The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is reporting that this year’s recreational tuna fishing was a bit of a disappointment compared with the last several years. According to the ODFW, early winter storms have effectively ended the tuna fishing season. Even when anglers could get out during the season, the tuna were further offshore than in previous years. This year, most catches were taken 40-50 miles offshore.

Likewise, the catch-to-angler ration for the year was approximately 2.33 tuna to 1 angler, which is the lowest ratio reported since 2005. Lat year’s ration was calculated to be 3.94 tuna per 1 angler. Total landings for this season have been calculated at 11,629 thus far, making 2013 the lowest year of harvest since 2006. This year’s harvest count is only about 1/3 of last year’s total count of 63,167 fish taken.

ODFW also reports that commercial tuna catches were down this year, but not significantly. Commercial fisherman brought in more than 8.3 million pounds of tuna this season, which is slightly less than last year, but higher than the 2011 season.

Bad weather, harder to find fish, unusually warm water, and abundant bait all contributed to this year’s less-than-perfect season. The unusually warm water may also be responsible for the uncommon reports of mahi mahi off the Oregon coast this year.

FISH ON!

 

fish, Fishing, Mahi Mahi, Oregon, tuna

By Sid

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