By now, most Connecticut anglers are aware of the two-week closure that bisects the summer sea bass season in the Nutmeg State. This mini closure was engineered to make it possible for fisheries managers to satisfy the requirements of conservation equivalence, a math-based system fisheries managers use to toe the line when it comes to setting the limits and the meeting quotas set by NOAA. These limits are designed to attempt to help recreational fisheries remain sustainable year after year.
In 2022, NOAA declared that the coastwide take of sea bass had far exceeded the quota they had set for that year, and tighter regs were imposed as a result. Connecticut put together a unique plan, that included this short closure, in trade for a smaller minimum size of 16 inches; neighboring states’ minimums are set a 16.5 inches. Additionally, the temporary shutdown afforded a longer season and a larger bag limit as well. As of July 8 the season will reopen and remain open through November 25th with a 16-inch minimum size and a five fish limit per angler, per day.
