GRAND HAVEN, MI — Pier anglers in Grand Haven, Muskegon and Whitehall this month face temporary new gear restrictions aimed at protecting spawning whitefish.

On Nov. 12, the Department of Natural Resources announced new hook weight and size restrictions for the month of November which are meant to reduce harvest of whitefish, a native species in decline.

Only single point, unweighted hooks measuring a half inch or less from point to shank are allowed from Nov. 1 to 30 under new rules adopted by the Natural Resources Commission.

The use or possession of spearing gear and weighted lures such as jigs is also prohibited. Lures must adhere to the hook restrictions.

The temporary ban is meant to reduce “snagging” — when fish are caught on the body rather than hooked in the mouth — which DN

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