Febuary Bass! Are we on schedule?

[SharkHart]

The conservation officers were out a few weeks ago over a few days at a certain area in NJ, chasing people and issuing written warnings for targeting bass. i would think twice about documenting it, they see the stuff too.

Don't bother. Some people don't care about the laws, as dumb as the laws appear to be. They will find out one way or another that they actually do not know it all.

[Joey Dah Fish]

It seems to me like almost all of you have great ideas!! In my opinion the most important idea is person accountant ability. If the vast majority of those who truly care get involved in the promotion of catch and release we can lead by example. In other words show how much you care by your own actions. I always take a few guys fishing on our boat most every time we go. The standing rule on the boat is catch and release. We do have exceptions. Persons first fish. Want to take one home for dinner etc etc. I tell all the guys and gals that fish with us. There are plenty of dead fish at the store no need to kill any more. If you love fishing and want your grandchildren to be able to fish and catch its your responsibility to make that happen.

And i don't mean to rain on anyone's parade but I just confirmed with a higher up that it IS ILLEGAL to purposely target a species during a closed season. Take it for what it is and do what you want with it but don't go spreading false info because your experience as an angler makes you believe you are above the law. Attempting to take is what it reads. You are attempting to catch a closed species. You can not prove attempting to catch and release....it's too vague

[nancy corigan]

Originally Posted by AustinS

Don't bother. Some people don't care about the laws, as dumb as the laws appear to be. They will find out one way or another that they actually do not know it all.

****See Special Regulations contained in 6 NYCRR 40.1 (h) (3).

(g) Striped bass recreational fishing-special regulations.

(1) Except as provided in subparagraph 4(v) below, it is unlawful for any person to possess striped bass from which the head or tail has been removed or that have been otherwise cleaned, cut, filleted or skinned so that the total length or identity cannot be determined; except that it is not unlawful if such fish is being prepared for immediate consumption or storage at a domicile or place of residence.

(2) No person shall take striped bass for recreational purposes other than by angling and spearing.

(3) During the closed recreational season for striped bass, catch and release fishing by angling only is permitted. Catch and release fishing is defined as a fishery where the fish are returned to the water. During the closed season all striped bass taken shall be returned to the water immediately without unnecessary injury.

[SharkHart]

Are you citing New York regs (6 NYCRR 40.1 (h) (3)) to make an argument about the NJ season?

[Urban Angler]

Whoa! Thx Nancy!

Like I said. Do what you want with the info. But don't be angry if you get ticketed for fishing backwaters for bass during closed season

[cantcatchme]

Waaaahhhh!!!

[Donand]

I think you all should chill out, myself and Urban regularly hit that same spot year round and wouldn’t dream of keeping any of the fish we catch.