I too fish for halibut out of my own boat, although I don't catch very many during the open season. Most of my catch is in July and August while jigging for bottomfish after catching salmon all morning in areas that are long since closed. . .

My opinion is that we would be better off to include charter catches in the quota with commercials--since they are effectively commercial fisherman by definition-- and extend the season for the rest of us with a 5 fish annual limit. Also, it would make sense to open the fishery in the Strait earlier, to spread out the pressure and to allow a better "opportunity" for sportfisherman, since many people don't have the ability to chase them offshore.

If the WDFW is interested in opportunity for recreational fisherman, they should take into consideration weather/safety (May can be ugly) and the accessibility of sporties to chase them offshore. Otherwise, you are forcing many fisherman to pay to play, which is not part of the mission of the Department, or in the interest of the majority of the public.

Just my 2 cents.

FP