Striped Bass Regulation - Discussion

[DZ]

Here is what RI regs say:
R.I. Marine Fisheries Statutes and Regulations
PART XII - STRIPED BASS
12.1 Size/Possession Limits/Season -- Except as provided in Parts 12.3 and 12.5, no person shall possess in Rhode Island any striped bass which measures less than twenty-eight inches (28") in total length, whether caught within the jurisdic-tion of this State, or otherwise. Except as provided in Parts 12.3 and 12.5 no person shall possess, per calendar day, more than two (2) striped bass, whether caught within the jurisdiction of Rhode Island or otherwise. There is no closed season for striped bass. Compliance with the possession limit aboard vessels will be determined by dividing the number of fish onboard a vessel by the number of recreational fishermen onboard said vessel. (RIMF REGULATION)

Last line seems to cover it. Sounds like the child must be considered an "active" fisherman. At 5 years old I think I would consider him an able fisherman - if he were very young I think you'd be in violation. Probably would fall under the discretion of the Enforcement officer. I see loads of families scup fishing with some "very young babies" - I'm sure the babies would not have a possesion limit if they could not pick up a fishing pole.

DZ