Striped bass closed season ?

[AndyS]

Can anyone give an an exact reason striped bass fishing is closed from December 31st to March 1st in New Jersey rivers, bays and estuaries.

Was this originally set up because of the warm water discharges from nuke plants. There is no spawning taking place at this time. If they want to close striped bass they should do it while the fish are spawning.

Some of the back bays are locked up with ice, this whole thing makes very little sense to me.

[reason162]

I don't know the official reason but leaving wintering, resident fish alone for a couple of months makes sense, no?

[Brewlugger]

Years prior to the winter closure there were known areas where bass would congregate in a lethargic state during a cold spell and guys were wiping them out by snagging and gill netting. I recall seeing nets spread out in the Tom's during the winter months and boats snagging in the Mullica. Not sure if this is the exact reason for the closure Andy.

[Gumada]

Many years ago snagging dormant bass was popular in deep holes in the bays and rivers during the winter. The closure was to curtail the practice. It stayed in place due to the collapse of the fishery in the 70’s...from the information I have...

[AndyS]

Thanks for the responses, makes sense.