Last evening I participated in ODFW’s virtual public input meeting regarding 2021 Halibut and Bottomfish Regulations. The meeting went well and everyone respected others’ input, no arguments. I had submitted by email my input prior to the meeting and to my surprise it was on the screen for everyone to review. Here’s what I learned:

Bottomfish – expect similar regulations that were in place this year. Discussions were mixed regarding starting the year at five, six or seven with possible in season adjustments. Next year’s quotas are slightly down from this year with Black Rockfish remaining at 389.1 mt and Cabezon with an increase to 19.4 mt.
ODFW has been assessing bottomfish abundance along the Oregon Coast for a few years and expects to complete this study in 2023. Once ODFW has the science behind them, there is a good possibility for rezoning the coast for bottomfish. I’ve been recommending a split at Florence for some time.

Halibut – The quota for Halibut should be unchanged, good news. ODFW is confident that they will get permission from the PFMC to allow the use of the long leader rig while fishing for Halibut during all depth days. After you catch your halibut, you can continue fishing with the long leader rig for bottom fish.
There’s a lot more heat and light being applied by ODFW for a halibut tag, which could be used at any time within the open season at any depth. This may become a reality in 2022.
So, all in all this was a good meeting with no bad news.

Good Fishing, Steve