CT Striped Bass Fishing Regulation Language Change

[SHABUMI]

http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2696&Q=322740

As I recall, the CT regulation for fishing striped bass in CT waters always had a statement excluding use of gaff or spear (angling only).

The 2011 regulation in the link above has that statement omitted. Does that open CT waters for spearfishing striped bass?

[Coldwaterspear]

Nope.

See this: http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/fishin...nebrochure.pdf

[SHABUMI]

Originally Posted by Coldwaterspear

Nope.

See this: http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/fishin...nebrochure.pdf

Yes, but look at the revision dates. April 13 versus April 5.

[GrayBoat]

still can't spear bass in CT. shabumi, your link is for a very abrieviated snapshot of striper regs. gaffs and spears are still illegal in the full-length regulations. rediculous and disappointing...but illegal. typical government/marine biologist bs.

always a disappointing joke to me that the tri-state area has 3 different regs for the same fish. undisputable evidence that marine biology laws are not based on science.

[Crusty Old Dive]

S'ok... that's why I drive to RI where the gas is cheaper, fill up there, buy some brews and go out to dinner. That's a $150 day at least. I dive in RI 20 times a year... at least. That's $3,000 just for me a year. Multiply that by 100 divers going to RI from CT. Now over $300,000 a year taken from CT and given to RI. As well, people from out of state would come and spend money in CT eliminating the deficet and gaining incremental revenue for the businesses of CT. Good business would dictate that CT should open bass for spearing.

I have also heard that catch and release of bass can kill the fishr and that a good portion of the bass that are released die from exhaution. Please chime in if you have some facts on this. Anyhow, the harvesting of bass by spear allows the fisherman to choose the fish that is of legal size and is meant for consumption.

It only makes sense to allow harvesting bass by spear.

[wndsurfrjim]

Originally Posted by Crusty Old Dive

S'ok... that's why I drive to RI where the gas is cheaper, fill up there, buy some brews and go out to dinner. That's a $150 day at least. I dive in RI 20 times a year... at least. That's $3,000 just for me a year. Multiply that by 100 divers going to RI from CT. Now over $300,000 a year taken from CT and given to RI. As well, people from out of state would come and spend money in CT eliminating the deficet and gaining incremental revenue for the businesses of CT. Good business would dictate that CT should open bass for spearing.

I have also heard that catch and release of bass can kill the fishr and that a good portion of the bass that are released die from exhaution. Please chime in if you have some facts on this. Anyhow, the harvesting of bass by spear allows the fisherman to choose the fish that is of legal size and is meant for consumption.

It only makes sense to allow harvesting bass by spear.

Doesn't take a rocket scientist does it??

[Coldwaterspear]

Originally Posted by Crusty Old Dive

I have also heard that catch and release of bass can kill the fishr and that a good portion of the bass that are released die from exhaution. Please chime in if you have some facts on this. Anyhow, the harvesting of bass by spear allows the fisherman to choose the fish that is of legal size and is meant for consumption.

It only makes sense to allow harvesting bass by spear.

This fact has been proven time and time again. I would be astonished to learn that the mortality rate of striped bass that are released is less than the recreational diver harvest in any new england state.

I watched a video of a striper surf fisherman landing a 40+lb bass. He dragged it out the the surf, onto the beach, where he proceeded to continue to drag it well out of the surf zone so that he could pick it up and take a photograph with it. He then released it "alive." The slime coat of the bass was completely removed and it is incredibly susceptible to infection. The mortality rate of a released trout, if it is grabbed with dry hands vs wet ones, increases almost 50%. Imagine what being dragged across dry sand would do.

Although not usually this extreme, most anglers releasing fish do not put any effort into making sure they are handled properly or allowed to revive in the water before being released. Treble hooks and multi-hook lures can cause jaw deformities and cause fish to no longer be able to eat. When bass strike, they aim for the head, which means the hook on the end of the 8" sluggo is now firmly attached to a fish's gill. They will most likely bleed out upon being released. The truth is, educating catch and release anglers on how to properly handle their catch would help preserve the fishery far more than banning spearfishing ever would.

[roosterman9]

I almost exclusively use cirlce hooks while targeting stripers on H&L. I know I may be in the minority in doing so but it makes me feel better knowing after I limit out I can continue to have a blast reeling in schoolies and releasing them no worse for the wear.

I dont know much about mortality rates but I do agree that fish should be handled carefully with wet hand. Often the gloves anglers wear will do more damage to the fish than the fish could possibly do to the angler. Coldwater makes a good point on proper education on C&R fishing tactics.

Lot of good points on this board. I agree with John and your point of CT divers bringing our business to RI, funny when you start putting numbers together they add up quickly.

Although I would love the be able to spear bass in CT, things could be alot worse than a 2 hour drive away.