Proposed Commercial Fishing Regulations for Implementation in 2009
. Code Clarification: 1.00J POINT SYSTEM FOR HUNTING AND/OR FISHING VIOLATIONS. Assign violation points to Non-resident Aquatic Turtle Dealer Permit Requirements.
Code 39.01B does not have violation points assigned to it, therefore 18 violation points need to be added.
[BULLET] Code Clarification: 37.05 TAKING BAITFISH BELOW DAMS PROHIBITED.
The intent of this regulation is to prohibit taking baitfish within 100 feet below dams, except for taking shad with hand-held operated dip nets. Exception 1 refers to 37.04C, when it should refer to 37.04E.
[BULLET] Code Clarification: 39.04 AQUATIC TURTLE TACKLE RESTRICTIONS.
Language in this code needs to be changed because it was not defined where exactly the lines attach to the hoop and where to begin measuring the 1 inch throat size.
[BULLET] Code 41.12: UNDERSIZED COMMERCIAL FISH PROHIBITED. Changing the minimum length limit on paddlefish on the MS River.
After meeting with commercial fishermen, it has been agreed the minimum length limit on paddlefish in the Mississippi River will remain 34 inches. It was also agreed the minimum length limit for paddlefish on the AR River below Dardanelle will remain 36 inches.
[BULLET] Code 41.24: POSSESSION AND USE OF FIDDLER SIZE HOOP NETS AND SLAT TYPE FISH TRAPS RESTRICTED TO CERTAIN PUBLIC WATERS. Allow Fiddler Size Hoop Nets in the Sulphur River.
The Sulphur River is in Southwest Arkansas and enters Arkansas from Texas. This river is open to the use of commercial tackle but is the only river that is not open to the use of fiddler sized hoop nets in the area. By allowing the use of fiddler nets, the regulations pertaining to the use of this gear in SW Arkansas will be more consistent with those of the Red and Little rivers.
[BULLET] Code 41.30: PADDLEFISH AND STURGEON POSSESSION RESTRICTIONS ON WHITE RIVER, ARKANSAS RIVER AND BORDER WATERS.
Changing the boundary on the White River to the Newport Access above the Hwy 367
bridge.
Commercial fishermen requested the boundary to be changed because they use the Newport Access on a regular basis. Under the current boundaries, when they have their catch and leave the river, they cannot legally use the Newport Access. By changing this regulation, the commercial fishermen will be able to use the access and the paddlefish sanctuary will still be protected.
. Code 41.39: PADDLEFISH AND STURGEON HARVEST RESTRICTIONS. Changing the season dates for paddlefish and sturgeon statewide, except for the Dardanelle and Ozark Pools of the AR River.
After meeting with commercial fishermen, it has been agreed to change the season dates for paddlefish to sunrise, November 20 through midnight, April 10, with the exceptions of the Dardanelle and Ozark Pools on the AR River. The season starting date has also been changed to November 15 for sturgeon.
Sportfish Regulation
. Code 31.01B: Prohibiting the take of Largemouth bass in Lake Hindsville
Lake Hindsville was recently renovated and is filling with water. It has been recently stocked with fingerling largemouth bass, therefore it is imperative to place a catch and release regulation on this lake to protect the bass.
Upon the accumulation of 12 points for hunting and/or fishing violations within a three year period, the individual will be ineligible to apply for any Commission deer, turkey and elk permit hunts for the following three-years. The accumulation of 18 points for hunting and/or fishing violations within a three-year period may result in the revocation of all hunting and/or fishing licenses and the privileges attached thereto for one year, and the accumulation of 30 points within a five year period may result in the loss of all licenses and privileges for three years. A revocation of hunting and/or fishing licenses and privileges occurring for a third time during an individual's lifetime may result in the lifetime revocation of all hunting and/or fishing licenses and privileges. Any person who forfeits bond, pleads guilty or nolo contendere, or is found guilty of violating any hunting or fishing regulation shall be assigned points as follows:
CODE NO. | TYPE OF VIOLATION | POINTS |
39.01(B) | Non-Resident Aquatic Turtle Dealer Permit Requirements | 18 |
EXCEPTION:
PENALTY: $100.00 to $1,000.00.
EXCEPTIONS:
PENALTY: $500.00 to $5,000.00. Equipment used in such violations (including but not limited to nets, traps and boats) may be confiscated in accordance with Codes 1.00-D and 1.00-J.
Hoop nets with ramp netting attached to first hoop and throat opening restricted by parallel lines attached to the second hoop. Maximum throat opening 1 inch by 3 feet (where throat lines attach to hoop). Minimum mesh size 1 1/2 inches square bar mesh. Wings or leads may not be used. Nets to be set with throat horizontal and in such manner that a portion of the enclosure remains above water surface at all times.
EXCEPTIONS:
PENALTY: $500.00 to $5,000.00. Equipment used in such violations (including but not limited to nets, traps and boats) may be confiscated in accordance with Codes 01.00-D and 01.00-J.
inches in length or paddlefish and sturgeon of any size taken from public waters.
EXCEPTIONS:
PENALTY: $100.00 to $1,000.00 and fishing privileges may be suspended in accordance with Code 11.05, Revocation of Privileges.
It shall be unlawful to use or possess fiddler size hoop nets or slat type fish traps in any public waters other than those specified herein:
EXCEPTIONS:
PENALTY: $100.00 to $1,000.00.
It shall be unlawful to commercially take or possess paddlefish (also called spoonbill catfish) or sturgeon, or their parts including eggs (roe), from
EXCEPTION:
PENALTY: $1,000.00 to $2,500.00 and fishing privileges may be suspended in accordance with Code 11.05, Revocation of Privileges.
It shall be unlawful to take from public waters or possess paddlefish (also called spoonbill catfish) or sturgeon, or their parts, including eggs (roe),
during the period of Midnight, April 10 to Sunrise,
November 20.
EXCEPTIONS:
PENALTY: $1,000.00 to $2,500.00, and fishing privileges may be suspended in accordance with Code 11.05, Revocation of Privileges.
Sportfish Regulation
Daily Limit - Black Basses(including not more than four Smallmouth). | 10 |
Daily Limit - Rock Bass ............................ | 10 |
Daily Limit - Catfish(exc. Bullhead) .......... | 10 |
Daily Limit - Bream(over 4"in length) ....... | 50 |
Daily Limit - Crappie ................................ | 20 |
Daily Limit - Muskellunge ........................ | 6 |
Daily Limit - Pickerel ................................ | 6 |
Daily Limit - Northern Pike ....................... | 6 |
Daily Limit - Sauger .................................. | 6 |
Daily Limit - Saugeye ............................... | 6 |
Daily Limit - Striped Bass or Hybrid Combination ......................... | 6 |
Daily Limit - Walleye ................................ | 6 |
Daily Limit - White Bass ........................... (Yellow Bass - No Limit) | 25 |
Daily Limit - Paddlefish ............................. | 2 |
Daily Limit - Alligator Gar .......................... | 2 |
Daily Aggregate Limit ................................ | 75 |
Daily Limit for all sportfish on Bois | |
d'Arc in Hempstead County | 1/2 daily limit |
EXCEPTIONS:
Fulton, Independence, Izard, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Newton, Randolph, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, and Washington counties) - smallmouth bass minimum length limit 12 inches with a daily limit of 4, except Bull Shoals Lake, Beaver Lake, Lake Norfork, and Table Rock Lake (see exception 1(B) below).
Ozark Zone Blue Ribbon Streams (Crooked Creek and Buffalo River) - smallmouth bass minimum length limit of 14 inches with a daily limit of 2. Smallmouth bass minimum length limit on Crooked Creek 18 inches with a daily limit of 1: from 101 bridge downstream to the confluence with the White River; between the Hwy 62-412 and Hwy 62 Spur bridges at Pyatt.
Ozark Zone Catch and Release Area - Crooked Creek, along boundary of Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation property near Kelly's Slab Access.
Ozark Zone Quality Streams (Kings, Spring, South Fork/Spring and Eleven Point rivers) - smallmouth bass minimum length limit of 14 inches with a daily limit of 2, except on Kings River from Trigger Gap to Hwy 62 bridge: minimum length limit 18 inches and daily limit of 1. Ouachita/Boston Zone (all Arkansas counties not included in the Ozark Zone) - smallmouth bass minimum length limit of 10 inches with a daily limit of 4.
Ouachita/Boston Zone Quality Streams (Mulberry, Caddo above DeGray Lake, DeGray Lake, Ouachita River upstream from Lake Ouachita, Ouachita River
downstream from Remmel Dam, Saline River, including its four headwater forks in Saline, Perry and Garland counties, South Fork/Ouachita, Little Missouri above Lake Greeson and Lake Greeson) - smallmouth bass minimum length limit of 12 inches with a daily limit of 2.
Ouachita/Boston Zone Catch-and-Release Area - all smallmouth bass caught in Lake Ouachita including the Ouachita River upstream to the River Bluff access area must be immediately returned to the stream.
DeQueen Lake, Norfork Lake, Lake Ouachita and Table Rock Lake, five (5) on Lake Lou Emma - Crawford County, and four (4) on Lake Atkins; Largemouth bass daily limit - five (5) on Grandview Lake #2, eight (8) in Lower White Oak Lake and Lake Columbia, and one (1) on Mallard Lake and the Little Missouri River.
County, Lake Sylvia in Perry County, Dr. Lester Sitzes III Bois d'Arc Lake, Lake Ashbaugh in Greene County and Lake Hindsville in Madison County.
002.00.08 Ark. Code R. 015