This one could be a huge negative impact on many of us, depending on how a state defines "Essential Services" in regards to the fishing industries. Maine is not "Sheltering In Place, yet; the only businesses up here that are currently closed by law are dine-in restaurant/bars and schools. Being an "Outdoor Lifestyle State" the government is pushing getting outdoors with appropriate "Social Distancing". AAMOF they're allowing and encouraging people to fish through April w/o fresh water licenses or salt water registry.
Since Maine's commercial fishery is a key part of the economic engine, it would almost be a certainty that all marine-related businesses would be deemed "essential", which is a good thing since my boat is at the yard getting her bottom painted. Once she's painted it's Olley Olley Oxen Free, ramps don't have any barriers, backyard dock in place, and I routinely hump gas down to the boat in 6 gallon containers, so any definition of "Shelter In Place" that shuts down anything having to do with fishing, e.g. Marinas, Gas Docks, Tackle Shops (bought all critical supplies back in early Feb and can dig my own bait if needed), etc. is a Shakspeareian "Much Ado About Nothing" event for me personally, but I do worry and feel sorry for my LI colleagues.
One commercial fishing COVID-19 impact afoot is the minimum 2 week delay for the opening of the Elver Season, which was supposed to begin this Sunday. The delay is due to the fishery gets a bit crowded and social distancing isn't an option. In previous years this would have been no big deal in that the fishing stunk, but this year with the wimpy winter they may be missing out on some of the best fishing which is a win for the eels!!
How Will "Shelter In Place" Impact Your Early Season Fishing Plans??
5,762 views·50 replies·by Roccus7··
Not sure how it's going to impact fishing yet, many questions go unanswered & will just have to see how it plays out. Tackle shops will I guess be closed. Will bait be available? We were out of state for most of the first three months of the year, now returned home & town hall is closed to the public. Parking & launch ramp permits? Many launch ramps are located in parks, if the park is closed will the ramp be available? Just going to wait & see how this plays out.
John
John
CaptainOriginal Crew1,979 postsSince 2018
Unless they close the parks in my area I am not sure that my style of fishing from yak and occasionally from a small bay boat will be affected at all. Except for a bucket of clam bellies which I buy maybe once a year (and could substitute a trip to a terrific spot to go clamming by kayak), I just use Gulp, have plenty of tackle, and unfortunately for the B&T go maybe once a year. I am close enough to the town boat ramp wherein I can actually put my yak on a homemade cart and walk it to the ramp (unless the police or wannabees guard the sawhorses at the entrance. Besides, Princess Andie was emphasizing last week for people to get out to the parks for fresh air and just to maintain 6' separation.
CommodoreOriginal Crew7,027 postsSince 2018
I will find out next week when I leave the house and head to the boat,as far as bait I have plenty of Gulp.
First MateOriginal Crew346 postsSince 2019
Just picked up 2 bushels of clams. Loaded with fuel. I’m luckily still working so next nice weekend I plan on heading offshore for cod and ling
MateOriginal Crew53 postsSince 2019
What about you guys that fish with 3 or 4 other people (or more), most of whom if not all are not from the same household ? I am almost always solo, and just use lures and Gulp, but since they don't know for sure yet if one is contagious but asymptomatic, what about you social types ?
CommodoreOriginal Crew7,027 postsSince 2018
C
Just a note the state of Fla has shut down all parks & boat ramps..if you need a ramp to get your boat in the water better act soon...hope it doesn't happen here but I wouldn't bet on it.
CaptainOriginal Crew1,185 postsSince 2019
D
The morons down in Miami decided since there is a ban on people congregating they decided to have a sand bar party. Authorities saw that so their response was to close marinas and boat ramps.
First MateOriginal Crew693 postsSince 2019
Yes, that is what I saw on my Dell computer's news thingy. So the uber rich with private docks on their own waterfront can still go out and play. More and more this is about the "haves and the have nots."
In Miami, yes uber rich, but in other parts of the country, it isn't only the uber rich. Many shacks and double wides around here with docks in their backyards a dock isn't necessarily a "1%er Lives Here" sign...
AdmiralOriginal Crew21,694 postsSince 2018
C
I'll have two boats in the water ready too go...Eff em I'm fishing
CaptainOriginal Crew1,185 postsSince 2019
C
cant say about B&T ..haven't been in one for years, I buy everything wholesale ..But one of my supply houses did close yesterday...
CaptainOriginal Crew1,185 postsSince 2019
I also hung a mixed bushel of greens and whites that survived the mild winter. Fortunately or unfortunately I’m a essential worker so I need the weather on the weekend to get out. The one problem I can see coming is getting the boat short hauled and painted and sinks done. I have a feeling the boatyard will be very busy this summer
MateOriginal Crew53 postsSince 2019
Page 1 of 3
51 postsSign in to reply to this thread.