Trolling

[missedshed]

So I was checking out the Md striped bass maps to check dividing lines and seasons and I noticed something on the page for the regulations for trolling. It may be listed differently under another section of regulations though. What I noticed was the definition of trolling and it specifically discribes it by

“Trolling” means the method of angling in which fish are attracted to a lure or bait being trailed from a boat which is being moved by mechanical power.

I was under the impression if I was to do the same on my kayak I would have had to have barbless hooks, however I'm not under mechanical power so as it reads it would imply I don't. I guess I was always wrong unless it's listed in another location differently.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries...bregmap02.html

[MDFishin]

if your peddleing your definitely under "mechanical" power, and if your paddling your pretty much under mechanical power as well (body mechanics). You can argue this in your favor, but I feel that a DNR officer will ticket you for using barbed hooks in C&R season.

That being said, Barbed hooks greatly increase mortality to released fish FACT. And it is catch and release season as you very well know. I personally feel that we as Maryland Kayak Anglers should not be out there looking for potential loopholes in the law. I also feel that it is unethical to try and get a slight advantage over the fish when it will lead to additional injury or possible death to the fish. Suck it up and wait till trophy season if you need barbs to catch a fish.

Just my opinion

[missedshed]

First I never said I was using barbs when trolling, I just pointed out something and how it was listed. I sure don't need barbs or barbs in any season. Nor did i use j hooks back in the day when they were legal in some states.. have always used circle hooks even back in the day when bait fishing.

[jet]

Interesting, but when I was stopped by dnr on the yak, they checked my hooks for crushed barbs, so that technicality probably doesn't matter to them.

[chex]

I'm wondering why this only applies to trolling. Wouldn't the fish suffer the same damage from other methods of fishing?

Another question I had is, is the trailing hook on a xrap considered a "stinger hook"?

[MDFishin]

The logic is when trolling the rod is not in hand and the fish has an opportunity to swallow the bait. When jigging theoretically the hookset will keep the jig out of the gullet.

Good question about the Xrap. I use stretch 25s which are essentially the same lure.

[DOGFISH]

About the crankbaits, read your hadbook and you will see that it says a crankbait with a second set of hooks is considered one set of hooks. Check the handbook for actual language.

I have always had more fish swallow jigs, soft baits and bait, rather than trolled lures. I have had fish take a trolled lure pretty deep, but they tend to get hooked well before they have a chance to swallow the moving bait. I think maybe the trolled lure thing is about, stripers are the single most sought after species by early spring trolling. Someone who is trolling is deemed to be after stripers. I crush down the barbs or my crankbaits. That way I can just swap out the hooks during the regular season. Of course, I usually swap out the hooks for crankbaits. The manufacturers use cheap hooks that sometimes bend open.

[chex]

About the crankbaits, read your hadbook and you will see that it says a crankbait with a second set of hooks is considered one set of hooks. Check the handbook for actual language.

I read it (many times), and as an anal, nit-picking English major, it's not so clear to me...

Page 39
It is illegal:
To use more than 2 hooks or 2 sets of hooks for each rod or line. Artificial lures or plugs with multiple hooks are considered 1 set of hooks.

Page 40
Stinger Hook means any hook which trails another hook, either by direct physical attachment to the lead hook or by a connective device such as a swivel or chain, and is part of the same bait or lure.

If you combine these two you get : a 2-hook crankbait is considered one set of hooks, but includes a stinger hook. If you give weight to the language on page 39, then it is impossible to have a stinger hook, since any 2nd or 3rd or 4th hook that is on a lure is only considered part of the 1st set.

In any case, I wrote to DNR and just got a response from Keith Lockwood,
Recreational Fisheries Outreach, and he agrees with you. It is NOT considered a stinger hook.

He also adds: "When guys take a big hook and run the eye through the bend and barb of the hook on the end of a large parachute or bucktail to deal with short strikes; that is called a stinger hook." I know you all knew this, but I didn't, and the handbook does not make it clear.