 12:00 - 1:30 PM ET Location: Zoom video conference. Registration required: https://maine.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsd-uqqzojUiMyYO9rGYfH_r-z1DojGw Focus: Understanding resources to support small- and community-based fishing businesses across country during the COVID-19 pandemic.        SORRY ABOUT THE LATE NOTICE ALSO   Capts should check into this  and appy for this, since our charter business supplies a service, not a product. The fee/rate we collect is our weekly paycheck/payroll.  The worst case scenario is the loan is not forgiven (Turned into a grant that does not have to be repaid ) and then you repay loan  at a %1 interest rate. Pay down any payment you currently have to stay afloat till regular income comes back. I know a few Capt's ( if  their application is accepted ) are going to have a pretty good 2020 spring charter income season WITHOUT the expenses of ever leaving the dock.   Jerry RUNNIN REBEL        Thanks Lucky13 for posting this also   And a HUGE THANKS to   Jesse M. Lepak Great Lakes Fisheries and Ecosystem Health Specialist New York Sea Grant SUNY Oswego Penfield 4 Oswego, NY 13126 Phone: 315-312-3045 Email: [email protected] www.nyseagrant.org     April 2020 8 Be part of the conversation, April 8, 12:00 - 1:30 PM ET.   Register

Edited April 8, 2020 by RUNNIN REBEL

[brucehookedup]

I'm on it Jerry, thanks. My bank told me to be patient and they will contact me. By the way my application is in the 9 million category. 

[RUNNIN REBEL]

 

21 minutes ago, brucehookedup said:

By the way my application is in the 9 million category. 

Good to hear Bruce,  This is where the term "BRUCE STERS MILLIONS $$$"    comes from...…..Trust me I Known this Capt for over a 40 +++ years friendship ……….

 

 

 There are not many reasons for a charter Capt not to be  looking  into getting paid their  normal $ rate/payroll for 8 weeks ? (DO YOUR OWN MATH ), AGAIN WITHOUT having the expenses/wear & tear/ and Time into driving to & from boat  or even leaving dock.

 

Jerry

RUNNIN REBEL

Edited April 8, 2020 by RUNNIN REBEL

[mr 580]

OHIO    4/6/2020 

 

Ohio DNR is suspending sale of non-resident fishing and hunting licenses until further notice.  Current license holders can continue to use their privileges.

 

Ohio is also asking non-residents entering the state to self quarantine for two weeks.

[RUNNIN REBEL]

mr580 QUOTE.       FOLLOW UPDATE

"Ohio DNR is suspending sale of non-resident fishing and hunting licenses until further notice.  Current license holders can continue to use their privileges."

 

Ohio is also asking non-residents entering the state to self quarantine for two weeks.

 

 

UPDATE 4-8-20

Record Ohio walleye run, huge crowds lead to fishing license restrictions, Sandusky and Maumee river closings during pandemic

Updated 7:58 AM; Today 7:47 AM

 

 

 

In this Plain Dealer file photo, a crowd of anglers gather on the Maumee River during a the annual walleye spring spawning run. Thousands of fishermen, many from other states, have jammed rivers and towns in Northwest Ohio, leading Ohio officials to end non-resident fishing license sales. Two mayors closed off access to the Maumee and Sandusky Rivers. (D'Arcy Egan, The Plain Dealer)The Plain Dealer

 

PORT CLINTON, OHIO — Veteran walleye fishermen have seen crowds of anglers on Lake Erie and the Maumee and Sandusky rivers for decades, but rarely quite like this. And never during a pandemic such as COVID-19.

The Lake Erie walleye population in Northwest Ohio has reached record levels, an estimated population of 116 million fish that are two years old, or older. This area of Lake Erie is where walleye come to spawn each spring.

Toss in a spate of wonderful fishing weather, and the launch ramps around Western Lake Erie have been jam-packed with trailers and tow vehicles. The rivers are clogged with wading fishermen, where it is almost impossible to maintain Gov. Mike DeWine’s mandate of social distancing and banning crowds that could help spread the coronavirus.

“I headed to Lake Erie last weekend just to observe the situation,” said Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, by telephone. “We didn’t want to allow the launch ramp areas to become overcrowded, and we understand the concerns of local residents.”

Fixing the problem, though, seemed insurmountable as a steady stream of out-of-state anglers towing fishing boats kept arriving. When the Lake Erie walleye populations have exploded and the big fish are biting, it might seem like a once in a lifetime event to fishermen from Wisconsin, Minnesota or the Dakotas.

To put a stop to the flood of non-resident anglers, DeWine announced Monday afternoon that while he would not shut down the walleye fishing, he could keep the crowds at bay by halting the sale of non-resident fishing licenses starting Monday night.

“People entering (Ohio) are being asked to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days, making recreational travel unfeasible,” said Mertz. “We look forward to reopening license sales when hunters and anglers can safety return.”

Louis P. Wargo III, the Ottawa County Municipal Court judge in Port Clinton, said it would not be a good idea for non-resident anglers to try to skirt the law and fish without a license.

“The standard fine and court costs for fishing without a license here is $105, which is waiverable,” said Wargo. “The restitution paid for illegally-caught fish is $50 for each walleye or bass, and $20 per yellow perch.”

People who are in Ohio and already have a non-resident fishing license must abide by the Ohio Department of Health guidance and self-quarantine for 14 days before going fishing, said Mertz.The spring walleye spawning run up the Sandusky and Maumee rivers is in full swing, and the rivers are also filled with fishermen. On a good day, about 10,000 to 15,000 anglers from outside the area are wading and casting, said Mayor Danny Sanchez of Fremont.

The crowds of outside anglers is a major problem for his city, Sanchez said, overwhelming grocery stores, gas stations and retail shops. He closed the Sandusky River until at least May 1.

Maumee Mayor Rich Carr shut down the Maumee River fishing on Monday at midnight, saying it was in response to the crowds and the health crisis. Carr initially had Maumee Police block access points to the Maumee River, and established a no-parking ban on all streets along the river.

“We tried to allow fishing to continue, but our observations have been such that we have to take this action,” Carr told the Toledo Blade. “Observations over the weekend of those fishing resulted in the determination for the safety of our community, our first responders, and our hospital care workers, we needed to take this action.”

 

Jerry

RUNNIN REBEL

 

 

Edited April 8, 2020 by RUNNIN REBEL

[brucehookedup]

Very unfortunate ,but much needed.

[HBC]

I just cannot fathom how people think there are no risks at this time just to catch a few fish.  Mind boggling.