Gaff for bass?

[Bill L]

The June 12, 2003 issue of The Fisherman had an FD article on bridge fishing, with the bridge gaff described, followed with this footnote:

"EDITOR'S NOTE: It is illegal in several states - namely Rhode Island and Connecticut - to gaff striped bass. Though it was a common practice for many years, and still is where permitted, there are other options for landing big fish from high bridges."

Not sure if specifically "bridge" gaffing is the law referred to, or gaffing altogether