There will be a Fish and Game Commission meeting on August 8th in Ventura. For those interested in fishing, it's time to speak your mind regarding the proposed Sandbass, Spottie and Calico regulations.

The three proposed regulatory options are intended to work together to favor population increases of the three bass species by reducing take.

The options include an increase in the minimum size limit for all three species (with a corresponding increase in fillet length and alternate length), a reduction in the bag limit for all three species, and a spawning season closure for barred sand bass only. Each proposed option includes a range of sub-options yielding different reductions in catch depending on the species. The following summarizes the options for regulatory change in Title 14, Sections 27.65(b)(1) and 28.30:

Option 1: The proposed regulation would increase the minimum size limit for bass to either 13, 14, or 15 inches total length. An increase in the minimum size limit to 13, 14, or 15 inches will require a corresponding increase in the fillet length size to 7, 7.5, or 8 inches, respectively and a corresponding increase in the alternate length size to 9.25, 10, or 10.75 inches, respectively. Ocean whitefish fillets would retain the 6.5 inches minimum length and require the entire skin be attached.

Option 2: Current regulations specify a limit of 10 fish (bass) in any combination of species. The proposed regulation would retain the 10 fish upper limit in aggregate stipulation, but provide for a reduction in the individual species limit within the range of 10 to 0.

Option 3: Current regulations do not specify any seasonal closure of barred sand bass fishing. The proposed regulation would close barred sand bass fishing from 1 week to 3 months during the spawning season (June 1-August 31).

DFG states the benefits of the proposed regulations are sustainable management of the bass resources to protect bass populations while continuing to provide recreational fishing opportunities. The proposed regulations are neither inconsistent nor incompatible with existing State regulations. No other State agency has the authority to promulgate sport fishing regulations.

NOTICE IS GIVEN that any person interested may present statements, orally or in writing, relevant to this action at a hearing to be held at:

The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel
450 E. Harbor Blvd.
Ventura, California
Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 8:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

FYI....I am against a reduction in the bag limit, according to the numbers the average sportboat angler takes home 5 bass, if you reduce the bag limit to 5 it will do nothing, you would have to reduce the bag limit to 3 or less in order for a reduced bag limit to work. I am also against seasonal closures, both of the above mentioned regulations would force our sportboats, landings, tackle stores and small businesses to close their doors. The three proposed regulatory options are intended to work together to favor population increases of the three bass species by reducing take but what about the new MPA's, I thought they were supposed to help and what about all the sandbass that die crossing the border? Grrrrrr!!!! Out of the three options, if I had to choose I would choose to increase the size limit but I would rather wait to see if the new MPA's are working.

Wendy Tochihara