Illegal To Fish For American Shad?

[Rob Snowhite]

Just came across this article on Twitter. 

http://www.wtop.com/41/3362279/American-shad-coming-back-in-Potomac-River

"The fishing ban applies to both commercial and recreational anglers."

We know it is illegal to keep this species but what about targeting them for sport/recreation with plans for catch and release?

I'm making some calls to find out if this is true, the paragraph the above statement is taken from is rather vague.

If anyone in the TPFR has additional information, please share. 

[Jeffrey Silvan]

Rob, generally being a protected species simply means you cannot keep rather than cannot target. Further in the article, you can also find this quote which helps clear the air even further:

"The fishing ban applies to both commercial and recreational anglers. So it's not just professional operations, but a father and son reeling in an American shad have to throw it back, too."

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[Bob Bishop]

Leave it alone. We're all getting along fine. You might force their hand.

 Sent from my iPad. 

[Richard Farino]

Lots of times reporters get wording incorrect.

As per the DDOE site:

"Moratorium on Shad and River Herring

In accordance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (ASMFC) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for shad and river herring, the possession of these species is prohibited. For more information please contact the Fisheries and Wildlife Division by phone at 202.535.2260 between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. You may also email the Associate Director at bryan...@dc.gov”

It states “possession”.  I called about this a few years ago and was told by DDOE and the Park Police the same exact thing regarding “possession” by Maryland DNR and Virginia DGIF – if the fish touches any part of the land you’re standing on or the vessel  you’re floating in, it’s considered in your possession.  Simply holding it up for a photo or holding it in your hand does not equate possession.

R

Richard Farino

Urban Angler VA | 108 N. Washington Street  2nd Floor | Alexandria, VA 22314 

(703) 527-2524 | fax: (703) 527-3313 | ric...@urbanangler.com    

From: Rob Snowwhite <r...@robsnowhite.com>
Reply-To: <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com>
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 3:46 PM
To: tidal potomac <tidal-potoma...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Illegal To Fish For American Shad?

http://www.wtop.com/41/3362279/American-shad-coming-back-in-Potomac-River

[Mike Bailey]

You may also want to check with Jim Cummins at ICPRB.  They have some say so regarding the Potomac River fishery which may trump the MAFMC.