DEC in New York Is not all about that Bass #StripedBass

New York fishing regulators have reduced the number of striped bass that anglers can take from waters around Long Island from two fish a day to one.  The decision, announced at an advisory council meeting of the state Department of Environmental Conservation on Tuesday, retains the previous minimum size of 28 inches.

The fishing season has not been effected.  The season still will run from April 15 through Dec. 15, 2015 as it has. 

Jim Gilmore, chief of the marine resources bureau of the DEC, said the move will go a long way toward rebuilding the stock of vital striped-bass breeders. 

A Marine Resources Advisory Council, citing concerns that anglers would travel to other states with fewer restrictions, earlier this year voted to recommend a two-fish limit — one at between 28 and 34 inches and a second “trophy” fish above at least 36 inches.  This has also been backed up by several online and phone calls to local community’s. Especially business that need this sport – trophy fix to pay the bills. 

Gilmore of the DEC was quoted saying the one, 28-inch-fish limit will continue until fisheries managers see measurable signs of rebuilding, at least until 2017.  “This will stay in place until we see some improvement,” Said the DEC

Commercial fishing boats will have a 25 percent reduction in their catch through an increase in the minimum size fish to 28 inches from a prior 24 inches, Gilmore said. The maximum commercial size is 38 inches.  Also the commercial season has been extended, it is opening on June 1 compared with July 1 last year, The DEC said. 

Recent new source are reporting most other eastern states including Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Connecticut also have opted for the one fish at 28-inch limit.  Rhode Island has not made a decision at this time. New York has strongly urged the state to follow New York’s Limit Quota for this year. 

New Jersey, which has no commercial striped bass fishery, is allowing recreational anglers to keep one fish at 28-43 inches and a second at more than 44 inches, Gilmore said.