Striper Regulations are in - just got an email

[DonJose]

So I just got this email from NJDEP about the Striped Bass Regs. I'm not too pleased but it is what it is.

Striped Bass Bonus Program Changes

Effective May 1, 2015

Thank you for participating in the 2015 Striped Bass Bonus Program (SBBP). This notice is to inform you that the SBBP will close on May 1, 2015 and will remain closed until September 1, 2015. All current permits are no longer valid. A new permit will automatically be issued through the mail prior to September 1, 2015. You do not need to do anything to receive a valid 2015 Bonus Permit.

Harvest reporting and online logbooks are currently not available. Detailed information about new SBBP procedures will be provided with your new permit and through various outlets, including list serve, as soon as they become available.

On September 1, 2015, the new SBBP regulations will be:

One fish 24" to less than 28"

Please note that the order of fish harvested does not matter. The Bonus fish can be the 1st, 2nd or 3rd fish.

The New Jersey recreational striped bass regulations in all state waters are as follows:

One fish 28" to less than 43" AND one fish 43" or greater

Please continue to check the Division's website for notice of changes. For more information, please contact Heather Corbett of the Bureau of Marine Fisheries at 609-748-2020.

[dsrtfox1942]

I was just going to post this as well. Nice to see someone else from Bethlehem! Swing on in to the dicks sporting goods in easton and see me sometime. I am the firearms hunting and fishing manager.

[rschmidty6]

I receive one too. Nice the negative four day notice.

[KevinH]

I got the same email. It says nothing about new regs in effect. This is only about the bonus tag

[Gerry Zagorski]

Thanks for posting this Don. Going to sticky it for a while so everyone has a chance to see it.

[TomKat]

Checked by conservation officer today.Asked him about bonus tag.He told me bonus tag used for 3rd fish only!

[hammer4reel]

I got the same email. It says nothing about new regs in effect. This is only about the bonus tag

read the whole email it def says what the current regs are, and also that they were put into effect MAY 1

[Angler Paul]

Governor Cristie signed the striper bill today so the new law is now in effect. Anglers are now allowed to keep 1 bass from 28" to less than 43" AND 1 bass 43" or greater. The bonus program was suspended this past Friday and will not reopen until 9/1. As of that date those with a card/tag will be allowed to harvest a bass from 24" to less than 28". New cards will be issued to those who already had them this year. Only a limited number of cards will be issued and 40% of those are being reservered for charter and party boats. No new cards are being issued at this time but will become available prior to 9/1.

Paul Haertel
President JCAA

[dsrtfox1942]

I am glad I made it out on the Fishermen on Thursday and I was able to utilize my bonus tag. I have enough fish to feed me for the summer. I was planning on all catch and release now anyway. I am glad the email also cleared up the order the fish have to be caught. It answered all questions I had, just love the fact the email went out after it already went into effect.

[h2ogonj]

i guess it is official the nj government wants to see the cows harvested I feel they really missed the mark on this one so much for protecting the breeding stock