3 mile limit

[RIROCKHOUND]

My understanding was, you can transit those waters, just can't be fishing in fed waters if you have bass on board....

[Typhoon]

How is it then that all many of the local commercial striper fishermen fish at the Race? If people were breaking the law constantly they would put a stop to it.

[Sweetwater]

I've often wondered how the 3 mile limit law is enforced. There are many guys from areas like Green Harbor in Marshfield that fish the Race then steam back crossing the 3 mile limit with bass on board. Technically, you are in possession inside federal waters.

There are also guys from the north cape that fish for bass, then go for tuna, again in federal waters. Is it legal to possess bass caught legally then enter federal waters?

I'd love to hear a knowledgeable answer about this.

[Roger]

Originally Posted by RIROCKHOUND

My understanding was, you can transit those waters, just can't be fishing in fed waters if you have bass on board....

AFAIK, the Montauk, Block Island, Pt Judith transit rule is the only one on the books.

But, while I've heard of Coasties busting folks for fishing for stripers in the EEZ (Stellwagon), I've never heard of anyone being stopped while transiting. Maybe it's an "operational" rule of theirs.