State of Maine 2003
Open Water Fishing Regulations
Analysis & Proposal for
Simplification
Notice of Confidentiality
The
information and ideas contained in this document that are not in the “Public
Domain” (i.e., that which comes from the “State of Maine Open Water Fishing –
2003 Regulations”) are the sole property of Robert L. Mallard, Jr., residing at
151 East Ridge Road in the town of Skowhegan, Maine. As such, any use, reuse or dissemination of this information
without the expressed written consent of Robert L. Mallard, Jr. is strictly
prohibited.
Table of Contents
|
Description |
Pages |
|
|
|
|
I. Introduction |
1 |
|
II. Executive Summary |
2-3 |
|
III. Current
Situation |
4 |
|
IV. Specific
Recommendations / Administrative |
5-9 |
|
1.
Document Organization |
5 |
|
2.
Inconsistent Use of S-Codes |
6-7 |
|
3.
Inconsistent Verbiage for S-Codes |
7 |
|
4.
Inconsistent Verbiage for Exceptions |
7-8 |
|
5.
Inconsistent Format for Multi-Section Watershed Regulations |
8 |
|
6.
Vague or Confusing Exceptions |
9 |
|
7.
Overly Complicated Water-Specific Regulation |
9 |
|
V. Specific Recommendations / Policy |
10-13 |
|
1. General Law |
10 |
|
2.
Use of S-Codes vs. Exceptions |
10-11 |
|
3.
Definition of “Brook Trout” |
11 |
|
4.
Definition of “Trout” |
11 |
|
5.
Definition of “Salmon, Trout & Togue” |
12 |
|
6.
Use of “No Length or Bag Limit” |
13 |
|
7.
Use of “Catch-and-Release” |
13 |
|
8.
Extended Seasons |
13 |
|
VI. Option #1 –
S-Codes and Frequently Used Exceptions Only |
14-15 |
|
VII. Option #2 –
Infrequently Used Exceptions |
16 |
|
VIII. Option #3 – General Organization (County
Sort) |
17 |
|
Attachments |
18-65 |
The
intention of this paper is to identify areas where the annual State of Maine
“Open Water Fishing Regulations” book put out by the Department of Inland
Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) could be modified so as to be smaller,
easier to understand and easier to use.
Recommendations include proposed changes to the way and where the
material is presented, consolidation of “like” material, consistent use of
“S-Codes” (or some other alternative), and some policy changes regarding how
regulations are established.
Notes:
·
No attempt has been made to ascertain the validity and
necessity of the respective regulations.
However, due to the large number of single-occurrence Exceptions there
is a clear need to evaluate the rules at a later date to determine if they are
all needed. This would be much easier
to accomplish after the current situation has been addressed (i.e., the
document has been streamlined).
·
Due to the fact that they represent the bulk of the material
presented in the book, only regulations effecting salmonids were
evaluated. Issues similar to those
found regarding salmonids can be found for bass, pike, perch and smelt. This can and should be addressed at a later
date.
It
is my opinion that there is nothing inherently wrong with the “S-Code”
system. In fact, coding is a common
practice in printed materials such as catalogs, etc., when the objective is to
make the respective document streamlined and consistent. As such, I in no way recommend that the
concept of coding be abandoned. It is
also important to note that considering the large number of waters involved and
the variety of species found in Maine, even in a perfect world it would require
a high number of codes to effectively manage the resource.
With
that said, I do believe that there is room for significant improvements
especially in regard to how “Exceptions” are handled. With over 160 exceptions, it is my opinion that what may have
been a necessary management tool for addressing unique situations at the time
has since become the “rule”. As such,
one of the primary focuses of this paper will be in regard to consolidation and
simplification will be the exceptions:
·
In a number of cases
(55+), Exceptions are used where an S-Code already exists.
·
There are multiple
Exceptions with the same meanings (up to 5 in some cases).
·
Certain Exceptions
occur more frequently than some S-Codes (S-8).
·
There are some cases
where there are an S-Code and an Exception that have the same meaning except
for the number of fish allowed (S-11 and “…1 fish…”).
I
have also made some recommendations for streamlining the coding system in an
attempt to provide a higher level of understanding, inherent meaning,
consistency and room for future expansion.
Lastly, I have made some recommendations in regard to the process
(definition, approval, formalization) by which regulations are established that
could be implemented voluntarily or legislatively to prevent this (i.e., the
current situation in regard to Exceptions) from happening again in the
future.
It
is also important to note that I have not addressed the effectiveness and
necessity in regard to specific regulations.
However, it is my personal opinion that there are far too many
variations and that many are indicative of biologists trying to manage the
resources to the “nth degree” in an attempt to please too many people and/or
trying to attain the perfect level of management. In this regard, a “90% Rule” by which we impose regulations that
reflect 90% of what we are trying to accomplish would go a long way toward
streamlining the regulations.
As
such, I recommend a second phase to this project (after cleaning up what is
there) where by we would look into ways to lessen the number of overall
regulations. In this phase, a “Work
Group” would be put together to discuss and evaluate ways to consolidate the
regulations into a series of easier to understand items. A possibility would be to consider “Species
Specific” regulations such as BKT1, BKT2, etc., that would regulate both bag
and creel limits.
In
closing, let me state that while it is certainly a worthwhile goal, the shear
number of lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and brooks found in Maine makes it
virtually impossible to make the rule book as small as that found in
neighboring states such as Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. However, while the number of waters cannot
be reduced, the amount to space required to define them could be significantly
reduced by utilizing some form of coding for what are currently defined as
“Exceptions”.
Potential Gains
·
The document (and management of such) can be greatly
simplified by the elimination of 83 unique Exceptions (from 162 to 79)
resulting from the removal of duplicate Exceptions
and Exceptions where S-Codes exist, and conversion of frequently occurring
Exceptions to formal codes. Note
however that a large number of the Exceptions in question will be mapped to
other Exceptions resulting in no decrease in the size of the document.
·
The current word-count for documenting
Exceptions can be reduced from approximately 4,750 (162 Exceptions occurring
365 times x 13 words per occurrence) to roughly 1,770 (79 Exceptions occurring
136 times x 13 words per) by eliminating duplicate Exceptions, eliminating
Exceptions where S-Codes exist, and converting frequently occurring Exceptions
into formal codes.
·
The size of the document can be significantly reduced by the
use of sub-codes in the remaining 79 Exceptions. At 13 characters per Exception (less the sub-codes) times the
number of occurrences (136+), this is a reduction of roughly 1,400 words.
·
While not the focus of this exercise, even after the
consolidation and formalization of Exceptions, there will be a large number of
remaining rules. This is indicative of
a secondary problem where I believe that biologists are trying to manage waters
to too high a level of detail. For example, the following are the current (and
remaining after this exercise) length limits applicable specifically to brook
trout (9 variations):
Ţ
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 6 inches (Exception).
Ţ
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 8 inches (Exception and
S-18).
Ţ
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 10 inches (Exception).
Ţ
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 12 inches (Exception).
Ţ
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 14 inches (Exception).
Ţ
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 16 inches (Exception).
Ţ
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 18 inches (Exception).
Ţ
…minimum length limit: 10 inches, only one may exceed 12
inches (S-17).
Ţ
…minimum length limit: 12 inches, only one may exceed 14
inches (S-16).
In addition, there are a number of length limits that although defined
for “trout” have been applied primarily to brook trout waters (4 variations):
Ţ
…minimum length limit: 8 inches, only one may exceed 12
inches. (S-26).
Ţ
…less than 8 inches and longer than 10 inches must be
released… (Exception)
Ţ
…less than 8 inches and longer than 12 inches must be
released… (Exception)
Ţ
…minimum length limit 6 inches, only one may exceed 12
inches. (Exception).
This means that there are in effect 13 different length limits
applicable to brook trout. The same
situation exists for length limits regarding salmon (10 variations), togue
(6+), etc. In addition, there is a
number of variations in regard to bag limits (5 for togue), etc., that should
be looked at in the future.
After
a thorough review of the rulebook, the number of regulations applicable to
salmonids under the General Law, S-Code and Exception categories is as follows:
·
General Laws: 8
·
S-Codes: 15
·
Exceptions: 162
·
Total: 185
Note: Refer to
attachments “A”, “B” and “C” for the breakdown of General Laws, S-Codes and
Exceptions respectively.
As
you can see, the Exceptions far outnumber the rules and this is the crux of the
problem. In addition, there is no
consistency in regard to what is or what is not an S-Code or Exception (i.e.,
there are S-Codes and Exceptions that are identical except for the numbers of
fish or length limits). It is also
important to note that there are as many as five Exceptions that have the exact
same meaning, only different verbiage (refer to section VII). The number of times a given Exception is
used is as follows:
·
1 Time: 97
·
2-3 Times: 40
·
4-5 Times: 13
·
6-9 Times: 10
·
>9 Times: 2
·
Total: 162
As
you can see, 137 of the Exceptions are imposed only one to three times. As such, these represent cases where a biologist
has chosen to implement what is basically a “Water Specific” regulation. In the 12 cases where a given Exception is
imposed more than five times, two are already S-Codes and the remaining ten
most likely should be consolidated and made into S-Codes (or some other form of
coding).
The
following are items that in my opinion would make the document easier to use
and understand. In no case do any of
the recommendations made change the meaning or intent of any information
currently presented in the document. As
such, these should be viewed as “Administrative” changes only.
Table of Contents (Page 1)
·
There are references
to “Atlantic salmon regulations” on page 30, 47 (the only one of which has a
page reference to the respective regulations) 48, 49, 50, 51 and 52. Only after scanning the entire book was I
able to find this information (page 66-67).
Considering the major changes in effect in regard to Atlantic salmon
(ESA listing, closures, etc.), this section should be added to the
Table-of-Contents under “V. Warnings and Advisories”.
Note: I would also
recommend referencing the page where the regulation can be found in all cases.
Definitions (Page 3)
·
The term “Artificial
Lure” is used throughout the book (e.g., “Artificial lures only”, etc.). It is not implicitly stated as to how many
and what types of hooks are allowed under this definition. As such, I recommend adding some verbiage
such as that noted below:
Ţ “Unless otherwise stated, an Artificial Lure may have up to
two hooks either or both of which may be single or treble hooks.”
·
Under the definition
for “Artificial Lure”, it is not clear to me where synthetic baits such as
“Power Bait”, etc., would be excluded.
If excluding this type of bait is the intention of this rule (which I
believe is the case), the verbiage should be changed as follows:
Ţ “An artificial lures only rule prohibits the use of any
live, dead or chemically preserved natural or synthetic bait or food.”
Note: The term “Organic”
has been removed due to the fact that it is a redundancy of the term
“Natural”.
·
The term “Fish” is
used throughout the book (e.g., “daily limit: 1 fish”, etc.). While ambiguous at best and as such a
candidate for removal, if this term is going to be used it should be clearly
explained under “Definitions”.
·
The term “Brook
Trout” has the potential to confuse readers and as such should be included in
the “Definitions” section. Note that
“Brook Trout” is referred to in a footnote associated with “Trout” under the
“General Law” section (page 5).
·
The term “Trout” has
the potential to confuse readers and as such should be included in the
“Definitions” section. Note that
although referred to as a “term”, the definition for trout is found under the
“General Law” section (page 5). Also
note that the definition for “Salmon” is found in the “Definition”
section.
·
The term “Bass” has
the potential to confuse readers and as such should be included in the
“Definitions” section. Note that
although referred to as a “term”, the definition for bass is found under the
“General Law” section (page 5). Also
note that the definition for “Salmon” is found in the “Definition” section.
General Law (Page 5)
·
A reference should be
made to the “Atlantic salmon regulations” under the “Anadromous Fish Species
Regulations”.
·
The heading for bass
is currently defined as “Black Bass” with the definition including both “bass”
and “black bass”. Few if any other
references are made to “Black Bass” and as such, this term should be dropped
from the book and replaced with “Bass”.
Notes:
Ţ The General
Law matrix refers to “Bass”.
Ţ It may be a
good idea to add other species of bass now found in Maine (i.e., black crappie
if applicable).
·
Remove the definitions
for “Trout” and “Black Bass” from this section (see above).
There
are a number of cases where an Exception (or part of one) is in fact an
existing S-Code. In addition to making
the document easier to use and understand (consistency is key), changing these
will significantly reduce the word-count of the document. This will also help
reduce the overall number of Exceptions making them easier to catalog and
manage in the future. In no case do any
of the recommendations change the meaning or intent of any information
presented in the document. As such,
these should be viewed as “Administrative” changes only.
·
There are references
to “Fly Fishing Only” throughout the document.
Considering that there is an “S-Code” for FFO (S-5), all references to
“Fly Fishing Only” at the County Exception level should be changed to S-5 (or
an alternative code).
·
There are references
to “Artificial Lures Only” throughout the document. Considering that there is an “S-Code” for ALO (S-6), all
references to “Artificial Lures Only” at the County Exception level should be
changed to S-6 (or an alternative code).
·
There are random
cases in the County Exception section where verbiage is used to explain a
regulation (or a part of a regulation) that is in fact a current “S-Code”. In each case, these should be changed to the
appropriate “S-Code” (refer to Attachment “D”).
Ţ Exceptions Involved: 20
Ţ Occurrences: 55+
Note: Based on an
average of 13 words per exception, replacing the effected Exceptions with
S-Codes would reduce the overall word-count by 660 words ((55x13)-55).
There
are cases that while worded differently, there are two “S-Codes” that appear to
have the same intention (note that the specifics may differ). If correct, these should be reworded to gain
consistency and ideally lessen the number of exceptions and compounded
rules. This may also cause some level of
confusion for the reader (refer to Attachment “E”).
There
are a large number of cases that while worded differently, there are two or
more Exceptions that have the exact same technical impact. Considering that this adds to the total
number of exceptions and in fact adds no value, these should be consolidated
(refer to Attachment “F”). While having
little if any impact on the total word-count, this will help reduce the overall
number of Exceptions making them easier to catalog and manage in the future.
In
no case do any of the recommendations change the meaning or intent of any of
the information presented in the document.
As such, these should be viewed as “Administrative” changes only. While this may seem minor to some, the fact
that they are allowed to exist brings up some general concerns, e.g., how close
is anyone watching this, can this confuse the reader, etc.
·
Exceptions
Involved: 74
·
Occurrences: 160+
Notes:
·
4 Variations of the Same Rule
·
5 Variations of the Same Rule
·
4 Variations of the Same Rule
By
eliminating all of the duplicates, the department would recognize a significant
reduction of the overall number of Exceptions.
The actual impact of this consolidation would be as follows:
·
Total Number of
Exceptions Involved: 74
·
Unique Number of
Exceptions: 29
·
Exceptions
Eliminated: 45
Note: Of original 162
Exceptions, 20 can be eliminated by applying an existing S-Code, and 45 can be
eliminated by removing duplicates. This would represent the elimination of 65
of the total 162 Exceptions that exist today (a reduction of approximately
41%). Refer to Attachment “G” for
revised list of Exceptions (i.e., with S-Code’s and Duplicates
eliminated).
There
are cases that while worded similarly, the general format used for a set of
Watershed specific regulations (i.e., a river where the various sections are
managed uniquely) are not consistent.
While not a big concern, a standard format should be defined and
implemented consistently across similar waters (refer to Attachment “H”).
Proposed Format (Example)
Any
River
1.
From
Point A (Town A) to Point B (Town B): S-5; All trout must be released alive at once.
2.
From
Point B (Town B) to Point C (Town C): S-6; Daily bag limit on trout: 1 fish; Minimum length limit on trout:
18 inches.
3.
From
Point C (Town C) to Point D (Town D): S-4; S-19; S-21; S-24.
There
are a number of cases where while worded simply; the intended meaning of a
given Exception is tough to ascertain.
In order to remove any doubt on the part of the reader (or those charged
with enforcement of the respective regulation), these should be reworded (refer
to Attachment “I”).
There
is at least one case where a combination of regulations appears to be unusually
complicated and potentially not what was intended. As such, it could be tough if not impossible to understand and/or
enforce. In this case, the given
regulation should be evaluated for effectiveness and necessity, and streamlined
or changed if possible in the interest of clarity and enforceability. Note that this shows potential problems at
both the “Definition” and “Approval” stages of the process (refer to Attachment
“J”).
The
following are items that in my opinion make the document easier to use and
understand. In all cases, these changes
have an impact on the meaning or intent of the respective information. As such, these should be viewed as “Policy”
changes.
General Law (Page 4)
The county level General Law Exceptions for brook trout in lakes
and ponds are confusing and in my opinion no longer necessary based on what I
see at the “County Exception” level (i.e., the high number of Exceptions
pertaining to brook trout water). While I understand that counties are the
basis of the regulation book and as such people are used to them, I do feel
that consolidating all counties under one “General Law” for brook trout would
be a sound strategy.
Use of S-Codes vs. Exceptions
The
system by which “codes” are used in place of verbiage is not in and of itself
flawed. However, the inconsistent use
of, and total number of Exceptions makes the coding system look more
complicated than it is. As such, the
department should consider a few rules in regard to the use of Exceptions:
·
The department should
maintain a library of all valid Exceptions including the date imposed and the waters
currently affected.
·
Exceptions should be
aged and reviewed periodically (every six months) to see if they are still
necessary.
·
Any Exception that is
used more than four times within the document should become an “S-Code” at the
first opportunity. This would set a
standard where Exceptions could not become the norm and as such, overwhelm the
system as they have today.
Notes:
Ţ
Using an average of 13 words per Exception (extrapolated by
dividing the total word-count for all Exceptions by the number of Exceptions),
an Exception that occurs 5 times requires 65 words to document it.
Ţ
Changing an Exception that occurs 5 times to an S-Code
requires approximately 14 words (the original 13 words plus the new S-Code
itself) plus 5 words to reference the new S-code for a total of 19 words.
Ţ
Each Exception that occurs 5 times or more that is converted
to an S-Code will reduce the total word-count by 46 words or more.
Ţ
While the document size can be reduced by consolidating all
Exceptions that occur two or more times (saving 10 words for two, 22 words for
three, etc.), I have elected to use 5 as the target so as not to overwhelm the
“S-Code” system. In addition, the fact
that an Exception is applied to 4 or less waters makes it a good candidate for
elimination in the future.
·
The Advisory Panel
should be encouraged not to accept regulations defined by an Exception unless
both the situation faced and the regulation proposed are clearly unique. The concern is that we are managing for “100%”
and the last “5%” is costing us “50%” of the complexity found in the
regulations book.
·
Before accepting any
new Exceptions, the Advisory Panel should review the master lists (both S-Codes
and Exceptions) to ensure that a similar regulation with the same meaning does
not already exist. In the event that a
similar regulation exists with a slightly different meaning, the biologist
should be asked to defend why they are not recommending the existing
regulation.
Definition of “Brook Trout”
I
have found a number of examples (Big Reed Pond, Rainbow Lake, Enchanted Pond,
Wadleigh Pond, etc.) where S-19 (“Daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish.”) is used
in conjunction with “minimum length limit on trout: 10 inches, only 1 may
exceed 12 inches.” I assume that the
reason “S-17” is not used in place of this S-Code/Exception combination is that
the biologist is trying to protect blueback trout which are not classified as
“Brook Trout” but are classified as “Trout” (as are brook trout). As such, I recommend that the department
modify the definition of “Brook Trout” to include blueback trout, remove
blueback trout from “Trout”, and change all applicable exceptions to
“S-17”.
Notes:
·
In cases where the term “Brook Trout” is currently used,
each must be evaluated as to the intent and either left alone or replaced with
“Trout” (see below) or “Brook Trout and Trout”.
·
It may be better to create a special category for blueback
trout and Sunapee trout so that they can be managed separate from brook trout
where they are found.
Definition of “Trout”
I
have found a number of examples where brook trout (including splake) are
treated differently than rainbow or brown trout. In fact, there appears to be more times when they are (and will
be in the future) treated differently than rainbow trout and brown trout then
when they are treated the same. As
such, I would propose removing “brook trout” (and by default “splake”) from the
description.
Proposed Format: “Trout: The term ‘Trout’
WHEN USED ALONE, includes brown trout and rainbow trout only. The term ‘Brook Trout’ includes brook trout
and splake only.”
Notes:
·
In cases where the term “Trout” is currently used, each must
be evaluated as to the intent and either left alone or replaced with “Brook
Trout” (see above) or “Brook Trout and Trout”.
Definition of “Salmon, Trout
& Togue” (or “Salmon, Trout and Togue”)
There
are many references to the term “Salmon, Trout & Togue” throughout the
book. In most (if not all) cases, it
appears that the intention is to include salmon, brook trout (including splake)
and togue. As such, if the definition
of “trout” proposed above is adopted, the term in question should be changed to
“Salmon, Brook Trout & Togue”.
Note: There are
Exceptions on pages 42 (Minimum length limit on salmon, brook trout, rainbow trout,
lake trout, and brown trout: 12 inches.) and 43 (Minimum length limit on
salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, lake trout, and brown trout: 12 inches.)
that while not written as “Salmon, Trout and Togue” should be classified as
such under the current meaning of the term.
In these cases, if the proposed definition above is accepted, they
should be classified as “Salmon, Brook Trout, Trout and Togue”.
Use of “No Length or Bag Limit”
It
is unfortunately become clear that there is a need for a generic “S-Code” for
“No Bag Limit” on a number of (and I am sure more in the future) species. As such, the department should consider
generalizing the “S-13” concept to include all applicable species. For example:
·
Format: S-13-x: No Length or Bag Limit / Species
Ţ
BSS: Bass
Ţ
PIK: Pike
Ţ
PIC: Pickeral
Ţ
WHP: White Perch
Ţ
YEP: Yellow Perch
Ţ
PER: Perch (White & Yellow)
Ţ
S-13-BSS (No Length
or Bag Limit / Bass)
Ţ
S-13-PIK (No Length
or Bag Limit / Pike)
Use of “Catch-and-Release”
There
are a large number of Exceptions defined to identify various forms of
Catch-and-Release.
As
such, it has become clear that there is a need for a generic “S-Code”. The department should consider generalizing
an “S” concept to include all applicable species. For example:
·
Format: S-27-xxx: All fish must be released alive at once /
“Species”
Ţ
BSS: Bass
Ţ
TRT: Trout
Ţ
BKT: Brook Trout
Ţ
SAL: Salmon
Ţ
BNT: Brown Trout
Ţ
S-27-BKT (All fish
must be released alive at once / Brook Trout
Ţ
S-27-TRT (All fish
must be released alive at once / Trout)
Note: The term
“Catch-and-Release” (with the description “All Fish Must Be Released Alive at
Once”) should be added to the “Definitions” section found on Page 3.
Extended Seasons
There
are two S-Codes for “Extended Seasons” (S-23 and S-24). I would propose standardizing the verbiage
so as to eliminate confusion (refer to Attachment “K”). In addition to consolidating these under a
separate code (refer to Section XI), I would propose adding a code for
year-round fishing:
·
S-28: EXTENDED SEASON
- Remains open to fishing year-round.
This
section outlines an alternative means for coding both the existing S-Codes and
frequently used Exceptions into M-Codes (“Method of Fishing”), C-Codes
(“Compound Regulations”), and E-Codes (“Extended Seasons”). This makes no
attempt to justify a given regulation (the need for it) or change it in any way
beyond re-coding them. As such, the
benefits will be in the form of consistency, readability, allowing room for
future growth, and decreasing the overall size of the document.
Note: Certain abbreviations (Species “(xxx)”) and
sub-codes (“(B#)”, “(L#)”) have been included in the verbiage for the proposed
“M”, “C” and “E” codes to facilitate Option #2 defined below. It would be possible to implement this
strategy without this component if desired (i.e., if Option #2 is not
implemented). Refer to the following
Attachments for descriptions:
·
Species: “L”
·
Bag Limits: “M”
·
Length Limits: “N”
As
I see it, there are a number of technical (administrative issues have been
addressed above) flaws in the current “S-Code” system.
·
As a result of the
order that codes have been added, there is no physical grouping of “like” items
to enhance readability (i.e., method restrictions, bag limits and/or length
limits, or extended seasons).
·
There is little room
for expansion without further exasperating the issue noted above.
·
As a result of the
single prefix currently being used (“S”), there is no easy way to differentiate
codes by type (i.e., method restrictions, bag limits and/or length limits, or
extended seasons).
·
Existing codes are
species specific with both single and compound regulations allowing for little
reusability and resulting in much redundancy.
As
such, I am proposing a new coding system using formal codes with consistent
verbiage (and standard abbreviations), by which the department could group
“like” items, allow for future expansion and an inherent level of readability,
and use multiple versus compound rules where necessary (mostly in what are
currently Exceptions):
Note: Both current
S-Codes that occur more than 10 times (all current S-Codes apply) and
Exceptions that occur more than 4 times in the current document will become
formal codes under this option.
Method of Fishing
Under
the proposed strategy, all current S-Codes and Exceptions (regardless of the
number of occurrences) associated with “Methods of Fishing” will be grouped
under a new set of codes defined as “M#”.
In addition to the items noted in the associated table, new items would
be added on an as needed basis (refer to Attachment “O”).
Species, Bag Limits and Length Limits
Under
the proposed strategy, all current S-Codes and frequently used (more than 4
times) Exceptions associated with “Bag Limits” and/or “Length Limits” will be
grouped under a new set of codes defined as “C#” (Compound Regulation). In addition to the items noted in the
associated table, new items would be added on an as needed basis (refer to
Attachment “P”).
Extended Seasons
Under
the proposed strategy, all current S-Codes and Exceptions (regardless of the
number of occurrences) associated with “Extended Seasons” will be grouped under
a new set of codes defined as “E#”. In
addition to the items noted in the associated table, new items would be added
on an as needed basis (refer to Attachment “Q”).
Mapping Common Regulations
Under
the proposed strategy, current S-Codes and Exceptions (those occurring more
than 4 times or of strategic value) would be mapped to new “M”, “C” or “E”
codes respectively (refer to Attachment “R”).
Important
Notes:
·
The strategy defined above assumes that a number of
recommendations made in this document are accepted. Specifically, all references to “trout”, “brook trout” and
“salmon, trout and togue” reflect the proposed meaning and not the current
meaning.
·
The re-mapping of S-Codes and frequently used Exceptions is
based on the assumption that both items 2 and 4 in Section IV have already been
done (i.e., map Exceptions to existing S-Codes and eliminate redundant
Exceptions).
·
A definition of “No Live Fish as Bait” would need to be
added on Page 3.
Ţ The use or
possession of live fish is prohibited on or near this water. The use of dead fish (whole or partial),
worms, salmon eggs, and other natural or synthetic non-live bait is permitted.
This
section outlines an alternative means for coding the infrequently used
Exceptions (i.e., those not addressed under Option #1). While in theory this could be implemented in
lieu of Option #1 (i.e., for all regulations including current S-Codes and
proposed “M”, “C” and “E” codes), it would best to implement it in addition to
Option #1 due to the large number of occurrences of many of the current
S-Codes.
This
makes no attempt to justify a given regulation (the need for) or in fact
simplify the rules in any way beyond re-coding them. As such, the benefits will be in the form of reducing the size of
the document, gaining consistency, improving readability and allowing room for
future growth.
Under
this proposal, while not given a formal “M”, “C” or “E” code, infrequently used
Exceptions will be re-written to use a standard format, consistent verbiage,
and the abbreviations and sub-codes noted below and in Option #1 (Species, Bag
Limits and Length Limits). Refer to
Attachment “S”.
Species
Under
the proposed strategy, each of the various species (and groupings of species)
will be assigned a 3-digit code (“xxx”).
In addition to the items noted in the associated table, new items would
be added on an as needed basis (refer to Attachment “L”).
Bag Limits
Under
the proposed strategy, each of the various bag limits (standard and aggregate)
will be assigned a 2-digit code (“B#”) or 3-digit code (“B#A”)
respectively. In addition to the items
noted in the associated table, new items would be added on an as needed basis
(refer to Attachment “M”).
Length Limits
Under
the proposed strategy, each of the various length limits (minimum and various
types of “slots”) will be assigned a 2-3 digit code (“L#” or “L##”) or a 5-7
digit code (“L#-#x”, “L#-##x”, “L##-##x”) respectively. In addition to the items noted in the
associated table, new items would be added on an as needed basis (refer to
Attachment “N”).
Notes:
·
There are 79 Exceptions affected.
·
At approximately 13 words per Exception, the total
word-count is 1,027 (not including multiple occurrences).
·
It takes approximately 3 words per Exception (including
adding any “L” codes not previously defined) to re-code them under the new
scheme resulting in a revised word-count of roughly 240 (a reduction of
approximately 75%).
The
general organization of the Exceptions section of the current document is based
on a “County” sort. While most (but
clearly not all) folks know what county they live in, counties are more often
than not unknown to folks from outside a given area, and more importantly,
outside the state (Maine is the “Vacation State”). As such, it is unclear what if any value the current County sort
has.
As
counties become less important nation wide and in recognition of the large
number of non-resident anglers whom fish in Maine, I would recommend that the
Exceptions section be changed to reflect a Lakes/Ponds and
Rivers/Streams/Brooks sort similar to that found in other New England
states. Under this plan, individual
waters would be sorted by within the two respective sections by name with a
secondary sort on city, town, and township.
Attachment
“A” – Current Regulations / General Laws (Salmonids)
Description
|
General Law (brook trout): 5 fish, 6 inches.
|
General Law (brook trout) / County Exception – Lakes & Ponds
(Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Sagadahoc, Waldo,
York): 2 fish, 8 inches.
|
General Law (salmon): 2 fish, 14 inches.
|
General Law (togue): 2 fish, 18 inches.
|
General Law (brown trout): 2 fish, 12 inches Lakes & Ponds.
|
General Law (brown trout): 2 fish, 6 inches Rivers, Brooks &
Streams.
|
General Law (rainbow trout): 2 fish, 12 inches Lakes & Ponds.
|
General Law (rainbow trout): 2 fish, 6 inches Rivers, Brooks &
Streams.
|
Attachment
“B” – Current Regulations / S-Codes (Salmonids)
Description
|
S-4: Use or possession of live
fish as bait is prohibited. (The use of dead fish, salmon eggs, [see pages
5-6], worms is permitted).
|
S-5: Fly fishing only.
|
S-6: Artificial lures only.
|
S-8: Daily bag limit on trout:
1 fish.
|
S-10: Daily bag limit on togue:
1 fish.
|
S-11: Daily bag limit on
salmon, trout & togue: 2 fish in the aggregate.
|
S-16: Daily bag limit on brook
trout (includes splake): 2 fish; minimum length limit: 12 inches, only one
may exceed 14 inches.
|
S-17: Daily bag limit on brook
trout (includes splake): 2 fish; minimum length limit: 10 inches, only one
may exceed 12 inches.
|
S-18: Daily bag limit on brook
trout (includes splake): 2 fish; minimum length limit: 8 inches.
|
S-19: Daily bag limit on trout:
2 fish.
|
S-21: Minimum length limit on
trout: 12 inches.
|
S-22: Daily limit on salmon: 1
fish.
|
S-23: EXTENDED SEASON – Remains
open to fishing through October. From
October 1 – October 31: artificial lures only; all fish caught must be
released alive at once.
|
S-23: EXTENDED SEASON – Remains
open to fishing through November.
From October 1 – November 30: all trout, salmon, togue and bass must
be released alive at once.
|
S-26: Daily bag limit on trout:
2 fish; minimum length limit: 8 inches, only one may exceed 12 inches.
|
Attachment
“C” – Current Regulations / Exceptions (Salmonids)
Description
|
E:
…open to fly fishing only, with barbless hooks,… [14]
|
E:
…restricted to fly fishing only… [14]
|
E:
…shall be called a great pond. [51]
|
E:
…with a daily bag limit of 1 fish on all waters. [14]
|
E:
…with a daily bag limit of 5 trout.
[14]
|
E:
…with single-baited hook and line…
[9]
|
E: All
anglers are restricted to fly fishing only with a daily bag limit of 5
trout. [14 ]
|
E: All
anglers are restricted to fly fishing only with a daily bag limit of 1 fish
on all waters. [14]
|
E: All
fish caught must be released at once [8, 9, 11, 14, 17, 18, 26, 28, 38, 44*,
45*, 49*, 53]
|
E: All
fish must be released alive at once.
[15, 24, 26, 27*, 28]
|
E: All
other fish caught must be released at once [13]
|
E: All
salmon between 16 and 20 inches must be released alive at once. [18, 20]
|
E: All
salmon caught must be released alive at once. [9*, 13, 30, 36*]
|
E: All
salmon caught must be released at once in all river, brooks and streams. [9]
|
E: All
salmon must be released alive at once.
[27, 30]
|
E: All
salmon, trout and togue caught must be released alive at once. [48]
|
E: All
salmon, trout and togue must be released alive at once. [26*]
|
E: All
trout and salmon must be released at once.
[42]
|
E: All
trout between 16 and 20 inches must be released alive at once. [8]
|
E: All
trout caught must be released alive at once.
[19, 36, 38, 53*]
|
E: All
trout less than 8 inches and longer than 10 inches must be released alive at
once. [37, 40]
|
E: All
trout less than 8 inches and longer than 12 inches must be released alive at
once. [24, 26*, 27, 43]
|
E: All
trout must be released alive at once.
[27]
|
E: All
trout, salmon, togue and bass must be released alive at once. [8, 21, 30]
|
E:
Artificial lures only with one hook-a single pointed hook or a treble
hook-allowed. [10, 37]
|
E:
Artificial lures only. [9, 10*, 11, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 31, 32, 37*, 41, 46*,
48, 49, 53]
|
E:
Artificial lures with single pointed hook…
[51]
|
E:
Casting and trolling with artificial flies only. [46]
|
E:
Children under 16 years of age may fish with artificial lures only. [39]
|
E:
Closed to the taking of togue. [51]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on brook trout and togue: 2 fish in the aggregate. [34]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on brook trout: 1 fish.
[47]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on brook trout: 2 fish.
[29, 45]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on brook trout: 5 fish.
[25*]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on brown trout: 1 fish.
[17, 22]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on lake trout: 5 fish.
[46]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on salmon and trout: 1 fish in the aggregate. [18]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 1 fish. [43]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2 fish in the aggregate. [43, 44]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2 fish not to include more than 1
salmon. [18]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2 fish not to include more than 1
togue [34]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2 fish. [22]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on salmon: 2 fish.
[12, 13]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on togue: 3 fish (minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches;
only one may be longer than 18 inches).
[15]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on togue: 3 fish. [16,
17*, 19, 26]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on togue: 3 fish; only 1 may be longer than 18 inches; all 3
may be between 14 and 18 inches. [40]
|
Attachment
“C” – Continued…
Description
|
E:
Daily bag limit on togue: 5 fish.
[12]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on trout and brown trout: 2 fish in the aggregate. [37]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish.
[30]
|
E:
Daily bag limit: 1 fish. [41]
|
E:
Daily bag limit: 1 salmon or trout.
[37]
|
E:
Daily limit on brook trout: 1 fish.
[52]
|
E:
Daily limit on brook trout: 2 fish. [47]
|
E:
Daily limit on salmon, rainbow and brown trout: 1 fish. [22]
|
E:
Daily limit on salmon, trout and togue in lake and tributaries upstream to
red markers or the first bridge: 1 salmon, 1 trout, 5 togue. [36]
|
E:
Daily limit on salmon: 1 fish. [37*,
48*]
|
E:
Daily limit on salmon: 1 fish; minimum length limit: 16 inches. [14]
|
E:
Daily limit on salmon: 1 fish; trout: 2 fish; togue: 5 fish. [28]
|
E:
Daily limit on salmon: 2 fish, only one of which may exceed 18 in
length. [21]
|
E:
Daily limit on togue: 1 fish. [34]
|
E:
Daily limit on togue: 6 fish; minimum length limit: 14 inches; only one may
exceed 23 inches. [14]
|
E:
Daily limit on trout: 1 fish. [26,
34, 41]
|
E:
Daily limit on trout: 2 fish. [37,
41]
|
E:
Daily limit: 1 fish. [17, 25, 39, 44,
46*]
|
E:
Daily limit: 1 salmon or 1 trout.
[37]
|
E:
Fishing restricted to 1 line per person.
[35]
|
E:
Fishing restricted to 1 line. [49]
|
E:
Fishing restricted to casting and trolling with artificial flies only. [45*]
|
|
E: Fishing restricted to casting and trolling with artificial lures only. [45] |
E: Fly
casting and fly trolling only with single-hooked flies or tandem-hooked
flies. [27]
|
E: Fly
casting and fly trolling only. [27]
|
E: Fly
fishing only. [11, 14, 29, 37*, 44*,
45*, 47]
|
E:
General Law fishing, with single-pointed hook... [51]
|
E:
Length limit on brown trout: 12 inches.
[23]
|
E:
Maximum length limit on brown trout and landlocked salmon: 25 inches. [22, 23, 48]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout, togue and splake: 14 inches. [48]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 10 inches. [11]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 12 inches. [18]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 14 inches. [19, 21]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 16 inches. [19, 20, 52]
|
E: Minimum
length limit on brook trout: 18 inches.
[23, 33]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 6 inches. [25]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 8 inches. [17]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brown trout and rainbow trout: 14 inches. [53]
|
E: Minimum
length limit on brown trout in the lake, tributaries and outlet: 20
inches. [18]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brown trout: 12 inches. [11]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brown trout: 14 inches. [17, 21, 22, 33]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brown trout: 18 inches. [22]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brown trout: 20 inches. [19*, 20]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on lake trout: 14 inches. [46]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon, brook trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and
brown trout: 12 inches. [42]
|
Attachment “C” – Continued…
Description
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon, rainbow trout and brown trout: 12
inches. [8*, 22, 43]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon, rainbow trout and brown trout: 16
inches. [22, 43*]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, lake trout and
brown trout: 12 inches. [43]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon, trout and togue: 12 inches. [43]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 10 inches.
[30, 31*, 37]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 12 inches, only 1 may exceed 16 inches. [12, 13, 34]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 12 inches.
[10, 12, 31, 35, 46]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 14 inches except that only 1 may exceed 18
inches. [15]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 14 inches.
[45*]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 16 inches.
[13, 18, 22*, 28, 48*]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 18 inches.
[28]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 20 inches.
[35]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 26 inches.
[13*, 37]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on splake and brook trout: 16 inches. [29]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on splake, brook trout and lake trout: 16 inches. [19]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue and salmon: 16 inches. [25]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue and trout (including splake): 14 inches. [20]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 1 togue must be longer than 18 inches and 1
togue must be between 14 – 18 inches.
[16]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 1 togue must be longer than 18 inches and 1
togue must be between 14 and 18 inches.
[15, 34, 43, 46]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 12 inches.
[22]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches except that only 1 may exceed 18
inches. [26]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches, only one may be longer than 18
inches (all 5 may be between 14 and 18 inches). [36]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches.
[12*, 19, 28, 45]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches; only one togue may be longer than
18 inches. [17*]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches; only one togue may exceed 18
inches. [28]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 16 inches.
[8, 9]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 20 inches.
[19]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 23 inches.
[35*, 48]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on trout in tributaries: 8 inches. [16]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on trout: 10 inches, only one may be longer than 12
inches. [27]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on trout: 10 inches, only one may exceed 12 inches. [34, 38*, 39, 41, 46]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on trout: 10 inches.
[35, 36, 39]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on trout: 12 inches.
[28, 45*]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on trout: 14 inches.
[18, 49]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on trout: 16 inches.
[32, 33, 34, 41, 44, 45]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on trout: 18 inches.
[10, 32, 33*, 35, 38, 39, 46]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on trout: 6 inches; only one may be longer than 12
inches. [37, 46*]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on trout: 6 inches; only one may exceed 12 inches. [37]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on trout: 8 inches.
[15, 26, 42, 51]
|
E: Minimum
length on brook trout and togue: 12 inches, only 1 may exceed 14 inches. [34]
|
E:
Minimum length on brook trout: 10 inches.
[47]
|
E:
Minimum length on brook trout: 16 inches.
[47, 48]
|
E:
Minimum length on salmon: 14 inches.
[44, 45*]
|
E:
Minimum length on salmon: 16 inches.
[38]
|
Attachment “C” – Continued…
Description
|
E:
Minimum length on salmon: 18 inches.
[37*]
|
E:
Minimum length on togue: 14 inches.
[44, 45*]
|
E:
Minimum length on trout: 12 inches.
[44, 45*]
|
E: No
size or bag limit on salmon. [10*,
12*]
|
E: No
special terminal gear restrictions.
[45]
|
E: Only
artificial lures with one hook – a single-pointed hook or treble
hook-allowed. [32, 37]
|
E: Only
one salmon may exceed 16 inches.
[11*]
|
|
E: Open to fishing from January 1 – December 31. [14] |
|
E: Open to open water fishing for all fish from January 1 –
December 31; [8*] |
E: Open to open water fishing from January 1 – December 31. [22, 43]
|
|
E: Open to year-round open water fishing. [53] |
|
E: Open water fishing from January 1 – December 31. [37] |
|
E: Open water fishing remains open from December 1 – March
31. [8] |
E:
Single-hooked artificial lures only…
[22*, 43, 44]
|
E:
Taking of fish is prohibited except by use of a single hook on a line. [51]
|
E:
Total bag limit for salmon, trout and togue: 1 fish. [45, 53]
|
E:
Total bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2 fish. [42, 53]
|
E:
Total daily bag limit for salmon, trout and togue: 1 fish. [45*]
|
E:
Total daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 1 fish. [9, 10*, 11*, 12, 26, 32*, 44, 45, 49]
|
E:
Total daily bag limit on splake and brook trout: 1 fish. [29]
|
E:
Total daily bag limit on splake, brook trout and lake trout: 1 fish. [19]
|
E:
Total daily bag limit on trout and togue: 1 fish. [9*, 30, 36*, 51]
|
E:
Total daily limit on salmon and togue: 1 fish. [35]
|
E:
Total daily limit on salmon, trout and togue: 1 fish. [22, 23, 26, 28, 29, 37, 43]
|
E:
Total daily limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2 fish. [27]
|
E:
Tributaries open to artificial lures only.
[11]
|
E: Use
of live bait permitted. [39]
|
Notes:
·
“[#, #]”
Denotes page numbers where item can be found.
·
“*” Denotes
multiple occurrences of the given item on a specific page.
Attachment
“D” – Exceptions Where an S-Code Exists
|
Exception |
S-Code |
E: …restricted to fly fishing only… [14]
|
S-5:
Fly Fishing Only. |
E: All anglers are restricted to fly fishing only
with a daily bag limit of 5 trout.
[14 ]
|
S-5:
Fly Fishing Only. |
E: All anglers are restricted to fly fishing only
with a daily bag limit of 1 fish on all waters. [14]
|
S-5:
Fly Fishing Only. |
E: Artificial lures only. [9, 10*, 11, 14, 18, 22,
26, 30, 31, 32, 37*, 41, 46*, 48, 49, 53]
|
S-6:
Artificial Lures Only. |
E: Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2
fish in the aggregate. [43, 44]
|
S-11:
Daily bag limit on salmon, trout & togue: 2 fish in the aggregate. |
E: Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2
fish. [22]
|
S-11:
Daily bag limit on salmon, trout & togue: 2 fish in the aggregate. |
E: Daily bag limit on trout and brown trout: 2
fish in the aggregate. [37]
|
S-19:
Daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish. |
E: Daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish. [30]
|
S-19: Daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish.
|
E: Daily limit on salmon: 1 fish. [37*, 48*]
|
S-22:
Daily bag limit on salmon: 1 fish. |
E: Daily limit on salmon: 1 fish; trout: 2 fish;
togue: 5 fish. [28]
|
S-22:
Daily bag limit on salmon: 1 fish. S-19:
Daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish. |
E: Daily limit on togue: 1 fish. [34]
|
S-10:
Daily limit on togue: 1 fish. |
E: Daily limit on trout: 1 fish. [26, 34, 41]
|
S-8:
Daily bag limit on trout: 1 fish. |
E: Daily limit on trout: 2 fish. [37, 41]
|
S-19:
Daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish. |
|
E:
Fishing restricted to casting and trolling with artificial lures only. [45] |
S-6:
Artificial Lures Only. |
E: Fly fishing only. [11, 29, 37*, 44*, 45*, 47]
|
S-5:
Fly Fishing Only. |
E: Minimum length limit on trout: 12 inches. [28, 45*]
|
S-21:
Minimum length limit on trout: 12 inches. |
E: Minimum length on trout: 12 inches. [44, 45*]
|
S-21:
Minimum length limit on trout: 12 inches. |
E: Total bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2
fish. [42, 53]
|
S-11:
Daily bag limit on salmon, trout & togue: 2 fish in the aggregate. |
E: Total daily limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2
fish. [27]
|
S-11:
Daily bag limit on salmon, trout & togue: 2 fish in the aggregate. |
E: Tributaries open to artificial lures only. [11]
|
S-6:
Artificial Lures Only. |
Attachment
“E” – Inconsistent Verbiage for S-Codes
|
S-Code
#1 |
S-Code
#2 |
S-23: EXTENDED SEASON – Remains open to fishing
through October. From October 1 –
October 31: artificial lures only; all fish caught must be released alive
at once.
|
S-23: EXTENDED SEASON – Remains open to fishing
through November. From October 1 –
November 30: all trout, salmon, togue and bass must be released alive at once.
|
S-16: Daily bag limit on brook trout (includes
splake): 2 fish; minimum length limit: 12 inches, only 1 may exceed 14
inches.
|
S-26: Daily bag limit on trout: 2 fish; minimum
length limit on trout: 8 inches, only 1 may exceed 12 inches
|
Attachment
“F” – Inconsistent Verbiage for Exceptions
|
Exception
#1 |
Exception
#2 |
E: All
fish caught must be released at once [8, 9, 11, 14, 17, 18, 26, 28, 38, 44*,
45*, 49*, 53]
|
E: All fish must be released alive at once. [15, 24, 26, 27*, 28]
|
E: All
salmon caught must be released alive at once. [9*, 13, 30, 36*]
|
E: All salmon must be released alive at once. [27, 30]
|
E: All
salmon, trout and togue caught must be released alive at once. [48]
|
E: All salmon, trout and togue must be released
alive at once. [26*]
|
E: All
trout caught must be released alive at once.
[19, 36, 38, 53*]
|
E: All trout must be released alive at once. [27]
|
E: Artificial lures only with one hook-a single
pointed hook or a treble hook-allowed.
[10, 37]
|
E: Only
artificial lures with one hook – a single-pointed hook or treble
hook-allowed. [32, 37]
|
|
|
E:
Single-hooked artificial lures only…
[22*, 43,44]
|
E:
Casting and trolling with artificial flies only. [46]
|
E:
Fishing restricted to casting and trolling with artificial flies only. [45*]
|
|
|
E: Fly casting and fly trolling only. [27]
|
E: Daily bag limit on brook trout: 1 fish. [47]
|
E:
Daily limit on brook trout: 1 fish.
[52]
|
|
|
E:
Total daily bag limit on splake and brook trout: 1 fish [29]
|
E: Daily bag limit on brook trout: 2 fish. [29, 45]
|
E:
Daily limit on brook trout: 2 fish.
[47]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on lake trout: 5 fish.
[46]
|
E: Daily bag limit on togue: 5 fish. [12]
|
E: Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 1
fish. [43]
|
E:
Total bag limit for salmon, trout and togue: 1 fish. [45, 53]
|
|
|
E: Total
daily bag limit for salmon, trout and togue: 1 fish. [45*]
|
|
|
E:
Total daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 1 fish. [9, 10*, 11*, 12, 26, 32*, 44, 45, 49]
|
|
|
E:
Total daily limit on salmon, trout and togue: 1 fish. [22, 23, 26, 28, 37, 43]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2 fish. [22]
|
E: Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2
fish in the aggregate. [43, 44]
|
|
|
E:
Total bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2 fish. [42, 53]
|
|
|
E:
Total daily limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2 fish. [27]
|
E:
Daily bag limit on togue: 3 fish (minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches;
only one may be longer than 18 inches).
[15]
|
E: Daily bag limit on togue: 3 fish; only 1 may be
longer than 18 inches; all 3 may be between 14 and 18 inches. [40]
|
E: Daily bag limit: 1 fish. [41]
|
E:
Daily limit: 1 fish. [17, 25, 39, 44,
46*]
|
E: Daily bag limit: 1 salmon or trout. [37]
|
E:
Daily limit: 1 salmon or 1 trout.
[37]
|
E: Fishing restricted to 1 line. [49]
|
E:
Fishing restricted to 1 line per person.
[35]
|
E:
Length limit on brown trout: 12 inches.
[23]
|
E: Minimum length limit on brown trout: 12
inches. [11]
|
E: Minimum length limit on brook trout: 10
inches. [11]
|
E:
Minimum length on brook trout: 10 inches.
[47]
|
Attachment “F” – Continued…
|
Exception
#1 |
Exception
#2 |
E: Minimum length limit on brook trout: 16
inches. [19, 20, 52]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on splake and brook trout: 16 inches. [29]
|
|
|
E:
Minimum length on brook trout: 16 inches.
[47, 48]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on lake trout: 14 inches. [46]
|
E: Minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches. [12*, 19, 28, 45]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon, brook trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and
brown trout: 12 inches. [42]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, lake trout and
brown trout: 12 inches. [43]
|
|
|
E: Minimum length limit on salmon, trout and togue:
12 inches. [43]
|
E: Minimum length limit on salmon: 14 inches. [45*]
|
E:
Minimum length on salmon: 14 inches.
[44]
|
E: Minimum length limit on salmon: 16 inches. [13, 18, 22*, 28, 48*]
|
E:
Minimum length on salmon: 16 inches.
[38]
|
E: Minimum length limit on salmon: 18 inches. [28]
|
E:
Minimum length on salmon: 18 inches.
[37*]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 1 togue must be longer than 18 inches and 1
togue must be between 14 – 18 inches.
[16]
|
E: Minimum length limit on togue: 1 togue must be
longer than 18 inches and 1 togue must be between 14 and 18 inches. [16]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches except that only 1 may exceed 18
inches. [26]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches, only 1 may be longer than 18 inches
(all 5 may be between 14 and 18 inches).
[36]
|
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches, only 1 togue may be longer than 18
inches. [17*]
|
|
|
E: Minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches, only 1
togue may exceed 18 inches. [28]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on trout: 10 inches, only one may be longer than 12
inches. [27]
|
E: Minimum length limit on trout: 10 inches, only
one may exceed 12 inches. [34, 38*,
39, 41, 46]
|
E: Minimum length limit on trout: 12 inches. [28, 45*]
|
E:
Minimum length on trout: 12 inches.
[44, 45*]
|
E:
Minimum length limit on trout: 6 inches; only one may be longer than 12
inches. [37, 46*]
|
E: Minimum length limit on trout: 6 inches; only one
may exceed 12 inches. [37, 46*]
|
|
E: Open to fishing from January 1 – December 31. [14] |
E: Open to open water fishing for all fish from January 1 –
December 31; [8*] |
|
|
E: Open to open water fishing from January 1 – December 31. [22, 43]
|
|
|
E:
Open to year-round open water fishing.
[53] |
|
|
E: Open water fishing from January 1 – December 31. [37] |
|
|
E: Open water fishing remains open from December 1 – March
31. [8] |
Note: Items in bold represent the preferred verbiage for use in
consolidation.
Attachment
“G” – Revised Exceptions (Eliminate S-Codes and Duplicates)
Current Exception
|
Recommended Action
|
E:
…open to fly fishing only, with barbless hooks,… [14]
|
|
E:
…restricted to fly fishing only… [14]
|
Change To:
”S-5”
|
E:
…shall be called a great pond. [51]
|
|
E:
…with a daily bag limit of 1 fish on all waters. [14]
|
|
E:
…with a daily bag limit of 5 trout.
[14]
|
|
E:
…with single-baited hook and line:…
[9]
|
|
E: All
anglers are restricted to fly fishing only with a daily bag limit of 5
trout. [14 ]
|
Change To:
”S-5, …”
|
E: All
anglers are restricted to fly fishing only with a daily bag limit of 1 fish
on all waters. [14]
|
Change To:
”S-5, …”
|
E: All fish
caught must be released at once [8, 9, 11, 14, 17, 18, 26, 28, 38, 44*, 45*,
49*, 53]
|
Replace With:
“E: All fish must be released alive at once.”
|
E: All
fish must be released alive at once.
[15, 24, 26, 27*, 28]
|
|
E: All
other fish caught must be released at once [13]
|
|
E: All
salmon between 16 and 20 inches must be released alive at once. [18, 20]
|
|
E: All
salmon caught must be released alive at once. [9*, 13, 30, 36*]
|
Replace With:
“E: All salmon must be released at once.”
|
E: All
salmon caught must be released at once in all river, brooks and streams. [9]
|
|
E: All
salmon must be released alive at once.
[27, 30]
|
|
E: All
salmon, trout and togue caught must be released alive at once. [48]
|
Replace With:
“E: All salmon, trout and togue must be released alive at once.”
|
E: All
salmon, trout and togue must be released alive at once. [26*]
|
|
E: All
trout and salmon must be released at once.
[42]
|
|
E: All
trout between 16 and 20 inches must be released alive at once. [8]
|
|
E: All
trout caught must be released alive at once.
[19, 36, 38, 53*]
|
Replace With:
“E: All trout must be released alive at once.”
|
E: All
trout less than 8 inches and longer than 10 inches must be released alive at
once. [37, 40]
|
|
E: All
trout less than 8 inches and longer than 12 inches must be released alive at
once. [24, 26*, 27, 43]
|
|
E: All
trout must be released alive at once.
[27]
|
|
E: All
trout, salmon, togue and bass must be released alive at once. [8, 21, 30]
|
|
E:
Artificial lures only with one hook-a single pointed hook or a treble
hook-allowed. [10]
|
|
Attachment
“G” – Continued…
Current Exception
|
Recommended Action
|
E:
Artificial lures only. [9, 10*, 11, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 31, 32, 37*, 41, 46*,
48, 49, 53]
|
Change To:
”S-6”
|
E:
Artificial lures with single pointed hook…
[51]
|
|
E: Casting
and trolling with artificial flies only.
[46]
|
Replace With:
“E: Fly casting and fly trolling only.”
|
E:
Children under 16 years of age may fish with artificial lures only. [39]
|
|
E:
Closed to the taking of togue. [51]
|
|
E:
Daily bag limit on brook trout and togue: 2 fish in the aggregate. [34]
|
|
E:
Daily bag limit on brook trout: 1 fish.
[47]
|
|
E:
Daily bag limit on brook trout: 2 fish.
[29, 45]
|
|
E:
Daily bag limit on brook trout: 5 fish.
[25*]
|
|
E:
Daily bag limit on brown trout: 1 fish.
[17, 22]
|
|
E: Daily
bag limit on lake trout: 5 fish. [46]
|
Replace With:
“E: Daily bag limit on togue: 5 fish.”
|
E:
Daily bag limit on salmon and trout: 1 fish in the aggregate. [18]
|
|
E:
Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 1 fish. [43]
|
|
E: Daily
bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2 fish in the aggregate. [43, 44]
|
Change To:
”S-11”
|
E:
Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2 fish not to include more than 1
salmon. [18]
|
|
E:
Daily bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2 fish not to include more than 1
togue [34]
|
|
E: Daily
bag limit on salmon, trout and togue: 2 fish. [22]
|
Change To:
”S-11”
|
E:
Daily bag limit on salmon: 2 fish.
[12, 13]
|
|
E:
Daily bag limit on togue: 3 fish (minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches;
only one may be longer than 18 inches).
[15]
|
|
E:
Daily bag limit on togue: 3 fish.
[16, 17*, 19, 26]
|
|
E:
Daily bag limit on togue: 5 fish.
[12]
|
|
E: Daily
bag limit on trout and brown trout: 2 fish in the aggregate. [37]
|
Change To:
”S-19”
|
E: Daily
bag limit on trout: 2 fish. [30]
|
Change To:
”S-19”
|
E:
Daily bag limit: 1 fish. [41]
|
|
E:
Daily bag limit: 1 salmon or trout.
[37]
|
|
E: Daily
limit on brook trout: 1 fish. [52]
|
Replace With:
“E: Daily bag limit on brook trout: 1 fish.”
|
E: Daily
limit on brook trout: 2 fish. [47]
|
Replace With:
“E: Daily bag limit on brook trout: 2 fish.”
|
E:
Daily limit on salmon, rainbow and brown trout: 1 fish. [22]
|
|
Attachment
“G” – Continued…
Current Exception
|
Recommended Action
|
E:
Daily limit on salmon, trout and togue in lake and tributaries upstream to
red markers or the first bridge: 1 salmon, 1 trout, 5 togue. [36]
|
|
E: Daily
limit on salmon: 1 fish. [37*, 48*]
|
Change To:
”S-22”
|
E:
Daily limit on salmon: 1 fish; minimum length limit: 16 inches. [14]
|
|
E: Daily
limit on salmon: 1 fish; trout: 2 fish; togue: 5 fish. [28]
|
Change To:
”S-22, S19…”
|
E: Daily
limit on salmon: 2 fish, only one of which may exceed 18 in length. [21]
|
|
E: Daily
limit on togue: 1 fish. [34]
|
Change To:
”S-10”
|
E:
Daily limit on togue: 6 fish; minimum length limit: 14 inches; only one may
exceed 23 inches. [14]
|
|
E: Daily
limit on trout: 1 fish. [26, 34, 41]
|
Change To:
”S-8”
|
E: Daily
limit on trout: 2 fish. [37, 41]
|
Change To:
”S-19”
|
E: Daily
limit: 1 fish. [17, 25, 39, 44, 46*]
|
Replace With:
“E: Daily bag limit: 1 fish.”
|
E: Daily
limit: 1 salmon or 1 trout. [37]
|
Replace With:
“E: Daily bag limit: 1 salmon or trout.”
|
E: Fishing
restricted to 1 line per person. [35]
|
Replace With:
“E: Fishing restricted to 1 line.”
|
E:
Fishing restricted to 1 line. [49]
|
|
E: Fishing
restricted to casting and trolling with artificial flies only. [45*]
|
Replace With:
“E: Fly casting and fly trolling only.”
|
|
E: Fishing restricted to casting and trolling
with artificial lures only. [45] |
Change To:
”S-6”
|
E: Fly
casting and fly trolling only with single-hooked flies or tandem-hooked
flies. [27]
|
|
E: Fly
casting and fly trolling only. [27]
|
|
E: Fly
fishing only. [11, 14, 29, 37*, 44*,
45*, 47]
|
Change To:
”S-5”
|
E:
General Law fishing, with single-pointed hook... [51]
|
|
E: Length
limit on brown trout: 12 inches. [23]
|
Replace With:
“E: Minimum Length limit on brown trout: 12 inches.”
|
E:
Maximum length limit on brown trout and landlocked salmon: 25 inches. [22, 23, 48]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout, togue and splake: 14 inches. [48]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 10 inches. [11]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 12 inches. [18]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 14 inches. [19, 21]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 16 inches. [19, 20, 52]
|
|
Attachment
“G” – Continued…
Current Exception
|
Recommended Action
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 18 inches. [23, 33]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 6 inches. [25]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brook trout: 8 inches. [17]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brown trout and rainbow trout: 14 inches. [53]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brown trout in the lake, tributaries and outlet: 20
inches. [18]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brown trout: 12 inches. [11]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brown trout: 14 inches. [17, 21, 22, 33]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brown trout: 18 inches. [22]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on brown trout: 20 inches. [19*, 20]
|
|
E: Minimum
length limit on lake trout: 14 inches.
[46]
|
Replace With:
“E: Minimum length limit on togue: 14 inches”.
|
E: Minimum
length limit on salmon, brook trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and brown
trout: 12 inches. [42]
|
Replace With:
“E: Minimum length limit on salmon, trout and togue: 12 inches.”
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon, rainbow trout and brown trout: 12
inches. [8*, 22, 43]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon, rainbow trout and brown trout: 16
inches. [22, 43*]
|
|
E: Minimum
length limit on salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, lake trout and brown
trout: 12 inches. [43]
|
Replace With:
“E: Minimum length limit on salmon, trout and togue: 12 inches.”
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon, trout and togue: 12 inches. [43]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 10 inches.
[30, 31*, 37]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 12 inches, only 1 may exceed 16 inches. [12, 13, 34]
|
|
E: Minimum
length limit on salmon: 12 inches.
[10, 12, 31, 35, 46]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 14 inches except that only 1 may exceed 18
inches. [15]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 14 inches.
[45*]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 16 inches.
[13, 18, 22*, 28, 48*]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 18 inches.
[28]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 20 inches.
[35]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on salmon: 26 inches.
[13*, 37]
|
|
Attachment
“G” – Continued…
Current Exception
|
Recommended Action
|
E: Minimum
length limit on splake and brook trout: 16 inches. [29]
|
Replace With:
“E: Minimum length limit on brook trout: 16 inches.”
|
E:
Minimum length limit on splake, brook trout and lake trout: 16 inches. [19]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue and salmon: 16 inches. [25]
|
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue and trout (including splake): 14 inches. [20]
|
|
E: Minimum
length limit on togue: 1 togue must be longer than 18 inches and 1 togue must
be between 14 – 18 inches. [16]
|
Replace With:
“E: Minimum length limit on togue: 1 togue must be longer than 18 inches and
1 togue must be between 14 and 18 inches.”
|
E:
Minimum length limit on togue: 1 togue must be longer than 18 inches and 1
togue must be between 14 and 18 inches.
[15, 34, 43, 46]
|