[bloocrab]

Originally Posted by Clammer

I don,t think anything is exempt once you put bait on it .just one of the flaws in the law .<.

I don't know about RI, but pork rinds and tube & worm are exempt from circles in Mass

Circle Hooks and Striped Bass (322 CMR 6.07). Consistent with recent actions by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, DMF is proposing to amend its existing circle hook rule for striped bass. This rule currently requires that recreational anglers use circle hooks when fishing with whole or cut natural baits for striped bass with exemptions for the for-hire fleet and any baits attached to an artificial lure that are to be trolled, cast, or vertically jigged.

The proposed amendments would further specify that if a striped bass is caught on any other type of hook other than a circle hooks, which is baited with natural bait, then the fish must be returned to the water immediately and without unnecessary injury.

Additionally, all but two of the existing exemptions will be rescinded, including the exemption for the for-hire fleet. The two remaining exemptions are for tube and worm fishing and the use of pork rinds. The proposed rule allows for pork rinds to be attached to artificial lures that are rigged with hooks other than circle hooks. It also allows tube and worm fishing to continue provided the lure consists of a minimum of 8” latex or rubber tubing with a single hook protruding from the end portion of the tubing where a bait may be attached; tubes may not be rigged with treble hooks.