Legal to fish, question #2...

[rockdoc]

I'm sure this has been asked before, but here goes...although it is now closed season for stripers in the back bay, are you still allowed to fish for them on a catch and release basis? I know there are still some fish around in the back, and would like to give it a shot if so.......Thanks---Mike

[Dr. Bass]

No, but I heard Tog make a good run this time of the year around Sodbanks.

[sweet release1]

is it ok if you are ,say, fishing for herring?this is a good question rockdoc.

[barnaby]

Let's put it this way, if your out fishng with a big chunk of clam and targeting striped bass then its illegal. But if you are targeting , say herring, then you wouldn't be fishing with clam and it would be OK.
I have to agree with sweetrelease, its a good question. You know what your'e out there for, if your targeting bass and acting like your trying to get something else knowing there really isn't anything else out there then tecnically your'e fishing illegally. I think it is a useless law that I'd like to see overturned. Considering the fishery is doing well and the stripers are around late, I'd like to see it open year round in the back. I know I packed up this year on Dec. 31 know ing there are still fish in the back. I won't fish for stripers solely because it is illegal by law even though I think the regulation stinks.

[rockdoc]

Thanks for the replies; you guys confirmed my thoughts. Sweet release, the whole "fishing for herring" scenario ran through my mind this afternoon as well! Dr. Bass, I assume your tog comment was up the same alley. And Barnaby--- I feel the same way; think that the back should be open year-round. The fishing this late (or early) in the season is very sporadic, and I don't see how a handful of anglers could have that much impact on the fishery. Thanks again----Mike

[Dr. Bass]

Tog like clam.

[sweet release1]

you guys are on the right track here.but remember the law is the law.it would be nice to have the back open all year ,but that is not so ,so fish for herring or tog and leave those bass alone :)like i said good question i think alot of people are thinking the same thing,good fishing ,matt

[MargaritaVille]

If you are gonna have the back open all year how about the DB too?

[Reel-ality]

My brother & I spent 6 hours at the lighthouses today using clams for Tog, no luck though. It was really hard to believe it was 1/3/04, had to be in the fifty's and very light wind. It was great gettin' out and it was time to pull his boat.

Dave Isanski smile.gif

[fshlot]

Hey rokdoc....how you been?...haven't heard from you for awhile....Them white perch will be biting soon....Come on March :D

[rockdoc]

I've been good,fshlot...can't wait to get out on the River for some Spring perch! I just winterizedmy boat a few days ago, but I'll be waking her up again in a little over 2 months! I'll send you an email when it gets around that time------Mike