News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
December 20, 2005
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.state.nh.us
For information and online licenses, visit 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us

* * * * * * *
CONTACT:
Mark Beauchesne,(603) 271-3212 
Sgt. Bruce Bonenfant, (603) 271-3127 
Jane Vachon, (603) 271-3211
December 20, 2005 


NEW FOR 2006: SOME FISHING RULES CHANGE ON JANUARY 1

CONCORD, N.H. -- Baby, it's cold outside -- just the thing to get 
outdoor enthusiasts excited about ice fishing. Before you head out to drill 
your holes and set your tip-ups, familiarize yourself with new fishing 
rules that become effective January 1, 2006.

"The last ice fishing season was long and fish-filled," says Mark 
Beauchesne, coordinator of the Let's Go Fishing program at New Hampshire 
Fish and Game. "This year I anticipate the same, but there are some new 
regulations every angler should be aware of."

NEW FISHING RULES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006, INCLUDE:

   * Bobhouses now must display 12 square inches of reflective material 
on the outside of each of the four walls. This includes portable 
shelters. "A one-inch wide, 12-inch long strip of reflective tape on all four 
sides will work fine," says Beauchesne; he plans to meet this 
requirement in style by spraying reflective paint on his bobhouse in the shape 
of a big fish.


   * For management reasons, new bag limits have been placed on yellow 
perch, horned pout and all sunfishes. The daily limit is now 25 for 
white perch, black crappie, yellow perch, horned pout and sunfish, with a 
50-fish aggregate daily possession limit for all these species 
combined. Previously, there was no daily bag limit for yellow perch, horned 
pout or sunfish, and there was no combined limit for these species. "As 
with any taking of fish, always take only what you can use," Beauchesne 
adds.


   * The sale of lead sinkers weighing one ounce or less and lead jigs 
less than one inch in length is banned effective 1/1/06. (The use of 
this tackle is already prohibited in any fresh water in the state.) 


Ice fishing is a great way to get out and make the most of a long New 
Hampshire winter. But be familiar with the rules, and always check ice 
conditions wherever you fish. For tips on ice safety, download the 
brochure "Safety on Ice" at 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Outdoor_Recreation/outdoor_recreation.htm.

The state's fishing regulations are outlined in the 2006 New Hampshire 
Freshwater Fishing Digest, available online at 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm or from license 
agents statewide. 

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.wildlife.state.nh.us. 


Copyright 2005 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, 
Concord, NH 03301.  Comments or questions concerning this list should 
be directed to lpoinier@wildlife.state.nh.us.