The Stellwagon thread got me thinking, because although I don't catch my bass out there, I might finish up a day 4-5 miles out for some cod. It's very possible I might have a bass in the livewell if I keep one from the morning.

So if the off chance that someone pulls up to check my boat, and by the way just who would that be out there coast guard, am I screwed for having a bass in the livewell? Not that I think it's likely, since in all my years fishing out in this spot for midmorning cod, I've never seen anything other than recreational boaters.

In all my years fishing, I've never been stopped by a game warden, fisheries agent, coast guard or anyone in authority and that includes all my freshwater fishing as well. You folks get bothered much?

G S
I would have to say yes,I fish RI but put the boat in mass so I have to go by mass reg,s if I intend to keep fish, I'm sure there will be more post for you , catch so big ones.

Yes, you are pretty much screwed.

First, they don't know where you caught it. Sorta like RI fishermen that come over to CT to fish, they have to follow the slot limit in CT and the regulations in RI.

Second, I think the law is you can't POSSESS a striped bass in Federal waters. So it doesn't really matter where you caught, even if you caught it. You have a striper in your boat in federal waters.

It is a "possesion" thing. Which causes many concerns. A few years ago, I had kept 2 fish from Rhody and brought them into mass. I didn't get stopped (no DEM people are waving down cars on 95 looking for wayward bass) but I realized that I had violated the letter of the law. So I wouldn't do that now...

The "Economic Eclusion Zone" (EEZ) of three miles to 200, prohibits the taking of stripers in federal waters. Inside of three miles is managed by the state.

Yup---the guys are all correct. Federal law prohibits the "possession" of live, dead, filleted or any other type of striped bass with the EEZ. It is illegal to possess them for any purpose---there may be some sort of limited exemption for scientific research, but you'd damn well better be able to document that if you get boarded.

After you unhook a bass in Federal waters, it has to go right back in. If it goes in the livewell or cooler, you are viloating the law.

It is also illegal to transport a bass caught in state waters into federal waters. The key word is possession.

Got,
I AM SURE KNOWING ANYTHING THAT INVOLVES
THE LAW, THEY WILL GO REAL EASY ON YOU UNDER THE SIRCUMSTANCES.
BY THE WAY, I OWN THIS BRIDGE I AM WILLING TO UN LOADE REAL CHEAP!
BASICLY THEY WOULD THROW AWAY THE KEY.
LATER

GS.... I have to say that I have been checked coming off the beach once, and have been checked years ago while freshwater....so you never know when or where or if.....I personally dont ever take chances....not that I would take an illegal fish any way, but like I said....you never know....thats my philosophy