Contact:
Cheri Patterson: (603) 868-1095
Paul Sanderson: (603) 271-3511
January 7, 2020
CONCORD, NH – The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on proposed striped bass and bluefish rules at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2020, at the Urban Forestry Center, 45 Elwyn Road, Portsmouth, NH.
The Department will be taking public comment on proposed rule changes to reduce striped bass and bluefish fishing mortality to address stock assessment determinations that both populations are currently overfished. The proposed changes will create a slot size limit for striped bass and a reduced daily catch limit for bluefish, in addition to requiring non-offset circle hooks when angling for these species. Proposed rule changes include:
- Change in length limit for striped bass with a slot limit of at least 28 inches and less than 35 inches in total length.
- Change in possession/angling limit of bluefish from 10 bluefish down to 3 bluefish per day unless angling from a licensed for-hire boat for which 5 bluefish per day is allowed.
- Requirement to only use corrodible non-offset circle hooks when angling for either striped bass or bluefish.
Documents related to these proposed changes can be viewed at https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/legislative/documents/601-041-striped-bass-bluefish-fta.pdf.
Written comments must be received by January 27, 2020. Send to: comments@wildlife.nh.gov (use subject line “Comments on Striped bass/Bluefish rules”); or write to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or fax to (603) 271-5829.
The N.H. Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Learn more at www.wildnh.com/marine.