commercial striper fishing

[wmhunts]

went out striper fishing with a friend on his 26 regulator yesterday. pretty awesome! most were on big topwater plugs. the commercial fleet is crazy hundreds of boats bumping around chasing the bite.

[mudchuck]

very nice!
some big hogs there

[monkeyman2269]

What do they pay per pound

[lowaccord66]

Get em while you can!  That quota will be hit soon.

[wmhunts]

What do they pay per pound

$3 to $5 a pound, less as the demand decreases

[TroutCrazy]

Wow man that is a lot of big fish!  I've never caught one, but I've eaten them a couple times.  Both times were late at night, drinking beer, and someone cooked a fresh one on the grill.  Some of the tastiest fish I've ever eaten!

Do you need a special license to fish them commercially?

[crayfish2]

Wow, those are some big stripers, Wes!  Looks like a lot of fun.  Where were you fishing out of? 

[wmhunts]

The cape and yes you need a special permit

[lowaccord66]

Most comm guys fish off of Chatam every year yo yoing bunker and yes you do need a license and yes there is a bit of red tape to get through to participate.  Every year Mass suggests it will limit the number of licenses given.  3 to 5 bucks a pound is a wicked exception saved for the first week or two only depending on catch rates.  2-3 bucks a pound is a reasonable average.  Season usually begins around 2nd week of July and goes until the quota is acheived.  12 million or so pounds give or take in a given season.  Good fishing usually has comm season closed by end of July.

Do not be surprised at all if they limit licensing to mass residents only in the not so distant future or cut the commercial quota significantly to match the new rec regs.

I was going to do it heavily while laif off a couple years ago and am glad I didnt.  Too time consuming for the money made.  Several of my friend still do.