What is the rule on using a gaff in mass?

thanx in advance

Bob

I just looked around a bit and I don't think there is one, let common sense prevail, if you're going to keep the catch use a gaff, if not don't.

Here is what I could find from 1996 :eek:

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/publications/dmfnq296.htm

Action was taken on two public petitions regarding striped bass: one to ban gaffing and another to allow filleting of striped bass aboard charter boats.
The Commission voted to disapprove the request to ban gaffing after much debate that focused on enforceability of the regulation and validity of some fishermen's claims that gaffing is necessary in certain fishing situations. DMF and the Commission appreciated the petitioner's concerns about needless mortality inflicted upon improperly handled undersized striped bass. DMF agreed to undertake an educational campaign to raise fishermen's awareness about proper handling of fish to ensure survival when released.

The Commission approved a petition from the Cape Cod Charter Boat Association to amend current regulations to allow filleting of bass during sportfish charter trips, at-sea. Since 1993, regulations have allowed authorized charterboat operators to fillet bass for customers at the dock. These rules were adopted to accommodate charter operators whose customers found it difficult to handle and transport whole "keeper-sized" bass. (Imagine four successful charterboat customers trying to get their four keeper bass into the trunk of a mid-sized passenger car.)

thank you fishsmith

before you swing, make sure to take that little protective rubber thingie off the end.:D was out with a friend last year and he was a swingin' away, 4 or 5 times before he figured it out. i knew it wasn't a bluefish so i was wondering what the heck he was doing. thought he was clubbing it!

I got a email back from the Marine Fisheries Dept.

Hi Bob,

We currently have no regulations prohibiting the gaffing of striped
bass._ We've gone to public hearing with a proposal a couple times in
the past but it's never gone forward._ Although we don't ban it, we
certainly don't encourage the use of gaffs on fish you're going to
release.

Thanks for your interest and concern.
Mike **********

keep them sharp .can't afford to loose another 50 bucks