Proposed Changes to Striped Bass Regulation

[tlapinski]

This initially came up in January, 2020. At that time I wrote the following on the subject after speaking with a DEEP representative: https://www.thefisherman.com/article...s-enforcement/

The problem as the law is written, as noted in my editor's log, is that with the higher fine associated with the misdemeanor it needs to go to court to be issued, and we all now where fishery violations go when they go to court (straight out the window!). With the fine being dropped but issued as an infraction it falls in line with other species in CT and actually has a grater result. You actually get more out of less.

[zimmy]

I would hope there is a way to get more out of more. I made a call on a guy that was a bit too loose lipped with me for his own good. I heard from someone who was acquainted with him that he did get picked up. There is a very urban spot that gets loaded for days to weeks in the fall with shorts You could probably, with no hyperbole, walk in a grab fish by hand. He told me he had been getting $2 a fish from a woman who runs a restaurant and had been making up to $100 a day for the prior two weeks. She would take all she could get and he would load whatever he could carry on his bike and make several trips. I watched him throw an 18" fish in the weeds so I left and made the call. I'm sure that goes on all over the place. If his only risk is $35 fine, he has nothing to lose.

[Suburban]

Originally Posted by zimmy

I would hope there is a way to get more out of more. I made a call on a guy that was a bit too loose lipped with me for his own good. I heard from someone who was acquainted with him that he did get picked up. There is a very urban spot that gets loaded for days to weeks in the fall with shorts You could probably, with no hyperbole, walk in a grab fish by hand. He told me he had been getting $2 a fish from a woman who runs a restaurant and had been making up to $100 a day for the prior two weeks. She would take all she could get and he would load whatever he could carry on his bike and make several trips. I watched him throw an 18" fish in the weeds so I left and made the call. I'm sure that goes on all over the place. If his only risk is $35 fine, he has nothing to lose.

It will be testimony like this ( if enough people participate) that will lead to positive change and put an end to this kind of s..., Nothing can ruin a good days fishing like witnessing something like that.

[Suburban]

Originally Posted by tlapinski

This initially came up in January, 2020. At that time I wrote the following on the subject after speaking with a DEEP representative: https://www.thefisherman.com/article...s-enforcement/

The problem as the law is written, as noted in my editor's log, is that with the higher fine associated with the misdemeanor it needs to go to court to be issued, and we all now where fishery violations go when they go to court (straight out the window!). With the fine being dropped but issued as an infraction it falls in line with other species in CT and actually has a grater result. You actually get more out of less.

Toby,

Thank you for providing your insight and clarification on this issue.
Although I feel that the penalties for violators should be much harsher
as most do, this seems to be headed in a positive direction.