By Allison Miles
I don’t want to say it and jinx us, but I think we are finally done with the freezing temperatures. I can’t wait to get out and fish! Before you head out to the fishing grounds, be sure to pick up your saltwater fishing permit and take a quick look at the 2014 regulations. Yes, they change. It’s your responsibility to keep up to date.
The Division of Marine Fisheries added a lot of great information on their website to keep anglers informed. Almost every year when I see anglers hauling up their trophy catches on the dock with their winning grins, I ask if they’re going to weigh it in for a state pin, they always respond with, “Weigh it in for a what?”
The Division of Marine Fisheries runs a season long derby for catches caught in the state of Massachusetts. They have women’s, men’s and youth divisions for a large range of species. If you’re looking to let your trophy fish swim another day, they’ve also added a catch and release division. If you catch a qualifying fish, you can weigh it in at a state certified tackle shop. They are all listed on their website, or send in your catch and release photo and information. Everyone who sends in a qualifying fish receives a pin and certificate. If you have kids, this is a great program to get them amped up about fishing. They have an annual ceremony for all the winners, where they hand out awards and share all the winning fish photos. One of the biggest reasons I love this derby is because it prompts you to target new species each year and diversify your fishing game. Who knows? It might land you a trophy for that prize-winning fish.
Learn all about this derby by visiting their website at: http://bit.ly/MAFishingDerby.
Allison Miles is an award winning angler,fishing enthusiast and blogger. She is Pro-Staff for Esca Lures and an Ambassador for Pure Fishing. You can follow her angling adventures at www.gopogy.com.
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