SPORT FISHING REGULATIONS

House Bill 6271 as enrolled

Public Act 291 of 2008

Sponsor:  Rep. Steven Lindberg

House Committee:  Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources

Senate Committee:  Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

Complete to 1-10-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 6271 AS ENROLLED

The bill would amend Part 487 (Sport Fishing) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act as follows:

·                    Increase the number single lines or single rods and lines (from two to three) and hooks (from four to six) that may be used by an angler, but allow the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to reduce the number of rods allowed per angler back down to two (but not less than two). 

·                    Extend a rule allowing any number of hooks on a single line for taking smelt so that it would apply to the Great Lakes in addition to recognized smelt waters, and so that it would apply to alewife and other bait fish in addition to smelt.

·                    Repeal provisions governing the spearing or taking of fish with a bow and arrow, including a specific provision establishing a season for the taking of carp and suckers by a spear or bow and arrow from the Tittabawassee and Tobacco rivers (and their tributaries), and instead authorize the DNR to adopt an order regulating this type of fishing in the waters of the state.  

·                    Repeal Section 48726 in its entirety, which allows the DNR to establish any fishing orders it considers necessary for the harvest of Coho and Chinook Salmon and to regulate of the number of rods, lines, and hooks used to harvest salmon and trout on the Great Lakes and their connecting waters.

·                    Add "Walleye (Sander Vitreous)" to the list of game fish, replacing "Pike perch, commonly called walleyed pike (Stizostedion vitreum)," and amend some of the nonscientific names for other game fish on the list.  

MCL 324.48701 et al.

           

FISCAL IMPACT:

The cost of an extended season would not require additional funding to the Department of Natural Resources.  There would be no fiscal impact on local governmental units.

           

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kirk Lindquist

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.