Management measures for the Maryland spring striped bass season were approved yesterday by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Striped Bass Management Board (ASMFC). The proposal for 2008 removes the 30,000 fish quota put into place by ASMFC in 1996.
“We are very pleased with the Board’s decision to remove the spring quota system. The Department can continue conservative management of striped bass while enhancing the recreational and economic benefits of fishing in Maryland,” said DNR Fisheries Director Howard King.
The quota was adjusted in recent years to try to account for the increase in population size. However, Maryland anglers exceeded the established spring quotas during the previous two years due to a large proportion of striped bass aged 8 years and older in the population.
For 2008, from April 19 through May 13 anglers may keep one fish per person per day 28 inches or greater. The season will be closed on May 14 and 15 as the fishery transitions over from a migratory to a resident population. From May 16 through December 15 an angler may keep two striped bass per day between 18 and 28 inches, or one striped bass per day larger than 28 inches. Visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fishingreport/frmapindex.asp for standard area closures.
DNR also reminds anglers that anyone who voluntarily releases a striped bass 40 inches or larger — in keeping with the growing catch and release ethic that is spreading through recreational fishing communities in Maryland and elsewhere — is eligible to receive a Governor’s striped bass conservation certificate. Applications for the citation are available on charter boats, at bait and tackle stores and at www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/recreational/tournament/rockconserawardform.html.
Once a striped bass has been taken into possession, the Department strongly encourages the angler to cease fishing for striped bass for that day. As always, it is illegal to cull, or exchange, a striped bass already in possession for another striped bass later caught. Eels may not be used as bait until May 16. If fishing with cut or live bait, anglers should use non-offset circle hooks.