ASK DFW
What is the management rationale for the new slot limit and minimum length requirements for lingcod spear fishing?
Currently about 25 percent of the lingcod harvested are smaller than the management objectives that have been adopted for the resource. Many of the smaller fish are being harvested by spearfishers.
The first year spearfishers were not exempted from the size requirements was 2010. Such spear-fishing regulations are working well in other areas, such as British Columbia, Oregon and California.
State fish biiologists understand the issue is associated with magnification of objects under water.
The best way to gain confidence and ability to judge length underwater is to put black tape on your spear gun at various lengths apart (22 inches; 26 inches; 36 inches) corresponding to the regulations in your area. Then, practice judging length on items like logs and rocks until your ability to estimate lengths has been honed. This is like learning how to set and use the pins on a bow sight.
Information for this feature comes from wdfw.wa.gov/help.
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