A thread was posted the other day about a bass that was recently caught and released in closed waters. During the thread there was some question as to the legality of this practice. So I reached out via the official NJ website (not to some friend that I may or may not know) and received this official response. Looks like they interpret the word
'Take' as something different then keeping.
** MESSAGE **
SUBJECT: Catch/Release Striped Bass Closed Season
Good day. A bit of debate going on with some fishing buddies to determine if the following is LEGAL:
Are NJ anglers with proper licenses allowed to fish in the back waters of NJ and purposely target striped bass with the intention of releasing after the catch?
Thank you
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You cannot target the fish if there is a closed season. As found on page 13 of the Marine Digest (
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/digmar.htm ) you cannot "attempt to take" striped bass during the closed season. PT
Paul Tarlowe, Wildlife Education Specialist
NJ Div. of Fish and Wildlife
605 Pequest Rd.
Oxford, NJ 07863
Phone: 908-637-4125
Fax: 908-637-6735
NJFishandWildlife@dep.state.nj.us
http://www.NJFishandWildlife.com/
