Granite State Stuff : Fishing

Fish and Game Launches New Online Store at Shopwildnh.com

AskLisa — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:52:00 GMT

WILD Gifts for the Hunter, Angler or Wildlife Watcher Now Just a Click Away

CONCORD, N.H. – Just in time for the holidays, shoppers now have a great new way to purchase logo merchandise and other outdoorsy gifts from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department through a convenient new online store at http://www.shopwildnh.com.

If you’re looking for that special gift for a hunter, angler or wildlife watcher – or a treat for yourself – this is the place to do your one-stop shopping fast and easy online. The site will carry the full line of Fish and Game logo merchandise throughout the year, with everything from camo caps, sweatshirts and tees to lunch coolers. Many new products will be sold at the online store that previously were available only at special events, including moose skull shirts; hooded moose and fish motif sweatshirts; and colorful tee shirts for men, women and kids featuring deer, salamander and fish designs. Specialty bronze and silver belt buckles and key tags crafted with the Fish and Game logo are an exclusive offering available only at the online store.

While you’re shopping at http://www.shopwildnh.com, you’ll be able to buy your 2010 New Hampshire Fish & Wildlife calendar ($9.95), with amazing wildlife photography and hunting and fishing season dates. Or, choose a gift subscription to New Hampshire Wildlife Journal magazine -- a great way to share New Hampshire’s wildlife and outdoor interests. Subscriptions are just $12 for a year (six issues) or $20 for two years.

To purchase gift certificates for 2010 fishing or hunting licenses (redeemable at any license agent, a gift you KNOW they’ll love), visit http://www.wildnh.com, or stop by N.H. Fish and Game headquarters on Hazen Drive in Concord from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays. Gift certificates are NOT available through the new online store.

So go ahead -- go WILD with your holiday shopping this year at Fish and Game’s new online store, powered by Yankee Marketplace. Your purchase will help the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department manage the natural resources we all enjoy. Visit http://www.shopwildnh.com.

Northern Shrimp 2009-2010 Fishing Season Set at 180 Days

AskLisa — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:00:00 GMT

DURHAM, N.H. -- The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Northern Shrimp Section has approved a 180-day fishing season for the 2009-2010 northern shrimp fishery, the same length as last year’s season. The season was based on favorable stock conditions -- with the resource not overfished and not experiencing overfishing -- and a recommendation of the advisory panel.

The fishing season, which is the same for mobile and trap gear, will be open seven days a week from December 1, 2009, through May 29, 2010.

"Our efforts to reduce fishing mortality in the early 2000s continue to result in a high abundance of shrimp," said Section Chair Pat White from Maine. "We hope the markets open up for this plentiful wild-caught species."

The 2005 year-class (shrimp born that year) showed good strength in this summer's annual survey and will be available as a quality product of the fishery this season. The 2006 year-class continues to be very weak (less plentiful) and will likely be unavailable in significant numbers as five-year olds for the 2011 season. However, the 2007 and 2008 year-classes exhibited average strength when compared to past years of the survey.

"The Section is pleased that current stock abundance allows us to set another six-month fishing season," continued White. "The longer season gives dealers increased flexibility to identify new markets or expand existing ones."

The Section also elected Douglas Grout of New Hampshire -- New Hampshire Fish and Game’s Marine Division Chief -- and George D. Lapointe of Maine as its new Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively.

The northern shrimp fishery is jointly regulated by Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Northern Shrimp Section. The cooperative management program has been in place since 1972 and is currently managed under Amendment 1 to the Northern Shrimp Fishery Management Plan. For more information, contact Braddock Spear, Northern Shrimp Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at (202) 289-6400 or bspear@asmfc.org.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s marine, fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. For more information about N.H. Fish and Game’s Marine Division, visit http://www.FishNH.com/marine.

“Let’s Go Fishing” Seeks Volunteer Fishing Instructors

AskLisa — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:57:00 GMT

Are you anxiously awaiting New Hampshire’s winter season and can’t wait to get out ice fishing? Dreaming of spring and the first opportunities to wet your fly line? Avid anglers – here’s a great opportunity to give back to your community and share your love of the great sport of fishing. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is seeking volunteer ice fishing or fly fishing instructors for its “Let’s Go Fishing” program, where you’ll have a chance to teach ice or fly fishing to youth and adults.

Individuals being certified must attend two free training sessions. The first session will cover the ins and outs of the N.H. Fish and Game Department and the Let’s Go Fishing program’s policy and procedures and also includes CPR certification. The second session focuses specifically on the ice fishing or fly fishing programs presented; this will be a hands-on experience where prospective instructors are put through an abbreviated “real life” Let’s Go Fishing course. Topics covered include ethics, pond ecology, rules and regulations, equipment and safety. If instructors want to teach both ice and fly fishing courses, they will need to attend a hands-on training session for each, in addition to the first overview training class.

The Let's Go Fishing program will hold the first half of the two-part certification training for new fishing instructors on the following dates (it is only necessary to attend one of these two training classes, plus one of the specialty sessions); lunch will be provided:
   * Saturday, December 12, 2009, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Fish and Game Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord; or
   * Saturday, January 9, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the White Mountain Community College, 2020 Riverside Drive in Berlin.

All instructors also must attend the second half of the certification training for the type of course they will be teaching (fly fishing or ice fishing), as listed below. Lunch is provided.
   * Fly Fishing: Sunday, January 10, 2010, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, at Fish and Game Headquarters 11 Hazen Drive in Concord.
   * Ice Fishing: Saturday, January 16, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, 387 Perch Pond Road in Holderness.

The certification program is required in order to be an instructor in this long-standing program. Training is free. To sign up, call Lisa Collins at 603-271-3212 or email aquatic-ed@wildlife.nh.gov; IN ADDITION, you must print out and return a Let’s Go Fishing volunteer application form, which can be found on the Fish and Game website at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/lets_go_fishing.htm (or ask to get one by mail when you call). Applications must be received by December 4 to reserve your spot in the trainings.

After completing the training, participants have the chance to join an existing team of volunteer fishing instructors who present programs across the state. The Let’s Go Fishing program also offers: saltwater fishing, basic fishing, fly tying, and saltwater fly fishing.

Thousands of children and adults have learned to be safe, ethical and successful anglers through the Let's Go Fishing program. The program is federally funded through the Sport Fish Restoration Program -- a true user-pay, user-benefit program.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works to conserve, manage and protect the state's fish and wildlife and their habitats, as well as providing the public with opportunities to use and appreciate these resources. Visit http://www.FishNH.com.

See Biologists in Action at “Salmon Sunday”

AskLisa — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:20:00 GMT

Bring the kids and find out everything you wanted to know about New Hampshire’s freshwater fish and fisheries at New Hampshire Fish and Game's annual event, “Salmon Sunday,” at Pope Dam in Melvin Village on Sunday, November 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. Pope Dam is nine miles north of Wolfeboro on Route 109 in the town of Tuftonboro. For more information on Salmon Sunday, call (603) 744-5470.

"Salmon Sunday is a great chance for everyone to get a close-up look at landlocked salmon from Lake Winnipesaukee in their fall spawning colors," said Don Miller, fisheries biologist for the Lakes Region. "Kids love to see the big salmon, averaging about three pounds each, and watch biologists collecting the eggs."

During the event, fisheries biologists will be busy harvesting, or "stripping," eggs and milt from adult salmon. Standing knee-deep in the cold water of the Melvin River, scientists expertly relieve the colorful adult female salmon of their eggs by stroking their stomachs. Milt from the male fish is obtained in the same way, and mixed with the gold-colored eggs to fertilize them. This activity is all part of the work Fish and Game does to maintain the landlocked salmon population in New Hampshire's big lakes.

Salmon for the stripping demonstration are netted from Lake Winnipesaukee during October and early November. They are returned to the lake after their eggs and milt have been collected. The fertilized eggs are taken to Powder Mill Hatchery in New Durham, where they will hatch in three to four months. The salmon are raised in the hatchery for about 18 months, then stocked into Lake Winnipesaukee and other New Hampshire lakes.

Fish and Game staff will be on hand to answer questions about salmon, the egg-stripping process and the stocking program that ensures these beautiful fish continue to be available in the lakes for anglers to catch. Salmon Sunday is a “rain or shine” event. Dress warmly.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources. Visit http://www.fishnh.com.

Marine Rule Hearing Oct. 21 on Winter Flounder, Coastal Sharks

AskLisa — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:58:00 GMT

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on proposed marine rule changes on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the Urban Forestry Center, 45 Elwyn Road, Portsmouth, N.H. The hearing will be of particular interest to harvesters of winter flounder and coastal sharks.

The proposed rule change for winter flounder under consideration would implement a trip limit for commercial fishermen fishing in state waters and, for recreational anglers, implement a reduction in the daily bag limit or a 10-day closed season in May. In addition, a variety of new rules are proposed for large coastal shark species including a prohibition on possession of certain species, a prohibition on finning, and requiring dealers who purchase sharks to possess a federal dealers permit. These rules address state compliance with Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission fisheries management plans for these species.

The proposed rule relative to winter flounder and large coastal shark species may be found at http://www.wildnh.com/Legislative/Notices_summary.htm.

Written comments on the proposed changes may be submitted by October 28, 2009. E-mail to comments@wildlife.nh.gov (please put "Comment on Marine Rules" in subject line); fax to (603) 271-1438; or mail to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. For more information about N.H. Fish and Game's Marine Division, visit http://www.wildnh.com/marine.

Big Fish / Wrong Place! Biologists Warn of Illegal Fish Introductions

AskLisa — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:35:00 GMT

A recent catch from Lake Winnisquam has New Hampshire Fish and Game Department fisheries biologists sounding the alarm about illegal introductions of fish into the state's lakes. It was Labor Day 2009, and Barry Arseneau was trolling on Lake Winnisquam for trout and salmon when he hooked a big fish. He fought this monster for nearly 20 minutes before finally getting it to the boat. At first, seeing a fish of this size, he thought he had caught one of the huge lake trout for which Winnisquam is noted. But a quick look confirmed that it was instead a large Northern pike, lip-hooked on a DB Smelt lure fished 30+ feet down. A fish of this size caught in New Hampshire, or anywhere, is a real trophy, yet this fish had been illegally transported to the Lakes Region and illegally stocked into Winnisquam.

The northern pike, a large female, was 40 inches in length, with a 17-inch girth, and it weighed 18 pounds, 5.76 ounces. Given the difficulty of moving a fish this large and keeping it alive, it is possible that this fish had been illegally transported to the lake some years prior and had matured in the Winnisquam system. Oddly enough, John Viar, a N.H. Fish and Game Department fisheries biologist, had also caught a northern pike from Lake Winnisquam during May of 2009, just north of the site of Arseneau's catch.

New Hampshire has experienced illegal introductions of fish in the recent past, including rock bass, black crappie, pike, and even smallmouth and largemouth bass in numerous waters across the state. This is not only illegal, it can threaten the health of the fishery. Without a thorough evaluation, the addition of an "exotic species" to an established ecosystem can be troubling from a management perspective, and can have negative implications from the potential introduction of diseases, parasites and invasive species, as well as upsetting the balance of predator-prey interactions. "The management of fisheries should be left up to professional biologists," noted Fish and Game Large Lake Fisheries Biologist Donald Miller.

Remember -- New Hampshire law prohibits the possession of live fish when leaving a waterbody (except for approved baitfish or if the person is participating in an approved fishing tournament). It is also illegal to release fish into waters other than where they were caught without the proper permits from the Fish and Game Department. Penalties include fines (up to $1,200 for each fish) and loss of license (up to one year) for those found guilty of violating these laws.

To learn about aquatic nuisance species, the laws and rules around possession and use of aquatic species, and what anglers and boaters can do to help stop the invasion, go to: http://www.wildnh.com/Fishing/acquatic_nuisance.htm.

"To the sportsmen and women of New Hampshire, please be diligent and report suspicious activities that may include the illegal transportation of fish within our state by calling 1-800-344-4262," said Miller. "I know the vast majority of anglers treasure the fisheries we are blessed with in New Hampshire; we need to enjoy them in that capacity."

Spawning Closure for Atlantic Herring Takes Effect September 21

AskLisa — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:28:00 GMT

Herring fishermen and dealers should be aware that herring spawning areas within the jurisdiction of New Hampshire will be closed from 12:01 a.m. on September 21, 2009, through 12:01 a.m. on October 20, 2009 (pursuant to closure regulations Fis 603.07), according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. This spawning closure may be extended if results of the herring samples collected at the end of the closure indicate that 25% or more, by number, of mature female sea herring still contain spawn.

An exception to the spawning closures is that any vessel may land herring taken as an incidental catch in ASMFC Management Area 1A, up to a maximum of 2,000 pounds.

For more information about the closures, call N.H. Fish and Game's Marine Fisheries Division, located in the Department's Region 3 Office in Durham, at (603) 868-1095.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's marine, fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.WildNH.com/marine.

Additional Landing Day Allowed for Atlantic Herring Harvesters

AskLisa — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:57:00 GMT

Allowable landing days for commercial harvest of Atlantic herring in Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Management Area 1A will be increased from 2 to 3 days per week for the month of September.

According to the ASMFC Notice issued today, poor weather conditions have caused lower than expected catch rates and the current harvest is around 6,000 metric tons less than predicted. In order to provide fishermen with an opportunity to more fully utilize the June through September Area 1A quota for Atlantic herring, the allowable landing days will be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays until further notice.

The restriction will remain in effect throughout September until 95% of the Total Allowable Catch for the period June through September in Area 1A is projected to be exceeded, or until further amended.

Commissioners will hold a 'days out' conference call on September 17, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. to determine of further adjustments are needed to the number of landing days during the remainder of the year. The public is invited to join the call and public comment will be taken as time permits. To join, please call (866)-931-7845 and enter 126951 as the conference code.

These restrictions are in accordance with the ASMFC Atlantic Herring Management Plan. One of the plan provisions addresses the need to control "effort" (fishing days) in the fishery to prevent commercial fishermen from exceeding the total allowable catch for each management area and to prevent management areas from having to be closed early. Management Area 1A is of particular concern because in recent years the total allowable catch has been harvested before peak market demands abate in the autumn. Effort controls to extend the fishery may be implemented by states involved in the herring fishery through landing restrictions.

An exception is that any vessel may land herring taken as an incidental catch in ASMFC Management Area 1A, up to a maximum of 2,000 pounds.

Fishermen are also reminded that the Area 1A herring spawning area closure off of New Hampshire is scheduled to go into effect September 21 and continue until October 19, 2009.

For more information, call N.H. Fish and Game's Marine Fisheries Division, located at the Department's Region 3 Office in Durham, at (603) 868-1095.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's marine, fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.WildNH.com/marine.

Leave washed-up lobster gear alone, say Conservation Officers

AskLisa — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:53:00 GMT

The heavy storm surge from Hurricane Bill has washed up dozens of lobster traps and related fishing gear along New Hampshire's coastline. Fish and Game Conservation Officers remind the public that state law prohibits any person other than the owner to take, carry away, possess or tamper with lobster traps, buoys, lines and related gear.

Officers have been busy fielding calls from the public and notifying lobstermen as to the whereabouts of washed-up gear. It will take several days for all of the gear to be located and collected.

In some instances, traps may contain live lobsters. If you find a lobster trap containing lobsters, please do not disturb; call the NH Fish and Game Department Dispatch Center at (603) 271-3361. A conservation officer will be notified.

Need a School or Club Fundraiser? Sell NH Fish & Wildlife Calendars!

AskLisa — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:53:00 GMT

Now there's a great way to make money for your club or school, plus help the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department conserve wildlife and wild places -- Fish and Game is offering schools and clubs the opportunity to sell the new 2010 N.H. Fish & Wildlife calendar as a local fundraiser. Your organization makes nearly 60% profit on each calendar sold. The all-new 2010 New Hampshire Fish & Wildlife wall calendar features twelve months of beautiful wildlife photography, plus hunting and fishing season dates and more. This year's theme is "Get outside and get active with family and friends."

Calendar purchases will help your local group AND support the N.H. Fish and Game Department's work managing the natural resources we all enjoy -- the state's fish and wildlife and their habitats. Call (603) 271-6355 or email mark.t.beauchesne@wildlife.nh.gov today to request your sales package and start making money for your group. Don't delay - the group sales option is available for a limited time only. Group orders are fulfilled after orders are taken, so you only buy the number of calendars that you've sold.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.WildNH.com.

Women's Intermediate Fly Fishing Workshop -- Sept 25-27, 2009

AskLisa — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:27:00 GMT

Women who have learned the basics of fly-fishing and are looking to build their skills have an exciting chance to learn more about this time-honored sport at a Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) intermediate fly-fishing weekend workshop on September 25-27, 2009, at Purity Spring Resort in Madison, N.H.

If you are a woman with some fly-fishing experience who wants to gain enough skills and practice to fly fish on your own, this workshop is for you. You'll learn from expert instructors about the finer points of casting -- accuracy, timing, shooting the line; reading the water; picking a proper fly and knowing how to cast it; and what to do when you catch a fish (playing and releasing). Participants will have the opportunity to fish both still and moving water.

This special "Beyond BOW" workshop costs $275, which includes instruction, meals and two nights lodging in the rustic White Mountain charm of Purity Spring Resort. To register and read an itinerary, visit http://www.nhbow.com, or call (603) 271-3212 to request an application by mail. Class space is limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

"It was wonderful to meet new friends with a love of fly-fishing, nature and the water," wrote a 2008 program participant. Another commented: "The best part of the weekend was fishing the Ellis River, casting from a float tube, the slide show; and the awesome instructors."

Program participant Emily Brunkhurst added, "It was fun to try fishing in a variety of habitats. The instructors were wonderful, with good humor, patience and an ability to teach in a way that's easy to remember. I loved the workshop!"

The session is presented by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation, with instruction provided by Fish and Game's "Let's Go Fishing" program.

The N.H. Wildlife Federation is a nonprofit group dedicated to ensuring wise use and proper protection for the natural resources of New Hampshire and the U.S. Visit http://www.nhwf.org.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.fishnh.com.

Stripers, Tidepools, Great Bay Adventures in new NH Wildlife Journal

AskLisa — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:13:00 GMT

If you haven't headed for New Hampshire's seacoast yet this summer, you'll be yearning for the salt air after reading the July-August 2009 issue of New Hampshire Wildlife Journal magazine -- Fish and Game's annual look at coastal New Hampshire's wildlife and wild places.

You'll meet self-styled "Bayman" David O'Hearn, whose leisure time revolves around the life of our beautiful Great Bay Estuary. Whether he's lobstering, clamming or live-lining pogies, this modern-day adventurer is happiest when he harvesting the bounty of Great Bay.

Saltwater anglers will hit the jackpot with marine biologist Kevin Sullivan's profile of one of New Hampshire's most prized sportfish, the striped bass. Find out what brings this predatory fish to New Hampshire waters this time of year (hint - it's not to spawn), get some striper-fishing basics from the pros, and learn why the rebound of the striped bass population is considered one of the most successful fisheries management programs in recent history.

Then, get an "otherworldly" coastal education in "Pools of Discovery" -- a look at the colorful inhabitants of the ever-changing environment of the tidepool.

Also in this issue of the Journal, the state's only magazine dedicated to fish and wildlife conservation and recreation, be inspired to visit Fort Stark State Historic Site on Newcastle Island; check out a "green paving" demonstration site at Great Bay Discovery Center; and learn about a multi-state effort to conserve rainbow smelt.

Naturalist's Notebook profiles the Atlantic rock crab. Other regular columns include Warden's Watch and a special Kids Corner for young readers. Wild Ways showcases the small but mighty oyster - did you know an oyster quietly filters 5 liters of water per HOUR?

Not a subscriber to New Hampshire Wildlife Journal? The magazine is published 6 times a year by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Subscriptions are just $12 for one year -- that's 40% off the newsstand price -- or $20 for two years.

To read sample articles, subscribe or purchase gift subscriptions for the outdoor enthusiasts in your life, visit http://www.WildNH.com/Wildlife_Journal/WJ_mag.htm. Subscribe before July 31, and we'll send you the current seacoast-themed issue absolutely free! Single issues are available for $2.95 each from N.H. Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301.

New Hampshire Wildlife Journal magazine contains no advertising, and subscription revenue helps N.H. Fish and Game conserve, manage and protect the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats; promote conservation education; and create opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Granite State. Visit http://www.wildnh.com.

Give Dad Some Outdoor Adventure on Father's Day - Take Him Fishing!

AskLisa — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:46:00 GMT

Want to give your dad or grandfather a memorable Father's Day this year? Take him fishing! There's nothing like an outdoor adventure together to remind you what families are all about. Most dads can use a break from the fast-paced world. Fishing gives you that chance -- to slow down, enjoy the natural beauty around you, match wits with trout or bass, and spend time with people you care about. Leave the work-a-day world behind and cast that line!

So give him what he really wants for Father's Day (June 21 this year). Some ideas:

   * Go fishing with your father or grandfather;
   * Scheduling a guided fishing trip; or
   * Buy him a fishing license he can use all year.

You can even send or e-mail your dad a special coupon from the Anglers' Legacy website that he can use anytime to take you up on your fishing invitation; download it at http://tinyurl.com/fathersday09.
(While there, become an Anglers' Legacy Ambassador -- take the pledge to take at least one new person fishing each year and go to http://tinyurl.com/NHfishpledge.)

Maybe it's been a while since you've been fishing. Not to worry - all you need is some basic gear and bait. Get ideas on places to fish in different parts of New Hampshire - either in freshwater or on the coast - on the New Hampshire e Fish and Game Department's website, http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fishing.htm. You'll find directions, tackle tips and more.

Sometimes a guided fishing trip can be the best option for a family group. A list of licensed New Hampshire fishing guides can be found on the Fish and Game website at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fishing_guides.htm or call the local chamber of commerce. Guided trips allow anglers to concentrate on having fun together.

The gift of a fishing license works well, especially if you can't be there for a Father's Day fishing trip. It recognizes his love of the outdoors, and says you want to spend time with him. Permanent licenses are issued free to residents of New Hampshire who are 68 years of age or older, provided that they have been a New Hampshire resident for at least two years. Go to http://www.fishnh.com to find a local license agent or purchase your fishing license online.

A Father's Day fishing trip can be a shared adventure and an expression of admiration and caring. Few things say it better. Recall the fun times you've had fishing with a father or grandfather, and make the day even more rewarding by creating a new adventure together.

Make this a truly special Father's Day - fish New Hampshire and relax!

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works to conserve, manage and protect the state's fish and wildlife and their habitats. Visit http://www.fishnh.com.

Kids Fishing Photo Contest

AskLisa — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:26:00 GMT

Got a great photo of a kid having fun fishing? Enter it in the 2009 kids fishing photo contest sponsored jointly by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and Kidz Rule USA magazine. The contest is open to children under age 13. With their parent's permission, children are encouraged to send in their New Hampshire fishing photos. Winning photos may be the child with the biggest smile or the family having the most fun trying to catch a fish! All entries must be received by September 30, 2009.

To enter the contest, kids should email a photo along with: child's name, age, parent/guardian's name, address, phone, species of fish and where the fish was caught (if a fish is pictured), and a brief description of the fishing scene, to editor@kidzruleusa.com or mail to: Kidz Rule USA, PO Box 834, Milford, NH 03055. Your photos may appear in an upcoming issue of Kidz Rule USA. Each child may enter the contest only once. Employees of Kidz Rule USA and its affiliates or the N.H. Fish and Game Department, and members of their immediate families, are not eligible to enter.

For full contest details or more information on how to subscribe to Kidz Rule USA magazine, visit http://www.kidzruleusa.com.

One Grand Prize Winner and four First Prize Winners will be announced in Kidz Rule USA magazine. The grand prize will be a guided New Hampshire fishing trip in spring 2010 for the winner and a parent, which will be filmed for N.H. Fish and Game's MyOutdoors TV, which airs on MyTV (TV Channel 50) on Saturdays at 6:30 a.m. and Mondays at 11:00 p.m. First prizewinners will receive a Wild NH T-shirt and have their photo published on Fish and Game's website, along with possible selection for publication in N.H. Wildlife Journal and other Fish and Game publications, as well as appearing on the pages of Kidz Rule USA magazine and website.

Kidz Rule USA is a monthly family magazine that offers features on sports, outdoors, arts/crafts, party ideas, exercise and health, restaurant/movie/book reviews, facts on animals, as well as articles and photos submitted by local children. The magazine features many games and contests, creating an interactive print and online media resource for children and their families.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Fish and Game works to connect families with healthy outdoor recreational activities through community partnerships and programs such as "Let's Go Fishing," Barry Conservation Camp, youth programs at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center and school programs such as Watershed Education and Wonders of Wildlife workshops for schoolchildren. Visit http://www.WildNH.com.

Spiny Dogfish Season and Trip Limits Set

AskLisa — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:24:00 GMT

Commercial landing restrictions for spiny dogfish harvested in New Hampshire waters were announced today by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Marine Fisheries Division. Spiny dogfish may be harvested in state waters from July 1 through April 30 or until the northern region quota has been taken; there is a 3,000-pound trip limit for spiny dogfish. The restrictions are in accordance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan, one of the provisions of which addresses the need to control harvest in the fishery via regional quotas and daily trip limits.

The 2008 stock assessment for spiny dogfish showed that the resource was no longer overfished and overfishing was not occurring. With increased levels of abundance, the coast-wide quota for spiny dogfish is higher this year than in the recent past. Specifications set by the ASMFC for the 2009 fishing year increased the coast-wide quota from 8 million pounds to 12 million pounds and set the 3,000-pound trip limit. The northern region portion of the 2009 quota, which is shared by the states of Maine through Connecticut, has been set at 6,910,381 pounds.

"After several years of strict conservation measures, dogfish abundance levels have increased and the population is no longer overfished," said Douglas Grout, chief of Marine Fisheries for N.H. Fish and Game. "With the corresponding increase in the quota available to commercial fishermen, we felt it would be reasonable to increase the season by one month while maintaining the 3,000-pound trip limit."

For more information, call N.H. Fish and Game's Region 3 office at (603) 868-1095.

Established in 1942, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission coordinates the conservation and management of the 15 Atlantic coast states' shared near-shore fishery resources for sustainable use. N.H. Fish and Game is a central voice for New Hampshire's interests on this regional board. Visit http://www.asmfc.org.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's marine, fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. The Department's Marine Fisheries Division is located in Durham, N.H. Visit http://www.WildNH.com/marine.