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Used Sport Fishing Boats For Sale

108' Burger 2001

$ 4,950,000

Price Reduction

103' Westship Sportfish 2003

$ 5,095,000

Lighthouse point, United States

94' Rybovich 94 Sportfish 2021

$ 17,995,000

Palm Beach, United States

United Yacht Central

92' Sea Force IX Sportfish 2010

$ 2,695,000

North Palm Beach, United States

90' Hatteras 90 1997

$ 1,450,000

Cartersville, United States

82' Sea Force IX Enclosed Flybridge 2005

$ 1,950,000

Miami Beach, United States

82' Sea Force IX Enclosed Bridge 2004

$ 1,699,000

Coral Gables, United States

82' Viking 82 Convertible 2010

$ 4,295,000

Brigantine, United States

New Arrival

82' Viking 2011

$ 4,299,000

Sydney, Australia

80' Viking 80 Convertible 2023

$ 8,995,000

Anna Maria, United States

80' Palmer Johnson 80 Sportfish M/Y 1997

$ 3,950,000

Key Largo, United States

80' Viking Sky Bridge 2017

$ 7,000,000

Stuart, United States

Description

The evolution of the sportfishing yacht has changed significantly over the past few decades, not just from the materials used in the hull, or the advancement in construction techniques, but from its true capabilities. Anglers move up from center-consoles to larger sportfishing yachts for several reasons, but the main one is that you can simply fish farther out and for longer periods of time. All sportfishing yachts were once entirely made of wood, and while some custom sport fishing boat manufacturers still build wooden boats, the vast majority of sportfishing yachts sold today use a high-quality composite that is resin-infused for maximum durability and performance. Hulls are larger, lighter, and stronger which means today's sport fishing boat can go faster and fit more on it. Many of the Viking Yachts or Hatteras Yachts today feature 3 to 4 staterooms, each with their own head along with oversized salons, enclosed bridges, flybridges, and more creature comforts to make your time on the water more enjoyable. The most popular style of sport fishing boat today has to be the Convertible Sportfish due to its versatility of having the open bridge, along with the amenities of a motor yacht .

There are thousands of yachts available on the United website through our MLS services, many of which are sportfishing boats. There are many different brands, styles, features, and capabilities of both custom and production sportfish sold today, and the team at United has years of experience both selling sportfish and working with the manufacturers on new builds. Our brokers will share with you what they think is the best sport fishing boat available on the market. Let the United team help you in your search to find the perfect sportfishing boat, call our main office today at (772) 463-3131. United is also a dealer for new Hatteras Yachts and Cabo Yachts .

SPEAK TO A SALES PROFESSIONAL

The improvements in construction and added space have paved the way for larger, more powerful engines to be used in sportfishing yachts. Whether tournament-fishing or just a weekend warrior, getting to the fishing grounds quickly is imperative. Today's sportfish boats can cruise anywhere from 20 to 30 knots and exceed speeds of 50 knots with big twin diesel engines. How fast a sportfishing boat can go depends on several factors include engine horsepower, hull shape, the construction of the vessel, and the weight of the entire boat.

It's the amenities on board though that generally appeal to the owner who likes to fish with his family. Comfortable, air-conditioned salons, full galley's with lots of storage for extended trips, hot showers in en suite bathrooms can make any extended fishing trip more enjoyable with kids on board especially.

Below are several prominent custom and production sportfishing boat brands :

• Bayliss Boatworks
• Bertram Yachts
• Buddy Davis Boats
• Egg Harbor Boats
• F&S Yachts
• Gamefisherman Boats
• Garlington Yachts
• G&S Yachts
• Henriques Yachts
• Jarrett Bay Yachts
• Jim Smith Boats
• Luhrs Yachts
• Merritt Yachts
• Ocean Yachts
• Paul Mann Boats
• Ritchie Howell Boats
• Riviera Yachts
• Rybovich Yachts
• Spencer Yachts
• Sunny Briggs Yachts
• Viking Yachts
• Weaver Yachts
• Whiticar Yachts
• Willis Yachts

Sportfishing yachts are typically boats 50ft and over that are purpose-designed and built for offshore fishing in tournaments such as the Atlantic Ocean White Marlin Open of Ocean City, MD—the world’s largest billfish tournament with a multi-million-dollar payout, or for the adventure of chasing pelagic gamefish in remote spots around the world. Kona-Hawaii (Pacific Blue Marlin), Isla Mujeres-Mexico (Sailfish), New Zealand (Striped Marlin), Great Barrier Reef-Australia (Giant Black Marlin), along with Costa Rica, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, are among the finest gamefish destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sportfishing Boats:

What type of yacht is best for fishing?

Although one can cast or drop a line from just about any boat, for the serious sport and tournament fisherman, a vessel designed from the ground up for the rigors of offshore fishing in many conditions and often customized to the owner’s wishes, are the best choice. There are many variations of the two basic types of sportfish boats—the Express Sportfish and the Flybridge/Convertible Sportfish. The Flybridge Sportfish boats (45ft and under) are not technically Convertibles, but distinctions are blurred as they are often marketed as such. Express Sportfish models have two decks, the main deck with helm and cockpit, accommodations below deck and tend to be smaller.

Most likely it will have a tower, but no flybridge. Examples are the Gamefisherman 50 Express, Huckins 45 Sportfisherman, Cabo Express SF. All feature large cockpits that are uncluttered and set up for fishing action and may include in-deck fish boxes, livewells, rod holders, ice machine, fighting chair, aft steering, transom “tuna” doors, tackle storage and more. Many have towers with their own steering stations, outriggers, rocket launcher rod holders, and other features. Convertible Sportfisherman are larger and most often completely custom world-class yachts for tournament and long-range fishing adventures. Examples are Michael Rybovich & Sons sportfishing yachts, Hatteras GT series, Viking Convertibles, Jim Smith, Merritt, F&S, Bertram, Custom Carolina, and many more.

Read: What Is The Best Size Sport Fishing Boat?

Below is a video of a 85' Jim Smith Custom Sportfish:

What is a Convertible Sportfishing boat?

Convertible Sportfish Yachts are typically 50ft or more with enclosed living area on the main deck and a flybridge with hard top or fully enclosed, in addition to accommodations below deck, and a large cockpit with a mezzanine deck with seating for guests to watch and enjoy the action. These yachts are often a custom build that combines the luxurious amenities of a motor yacht with the proven performance hull of a sportfisher, capable of converting to a cruising yacht, if desired. They will usually have a tower for spotting gamefish and utilize the latest technological advantages and fish-finding electronics, such as Furuno’s real-time 360-degree sonar systems, Seakeeper stabilizers, pod drives, powerful diesel engines and gensets, and much more. Convertible Sportfishers are evaluated on their seakeeping ability, stability and efficiency in speed and economy. Handling and performance underway or in fishing mode are vital, as they must be able to handle all types of conditions; many have redundant systems. The cockpit needs to be well arranged for anglers and crew to do battle with big trophy gamefish!

Example of a convertible sportfish:

How much does a Sportfishing Yacht cost?

How much are you willing to spend? There are too many variables with the vast array of manufacturers and builders of Sportfishing Yachts to put a single price out there. Currently the average cost to purchase a Sportfishing Yacht over 40ft in the Southeast Region of the United States is about $815,500. Sportfishing yachts tend to cost more than a cruising motor yacht of the same length because of the additional specialized equipment, electronics, and build features, especially for a custom sportfish. Convertible sportfishing yachts have both the luxury accommodations of a motor yacht and the specialized features of a high-end “fishing machine.” When considering the cost of ownership, as with any vessel, be sure to factor in dockage/storage, insurance, maintenance, fuel and other running costs, captain and crew salaries (if needed), taxes & fees, and more.

Learn more about pricing here:

• How Much Is A Sportfishing Yacht?
• How Much Does A Fishing Yacht Cost?
• Why Are Sportfishing Boats So Expensive?
• Guide To Buying A Sportfishing Yacht

What is the best Sportfish boat?

There are so many excellent makes and models of Sportfishing boats and yachts available today that the question becomes a personal matter: Which sportfishing boat is best for you? Do you intend to enter tournaments, fish recreationally with family and friends, or pursue trophy billfish and other gamefish around the world, or for extended stays in the Bahamas? Your budget will also narrow the field or allow you to have a boat built to your specifics and uniquely reflect your style and taste. Some well-known Sportfish builders are as follows: Albemarle, American Custom Yachts (acquired by Willis Marine Inc in July 2021), BB Boats (especially built for charter use), Bertram Yacht, Bayliss Boatworks, Briggs Boatworks (Sunny Briggs), Cabo Yachts, Davis Yachts, F&S Boatworks, Gamefisherman, Garlington Landeweer, Hatteras Yachts, Henriques Yachts, Jarrett Bay, Jim Smith Boats, Paul Mann Custom Boats (retired 2021), Maverick Yachts (designed by Erwin Gerard, EG Designs and built in Costa Rica), Merritt’s Boat and Engine Works, Ritchie Howell Custom Boats, Roscioli Donzi Intl., Michael Rybovich and Sons, Scarborough Boatworks, Spencer Yachts, Viking Yachts, Weaver Boat Works, Willis Marine (just acquired ACY in Stuart, FL), Winter Custom Yachts, and new custom builder in St Augustine, FL, Vilano Boatworks--introducing a 65ft sportfish designed by noted naval architect, Erwin Gerard.

How much does a 50ft fishing boat cost?

Currently a used 2005 Ocean Yachts 50ft Super Sport is listed at $395,000 in the Florida east coast market, which is about average in the current brokerage market. Current (Aug. 2021) range in the yachting industry’s MLS is $600,000 for a 2000 Viking 50 Convertible Sport Fisher in California to a 1991 Ocean Yachts 50ft Super Sport located in Italy at $199,420. Of course, a new production or custom-built fishing boat will be much more.

What is the largest fishing yacht?

According to The Robb Report and Yachts International, the new 171ft Royal Huisman Sportfish Superyacht will be the world’s largest true sportfish yacht when it is launched. Currently under construction, the yacht will be equipped for the global pursuit of trophy gamefish such as swordfish and marlin that roam the world’s oceans, and a range of sportfishing options. Sportfishing has attracted new owners for the larger boats in recent decades and yachts with tall towers and outriggers dominate the world’s fishing grounds in South and Central America, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Rim and New Zealand.

Some of the other sportfishing yachts that fall into the superyacht strata are Trinity Yachts 131.7 ft BAD COMPANY built in 1998 and MARY P built in the New Orleans shipyard in 2008; McMullen & Wing 119ft MEA CULPA built in 2003; Yachting Developments (New Zealand) 118.5ft 2018 LANAKAI and 99ft AL DUHAIL, world’s largest all-carbon sportfisher launched in 2020; 116ft CIELO MARE built by Townsend Bay Marine. Other noted builders are American Custom Yachts 90ft C’EST LA VIE, Bayliss Boatworks 2014 90ft Singularis, Bertram’s 80ft Sportfisher with enclosed flybridge, Hatteras 90ft built in 1995 one of a series built between 1992-1993; Jarrett Bay 84ft delivered in 2016; Jim Smith Boats 105ft delivered in 2013, one of the largest cold-molded sportfishers built; Merritt’s 86ft DESTINY built in 2011 with enclosed bridge; Roscioli’s 92ft Evolution, capable of scaling up to a 105ft model; Michael Rybovich & Sons custom 88ft currently under construction; Spencer Yachts custom 87ft built in 2012; Viking 92ft Convertible launched in 2014; and Weaver Boatworks 87ft completed in 2013 for fishing the Seychelles Islands.

Seen below: The Viking 92 Convertible.

Is Hatteras Yachts still building sportfishing models?

Recently (2021) acquired by White River Marine Group (Bass Pro Shops family of brands), the Next generation of the legendary Hatteras sportfish yachts will be the focus of White River Marine as they make Hatteras the “finest sportfishing boats ever made,” building on the traditions and innovations that began over 60 years ago in 1959 in North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras coast. The current production and semi-custom Hatteras Sportfish GT Series ranges from the GT45X Express Cruiser, GT45X Flybridge, GT45X Tower, GT45X Open to the GT54, GT59, GT65 Carolina, and GT70—all designed and built in New Bern, NC with the offshore angler in mind. These elegant, updated classic sportfish models are beautifully crafted with the features, rigging and signature Hatteras ride. Built strong (over engineered) to perform well in the fierce currents and swells off Cape Hatteras and anywhere else you like to fish.

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Luxury Sportfish Yachts for Sale

58 sportfishers for sale worldwide.

When casting a line or reeling in the big one, it’s important to be fully equipped on the water. Sportfish yachts are ideally outfitted for the sole purpose of angling. Northrop & Johnson’s wide-ranging inventory of sportfish yachts for sale allows you to find the sportfish yacht you’ve been searching for. Our dedicated sportfish yacht expert brokers will walk you through the process of finding the perfect sportfish yacht for you, considering your fishing needs and wants. Check out our complete inventory of sportfish yachts for sale and when you’ve got one on the line, contact a Northrop & Johnson broker to begin the ownership process.

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Why Choose a Sportsfish Yacht?

Avid fishermen, anglers and fishing enthusiasts should consider a sportsfish yacht if that is the sole purpose of the vessel. Whether it will be used for recreational fishing activities with your family and friends or world-class fishing tournaments for big prizes and bigger accolades, if you plan to be on the water exclusively to drop a line, a sportsfish yacht is the way to go.

Sportsfish yachts are outfitted with all the amenities needed for fishing, from outriggers and towers to live wells and fighting chairs, fish lockers and freezers and, of course, copious rod holders. But these yachts aren’t all fishing and no-frills. Depending on the size, many sportsfish yachts also feature main salons, galleys, staterooms and all of the amenities found on a motor yacht, with the added bonus of the fishing kit.

Sportsfish yachts are sometimes owned in tandem with larger motor yachts or superyachts as an added amenity, with the sole purpose of casting a line and reeling in the big one.

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Interested in purchasing a Sport Fishing Yacht? Send us a message below and we will help you with the process.

Sport fishing yachts for sale.

Combining performance and practicality, sportfisher yachts are built with game-fish in mind. Whether you're a serious fisherman or just enjoy weekends with the family while trying to catch dinner, sportfishing yachts can give you speed, comfort, stability, and reliability.

Because the reefs and depths that these waters present more opportunity, the realm of offshore sportfishing is one that you will enjoy once you have some experience. But that's not to say you require experience to enjoy your sportfishing adventure, in fact it's easier than ever for beginners to start.

There's a bevy of equipment that can maximize your yield on any sport fishing yacht, from outriggers to towers and livewells, there are many modifications you can make for your sport fishing yacht. Fishing towers can give you an eagle eye view to spot large schools of fish, or where your next huge catch is waiting.

Used Sportfishing Yachts for Sale

Sportfishing yachts are designed to appeal to those who desire the combination of speed, comfort, and practicality in their pursuit of catching big-game fish like tuna, sailfish and marlin. They are designed to handle deep ocean waters and equipped with towers to make spotting fish easier. Many also include outriggers, fish lockers, aerated livewells, freezers, numerous rod holders and more. They range in their interior amenities, with many offering comfortable staterooms, full galleys, and air conditioning. SYS Yacht Sales offers used Sportfishing yachts for sale worldwide, including Express Sportfish, Flybridge Sportfish, Convertibles models and more. Don't see the vessel you're looking for here? Contact our experienced yacht brokers for assistance, we look forward to helping you find the yacht that's right for you.

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Golden osprey.

Rybovich 94 Sportfish

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Hatteras Sportfish

Pole position.

Gulf Craft Passenger Boat

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Could be yours

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Sea Force IX 82 Enclosed Bridge

Hatteras 82 Convertible

Viking 82 Convertible

Viking 82 Enclosed Bridge

Little audrey.

Paul Mann Custom 81 Convertible

Georgia girl.

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Sport Fishing Yachts for Sale

The Ultimate Yachtfisher for Sale

Find the perfect Sport Fishing Yachts for Sale

Sport Fishing yachts are the ultimate vessels for serious anglers who demand both high performance and luxury on the water. These yachts are engineered with powerful engines, often ranging from 1,500 to over 3,000 horsepower, allowing them to reach speeds of up to 40 knots, making them perfect for quickly reaching prime fishing grounds. With beams typically between 5 to 6 meters, these yachts offer expansive decks designed to accommodate multiple anglers, complete with advanced fishing gear such as outriggers, live wells, and fish boxes. The interiors are equally impressive, featuring state-of-the-art navigation and sonar systems, luxurious salons, and fully-equipped galleys. Accommodations often include multiple staterooms and en-suite bathrooms, ensuring comfort for extended fishing trips. The hull design is optimized for stability and efficiency, even in rough seas, ensuring a smooth ride and excellent handling. For those who demand the best in both fishing capabilities and onboard amenities, Sport Fishing yachts represent the pinnacle of ocean-going adventure.

Sportfisher by Length

Discover our selection of center consoles by size

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Featured Brands of Sport Fishing Yachts for Sale

Discover the ideal yacht for your next fishing adventure.

Viking Yachts

Viking Yachts is a family owned business based in New Jersey building Sport Fishing yachts for the last four decades. The world leader in semi-custom sport fishers totaling over 4,000 yachts delivered.

From hull design and propulsion to on-board connectivity and interior design, a commitment to innovation fuels every aspect of our luxury motor yacht and convertible sport fishing yacht business.

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Discover the ideal superyacht for your next sport fishing adventure.

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Fishing boat seized after walleye tournament scandal sold in auction

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife announced that the fishing boat seized from Chase Cominsky, 37, of Hermitage, Pa., was sold through an online auction recently.

Cominsky and Jacob Runyan, 44, of Ashtabula, were convicted in May 2023 of felony cheating and misdemeanor animal ownership charges.

The forfeited boat, a 22-foot Ranger, was sold in an online auction. The winning bid for the boat was $82,000 with a final price of $96,288.50 including fees and taxes. The boat was offered for sale with its motors and trailer.

With this money, the Division of Wildlife will purchase a new Lake Erie law enforcement patrol vessel for Ohio Wildlife Officers.

In 2022, the Division of Wildlife received a report of individuals cheating during a walleye fishing tournament in Cleveland. The resulting investigation seized a boat, motors and trailer and penalties included a three-year fishing license revocation for both individuals.

Ohio wildlife officers have statewide authority to enforce wildlife regulations and protect state lands, waterways and property. As state law enforcement officers, they contribute to public safety in their local areas and Ohio’s great outdoors. They also speak to hundreds of clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs, perform fish and wildlife surveys, and provide technical advice and instruction about wildlife management issues, hunting, fishing and other outdoor related recreation.

Anyone who witnesses a wildlife violation in Ohio can call 1-800-POACHER (1-800-762-2437). Reports are kept anonymous.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

In 2024, join ODNR in celebrating 75 years of protecting Ohio’s natural resources and providing outstanding and award-winning recreational opportunities.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.

Understanding Florida Fishing Seasons

Table of Contents

Last Updated on September 20, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

Let’s say for the sake of argument that you’re planning a big trip to Florida, you’re going to try some fishing, and you even have a Florida fishing boat rental lined up. If you’ve landed here on this page, there’s a very good chance that’s exactly the situation. And in all likelihood you’re doing some research right now to find out about the different Florida fishing seasons and how to be successful when you finally get there and head out onto the water. Fear not, dear angler: we’ll address each season one by one.

Summer Fishing in Florida

While the rest of the country is enjoying a taste of the sunshine Floridians get all year long, it can become overly hot this far south. In some parts of the state, this won’t be prime time for certain species, as some of the fish can get uncomfortably hot even beneath the water’s surface, and others migrate north. That said, there are still some excellent bites going off.

When deciding what you’ll target during the summer months, remember that most of the migratory species which have strong spring and/or fall runs will likely be tough or impossible to find. But Florida is a huge state, so this will vary from place to place. Take kingfish, for example. They can be caught year-round in the Keys, but peak action comes during the winter months. All the way up the coast in Jacksonville , on the other hand, the middle of the summer is generally the best time to target them. Each individual species is a bit different and you’ll have to research the habits of the specific one you hope to target, but remember that unlike many northern climates, the middle of the summer won’t necessarily be the very best time to target all the different fish swimming in these waters.

Fall Fishing in Florida

Most anglers would agree that generally speaking, fall is peak fishing time throughout the state. Some of the warmth-loving species will already have departed northern areas and some that thrive in cooler waters may not have made it back south as of yet, but this is the time when both will be transitioning and strong runs appear for multiple species in many places. Meanwhile, resident fish that don’t migrate will usually be feeding hard as the shifting temperatures trigger their urge to fatten up for winter.

While the specifics will vary from north to south and east coast to west coast, just about every portion of the state will have something special going on right about now. Snook will be slamming baits on the Gulf coast; tarpon will be biting in the Keys; flounder will be pushing through passes and inlets on both the Gulf and the Atlantic; redfish and speckled trout action will be peaking just about everywhere — the list goes on and on.

Winter Fishing in Florida

While anglers in northern climes worry about how to winterize a boat and fishing gear gets packed into closets and garages, in Florida many different bites are just beginning to crank up. Speckled trout are hitting over grass flats in southern areas and sailfish are gathering in big numbers as they work their way down the Atlantic coast. The critical factor to pay attention to, however, is the weather. While it may not be cold in most of Florida and it’s downright summerlike in its southernmost portions, cold fronts do sweep through. This is a mixed blessing, as they may trigger a strong bite, but they may also trigger strong winds. Timing your fishing around the weather patterns becomes critical, especially if you plan to fish in open waters from a boat.

Spring Fishing in Florida

Like fall, spring is a time of migration that can trigger epic angling action. Again, it will vary from area to area and species to species, but at certain times in certain places, spring will bring with it peak runs. Tarpon will mass along the Gulf Coast, and in some areas, massive schools of thousands of fish will sit right off the beaches. Cobia will head up the coast from their winter haunts, mutton snapper will aggregate as they prepare to spawn, and the flats will come alive with multiple species of gamefish. If there’s any season that rivals fall for its overall action it’s spring, so this is another awesome time for anglers to plan a visit.

Which season will be the best one for you to try fishing in Florida? That depends entirely upon which species you want to target and what style of fishing you prefer. Whatever gets you most excited, however, one thing’s for sure: every season of the year hold ample opportunity for we anglers in Florida.

With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites ranging from BoatU.S. Magazine to BDOutdoors.com. Rudow is currently the Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk , he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

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Fishing report: Lower Columbia River and tributary summary for week of Sept. 9-15

From lower Columbia River, Rocky Point/Tongue Point line upstream to Bonneville Dam there were 822 salmonid boats and 98 Washington bank rods tallied between Warrior Rock and Bonneville Dam on Sept. 14.

MAINSTEM COLUMBIA

Salmon/Steelhead

Sec. 1 (Bonneville) — 146 bank anglers kept nine Chinook, two Chinook jacks and released two Chinook; 133 boats/359 rods kept 139 Chinook, 13 Chinook jacks, two coho, released four Chinook, one Chinook jack, two coho and one steelhead.

Sec 2 (Camas/Washougal) — Four bank anglers had no catch; 90 boats/196 rods kept 47 Chinook, eight Chinook jack, three coho and released one Chinook.

Sec 3 (I-5 area) — Four bank anglers had no catch; 39 boats/76 rods kept 20 Chinook, five Chinook jacks and four coho.

Sec 4 (Vancouver) — 111 bank anglers kept three Chinook, one Chinook jack, two coho and released one Chinook jack; 252 boats/602 rods kept 298 Chinook, 50 Chinook jacks, 25 coho, one coho jack, released 21 Chinook, nine Chinook jacks, 19 coho, three coho jacks and one steelhead.

Sec 5 (Woodland) — Eight bank anglers had no catch; 10 boats/24 rods kept nine Chinook, released 36 Chinook and one steelhead.

Sec 6 (Kalama) — 55 bank anglers had no catch; 21 boats/48 rods kept 26 Chinook, five coho, released 25 Chinook, one Chinook jack and six coho.

Sec 7 (Cowlitz) — No bank angler report; nine boats/20 rods kept four Chinook, five coho and released eight Chinook.

Sec 8 (Longview) — 26 bank anglers released one Chinook; 28 boats/54 rods kept three Chinook, seven coho, released eight Chinook, one Chinook jack and seven coho.

Sec 9 (Cathlamet) — Seven boats/14 rods kept one Chinook, released three Chinook, four coho and two coho jacks.

COLUMBIA TRIBUTARIES

Cowlitz River I-5 bridge downstream — 122 bank anglers kept one coho, one coho jack, released eight Chinook and two coho; 15 boats/29 rods kept two coho, one coho jack, one steelhead, released five Chinook and one coho.

Cowlitz River above the I-5 bridge — 18 bank anglers kept one steelhead.

Kalama River — 12 bank anglers had no catch.

Lewis River — 148 bank anglers kept one Chinook, 36 coho and released seven coho; 11 boats/20 rods kept one Chinook, two coho, released three Chinook and three coho.

Drano Lake — 23 bank rods kept one Chinook and released one Chinook; 114 boats/337 rods kept 137 Chinook, 44 jacks, 24 coho, released 67 Chinook, one Chinook jack, seven coho and 21 steelhead.

OREGON CREEL CHECKS

Buoy 10 — 340 boats/964 anglers with 63 chinook and 448 coho kept plus 66 chinook and 414 coho released.

Troutdale — 447 boats/926 anglers with 215 chinook, 39 jack chinook and nine coho kept plus 11 chinook, three jack chinook, eight coho and a steelhead released.

Bonneville pool — 90 boats/262 anglers with 87 chinook, 20 jack chinook, five adult coho and one jack coho kept plus 13 adult chinook, two jack chinook, one coho and a steelhead released; one boat/three anglers with one sublegal and one legal-size sturgeon released.

The Dalles pool — 99 boats/279 anglers with 48 adult chinook, two jack chinook and six coho kept plus nine chinook, five jack chinook, one jack coho and one steelhead released.

John Day pool — three boats/seven anglers with four walleye kept.

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Catholic group calls for end to modern-day slavery, trafficking on UK fishing boats

By Andy Drozdziak

Brighton, England, Sep 20, 2024 / 06:00 am

The Catholic maritime charity Stella Maris is urging the U.K. government to take action to protect fishermen following a BBC program that shows cases of modern-day slavery on fishing vessels.

Stella Maris is the maritime agency of the Catholic Church in the U.K. 

Last month, BBC One Scotland aired the documentary “Disclosure: Slavery at Sea,” which accuses Scottish fishing company TN Trawlers of modern-day slavery and human trafficking. 

The BBC said that, between 2012 and 2020, the U.K. Home Office officially recognized 35 individuals employed by TN Trawlers from the Philippines, Ghana, India, and Sri Lanka as victims of modern slavery.

“The authorities and welfare organizations must get better at recognizing what modern-day slavery is, reporting it, and supporting swift criminal prosecutions against those few bad operators,” said Tim Hill, the CEO of Stella Maris. 

The BBC described its documentary as “a three-year investigation” that “uncovers allegations of modern slavery aboard U.K. fishing vessels. Reporter Chris Clements hears the stories of migrant workers who came to these shores in search of a better life only to find hardship and misery.”

Stella Maris said it is providing “continued support to mistreated fishers in a small number of ports across the U.K.”

In one example, Joel Quince from the Philippines is shown in the program to have found a position with TN Trawlers working as a deckhand. On one occasion, in 2012, Quince was repairing one of the ship’s metal nets on the Philomena ship when rough weather struck, causing him to bang his head on board and fall unconscious. 

Despite the injury, skipper Tom Nicholson Jr. did not take Quince to the hospital, instead giving him paracetamol and a bandage. Quince, who was in considerable pain, said: “It’s not acceptable. He doesn’t see me as a person. He doesn’t care about my life. He doesn’t care about his crew.”

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Quince eventually found support, using his own resources, at a Fishermen’s Mission. 

Other cases reported in the program are a cause for concern for Stella Maris, who is now calling for action on cases similar to Quince’s.

“We are urging the U.K. Home Office and law enforcement agencies to do more to protect fishers,” the charity said. “Stella Maris has reported several cases to the police over the years, but found prosecutions ‘painfully slow,’ with fishers left in limbo in the U.K. while their cases are assessed.”

TN Trawlers said it “accepted responsibility” for Quince’s case but disputed wider claims of mistreatment of workers. A TN Trawlers spokesperson said that workers’ “overwhelming experience” was of being “well treated and well remunerated.” 

However, Hill lamented the cases found in the BBC program and is glad the issue has been given such publicity.

“We are delighted to see the BBC broadcast this program, bringing some much-needed awareness of a deeply troubling issue,” he said. “This is a tragic case of abuse and exploitation for which there is no place in this world. Our commitment is never-ending, and we continue to support these fishermen and other more recent cases, with friendship, pastoral care, and financial support.”

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The mission of Stella Maris involves helping thousands of seafarers each year who are struggling with loneliness, exhaustion, bullying, and exploitation. 

“It is our goal to ensure that all fishers are treated equally with respect and dignity so that people can live happy and prosperous lives, free from exploitation and abuse,” Hill said.

The work of Stella Maris has been praised by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, archbishop of Westminster and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Paying tribute to the work and mission of Stella Maris port chaplains, Nichols said: “For many of the ships, [the support from port chaplains] is hugely important in terms of seafarers’ religious belief and practice. Really this is great work that goes on.”

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