DEC Reminds Anglers of Changes to Striped Bass and Bluefish Regs - The Fisherman

DEC Reminds Anglers of Changes to Striped Bass and Bluefish Regs

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reminds anglers that there are new regulations for striped bass and bluefish in effect for the 2020 fishing season. Regulations for recreational and commercial striped bass fishing have been implemented to reduce harvests by 18 percent as required by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). New York State worked cooperatively with other members of ASMFC to adopt consistent slot limit regulations and comparable season dates. The new regulations also require all states to use circle hooks when fishing with bait for the 2021 striped bass fishing season. Circle hooks work effectively to reduce release mortality in the recreational striped bass fisheries, and anglers are encouraged to use circle hooks in 2020 when using bait.

Recreational striped bass regulations now in effect in marine waters (all waters south of the George Washington Bridge) include a slot size limit of 28 to 35 inches total length – no fish smaller than 28” or greater than 35” may be kept. A season of April 15 through December 15 and a daily possession limit of 1 fish per angler.

In the Hudson River and its tributaries north of the GW Bridge, a slot size limit of 18” to 28” total length – no fish smaller than 18” or greater than 28” may be kept. A season of April 1 through November 30 with a daily possession limit of 1 fish per angler. In the Delaware River and its West Branch bordering PA a slot size limit of 28” to 35” total length – no fish smaller than 28” or greater than 35” may be kept. No closed season with a daily possession limit of 1 fish per angler. Commercial regulations are a slot of 26” – 38” total length and a season from May 15 to December 15.

Bluefish regulations now in effect include a 3-fish bag limit for recreational anglers and a 5-fish bag limit for those fishing aboard for-hire party or charter boats. There is no closed season or size limit for bluefish. The bag limit includes snappers.

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