ODFW lifts groundfish depth restriction

I'm not exactly sure why they just made this change, but for those who enjoy inflicting barotrauma on rockfish .....     

Groundfish

Marine Zone

Effective Oct. 1
Depth restriction: On Oct. 1, ODFW lifted the restriction to stay inside of the 20-fathom line when bottom fishing. Anglers fishing for bottom fish may now fish at all depths.

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/reg_changes/marine.asp

Do you know if they will also impose a "must retain" clause for rockfish similar to what AK does for Yelloweye?
I expect to see some long range charters targeting deep ling and rockfish in the near future.

I'm not exactly sure why they just made this change, but for those who enjoy inflicting barotrauma on rockfish .....     

Groundfish

Marine Zone

Effective Oct. 1
Depth restriction: On Oct. 1, ODFW lifted the restriction to stay inside of the 20-fathom line when bottom fishing. Anglers fishing for bottom fish may now fish at all depths.

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/reg_changes/marine.asp

Happens every year.. Goes all depth until early spring when they bring it inside to 40-fathoms and then in to 20 fathoms latter in the summer.  I think they figure ocean conditions will limit angler take.  Most folks are targeting the big lings with bigger baits/lures and this also limits incidental rockfish catches..  I have caught some toad lings out on pinnacles in 300-400ft in the early fall (powerboat).

Thanks PP,  I sort of guessed it was for lingcod.  I'm not sure why I hadn't noticed it in previous years.

Brian