Cod Spawning Protection Area - New Hampshire Fish and Game ...

Cod Spawning Protection AreaGulf of Maine Cod SpawningProtection AreaThe Gulf of Maine Cod Spawning ProtectionArea is located primarily in federal waterssouth of the Isle of Shoals and is closed to theuse of recreational and commercial gear capableof catching cod in April, May, and June.Federal rules affecting the closure area statethat recreational fishing will only be allowed“with handline or rod and reel gear that isdesigned to fish for, or that is being used tofish for, pelagic species no portion of whichis designed to be or is operated in contactwith the bottom at any time.” (Pelagic speciesare fish generally found in the upper partof the water column.) In addition, the catchor possession of any groundfish species (cod,haddock, flounders, etc.) while in this area isprohibited during the closure. However, a boatmay transit through the area with groundfishcaught outside the area, provided all baitand hooks are removed from the fishing rodsor handlines or commercial gear is properlystowed in accordance with Federal Rule 50CFR 648.23(b). Please call the Marine FisheriesDivision (603-868-1095) for rules thatapply to the state waters portion of this area.• Time is of the essence. Play and release the fish as quickly and carefullyas possible. An overplayed fish may become too weak to recover.• When landing fish, use a net with fine mesh to avoid injury. Keepthe fish in the water as much as possible. A fish out of water is suffocatingand could be injured.• When releasing a fish, try not to touch it when removing the hookand releasing it. When handling the fish, do not let it flop aroundor squeeze it. The fish can be gently held around the middle andupside down while removing the hook. This position calms the fishand deters it from moving around.Catch & Release• Remove the hook with small pliers or by using the thumb and forefingerto loosen and back out the hook. If a hook cannot beeasilyremoved, cut the leader as close as possible to the hook. The hookwill rust or fall out in a short time.• To revive a tired fish, hold it in a swimming position with one handunder its bottom jaw and the other hand grasping the fish in frontof the tail. Gently move the fish back and forth through the wateruntil it is able to swim away.NH Fish and Game recommends that anglers using live or cut bait use circle hooks to reduce mortality on fish that will be released. Studiescomparing baited circle hooks to the standard J hooks used by most anglers show a substantial reduction in post-release hookingmortality when circle hooks are used.For more information, contact Fish and Game Marine Fisheries Division weekdays (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) at (603) 868-1095.www.FishNH.com 9