We’re getting used to it now, readers may remember that NOAA dropped the hammer thanks to a coastwide sea bass overharvest in 2022, and lawmakers in Connecticut used some Yankee ingenuity to weave a sea bass season throughout 2023 without having to drop bag limits or increase minimum sizes. The trick was closing the season for two weeks at the beginning of the summer. That regulation was renewed for 2024 and now we’re in the midst of its third season on implementation.
This closure took effect on June 23rd and runs through July 7th, with the season reopening on July 8th. After reopening, the fishery will remain open through November 25. This closure does not affect party and charter boats. The for-hire fleet has been allowed to continue fishing through the recreational closure and, later in the season, they will also enjoy a bump in bag limit to seven fish starting September 1. In addition to the fall bag limit boost, for-hire boats will be allowed to continue fishing for sea bass through December 31.
If you really want to get in on some sea bass fishing in Connecticut waters during the closure, you’ll have to fish aboard a licensed party or charter boat, please consider leafing through our reports section and taking a trip with any of our affiliated captains. As they say, the best way to learn a fishery is to “go with a pro”. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until the season reopens on July 8.
