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I want to remind everyone that from March 1 to April 15, anglers targeting striped bass must follow special DNR catch-and-release regulations. These are:
•Stinger (trailing) hooks are prohibited.
•Barbless hooks are required when trolling.
•Non-offset circle hooks or J hooks with a gap of less than ½ inch are required when using natural bait.
•No more than 6 lines may be employed while trolling regardless of the number of anglers on board.
Some Snaggedline members have begun trolling for stripers, and have had good success. For those of us who do troll between now and April 15, it is important to remember to crush your barbs. I assume this applies equally to the treble hooks on crankbaits as well as for jigheads and bucktails. I am pretty good about crushing the barbs on lures already on my lines. But sometimes when I tie on a new lure, I forget. Please pay attention to these rules.
While on my soapbox, I also want to remind those who practice catch-and-release of any species to do your best to get the fish back into the water as quickly as possible. Often we are eager to measure a fish and/or take a photo. These are great memories, but don't make memories at the expense of the fish. Have your measuring board and camera handy so you can take care of business and get the fish back to swimming again.
•Stinger (trailing) hooks are prohibited.
•Barbless hooks are required when trolling.
•Non-offset circle hooks or J hooks with a gap of less than ½ inch are required when using natural bait.
•No more than 6 lines may be employed while trolling regardless of the number of anglers on board.
Some Snaggedline members have begun trolling for stripers, and have had good success. For those of us who do troll between now and April 15, it is important to remember to crush your barbs. I assume this applies equally to the treble hooks on crankbaits as well as for jigheads and bucktails. I am pretty good about crushing the barbs on lures already on my lines. But sometimes when I tie on a new lure, I forget. Please pay attention to these rules.
While on my soapbox, I also want to remind those who practice catch-and-release of any species to do your best to get the fish back into the water as quickly as possible. Often we are eager to measure a fish and/or take a photo. These are great memories, but don't make memories at the expense of the fish. Have your measuring board and camera handy so you can take care of business and get the fish back to swimming again.
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