New DNR Regs on Rockfish

[ATAK140Jim]

“After further consultations with anglers, charter boat captains, legislators and watermen, we believe the revised regulations strike the right balance between conservation and recreation,”*Maryland Department of Natural Resources*Secretary Mark Belton*said. “By lowering the minimum size of striped bass with additional conservation requirements, we will reduce striped bass mortality in the bay, and increase recreational fishing opportunities and success. These regulations are a win-win for the species and sport.”

The proposal seeks to reduce the minimum size of striped bass from 20 to 19 inches with corresponding changes to gear and season, including the requirements that non-offset (inline) circle hooks be used when chumming and live-lining, and circle hooks or “J” hooks (of any gap width or size) when fishing with bait such as crabs, fish and worms.*

All changes apply from*May 16 through Dec. 15, 2018*and*May 16 through Dec. 15, 2019.*Applying the rules only for 2018 and 2019 will allow the department to determine if the new conservation actions are preventing fish mortality in the bay as intended.

Please*visit*our*Changes to Fishing Regulations*page*and click on*HOOKS, BAIT, STRIPED BASS*—*May 16 through December 15*for detailed information.



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[Oldbayrunner]

For now this is in proposal and these Regs are not in effect until it passes the General Assembly or not sometime this month.
http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Do...tripedBass.pdf