LAUSR

Abstract On the US west coast, the incidental mortality of non-target fish species in the recreational fishery for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis; hereafter halibut) is a management concern. One potential approach to reducing non-target fish mortality is to use fishing hooks that more effectively target halibut. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of using the cibu·d, a halibut hook traditionally used by the Makah Tribe, for recreational halibut fishing. The Makah Tribe ethnographic record indicates that the cibu·d was selective for moderately sized halibut with little or no catch of other species. We tested the fishing performance of the cibu·d as compared to paired circle hooks (size 8/0) commonly used for recreational fishing using a charter-boat and volunteer anglers. Catch rates of halibut and non-target species, relative (target to non-target) catch ratios, and size selectivity of halibut caught by the two types of hooks were evaluated. Interviews with anglers were also conducted to assess angler opinions on use of the cibu·d. Catch rates of both halibut and non-target species were significantly less for the cibu·d than for circle hooks. Although catch rates were lower for cibu·d, they were 7.4 times more likely to catch a halibut than a non-target species compared to circle hooks. The catch ratio result, along with the positive response of anglers to using the cibu·d, indicate the cibu·d is a feasible hook type alternative for reducing catch of non-target fish species during recreational halibut fisheries particularly in areas where catch of non-target species is a conservation concern.