Thoughts from a sick bed

As usual, I recently managed to catch what is probably the Kenai version of the crud that seems to be making the rounds right now. I say the Kenai version because I likely caught it while attending the recent Board of Fisheries (BOF) meeting in Anchorage. I spent a fair amount of time around the Kenai sportsfishing representatives and one of them was ill during the meeting. You know who you are, Ricky!

Naturally, my wife is now also sick. Bringing the crud home didn’t earn me any atta-boy points either. I’ve been under the weather for almost two weeks now and my wife for about one week. I think I’ll survive the crud; my wife’s ire, well …

Speaking of BOF meetings, the first lawsuit over the BOF regulatory changes made for Cook Inlet is in the process of being filed. The commercial drift gillnet fishermen were the group most affected by many of the changes — they feel in a negative manner, I’m sure. In fact, they may not have lost very much, but will be forced to fish differently and, hopefully, smarter than they are used to.

However, people don’t like change and, since the board didn’t approve any of their proposals seeking to take fish away from other user groups, they are crying foul and filing lawsuits. My only comment on the lawsuit is that it is totally baseless. I guess it’s nice to have so much money you can afford to throw it away on lawyers filing frivolous, unwinnable lawsuits.

Since I’ve been out of circulation, I’ve managed to miss the recent Palmer gun show and had to pass on an icefishing trip with my friend, Gnarly Dan. Writing about outdoors when you can’t get outdoors becomes a bit of a challenge.

Next week, starting on Friday, the sixth annual Mat-Su Outdoorsmen Show is at the Menard sports complex in Wasilla. The show runs through March 27. I’ve seen both ads and short “what’s happening” notices in the paper announcing the show. It’s the first outdoor show of the season and usually attracts lots of folks suffering from cabin fever and springitis. I enjoy getting to see all the new outdoor gear and learning about the various charter fishing packages available for booking at the show.

Speaking of fishing charters, I don’t think the one fish less than 37 inches federal restriction for halibut in Southeast applies here in the Southcentral area. I will be checking with Fish and Game on that point, but it’s currently my understanding if you book a halibut charter out of Homer, Valdez, Seward or other locations in Southcentral, you can still catch two fish with no size limitations.

The big trick might be just booking the charter reservation. The new federal permit requirements for halibut charters have put a large number of charter operations out of business. The remaining operators will likely see a high demand for their services and prices are likely to reflect that demand. If you’re planning a halibut trip this summer, come to the show and talk with charter operators to get the latest on what’s happening.

Another good reason to attend the show Friday afternoon involves the three different seminars ADF&G staff will be presenting. The first talks about fishing the Valley’s stocked lakes. I hope there will be some discussion about the status of the two new state fish hatcheries coming online soon.

The Fairbanks facility was originally scheduled to open last summer, but an improperly functioning water filtration system has kept the doors closed to date. That facility has cost something like $50 million to construct so far. The new Anchorage facility is scheduled to open sometime this summer. I hear it cost the better part of $100 million. I hope it works as planned. You are paying for both new hatcheries with a surcharge on your sportfishing license, so you may want to ask some questions about when you can expect some production out of these facilities.

The second seminar will discuss changes made by the BOF to king salmon and northern pike fishing regulations in our area. You will want to hear this one to avoid a possible ticket for king salmon fishing during closed hours or in closed waters. You also might be interested to learn what regulations were relaxed or eliminated for anglers in pursuit of pike in the Valley.

The third Fish and Game seminar will be an overview of moose, bear and sheep populations in game management units 14A and B, and 16A and B. Any new hunting regulations affecting these species in these units will also be discussed. Now is a great time to begin planning your fall hunt, so attending this seminar could provide you the information you need to firm up locations and times.

Well, I amaze myself at times with what I can find to talk about in a pinch. I hope to see you at the outdoors show. Until then, try to avoid getting sick, it’s really no fun! I’m going to go make another cup of tea and continue reading a classic grouse hunting book I downloaded on the e-reader I received as a Christmas gift. I don’t have enough energy to do much more.

Howard Delo is a retired fisheries biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. You can leave him a message by e-mailing sports@frontiersman.com.