[still searchin]

Quick question for you guys. I was in a debate as to whether or not gaffing striped bass is legal or not in NJ. First is it? and second is there any variation as to being on a boat or off the land? Thanks in advance for your responses!!!

 

[TheAdamBomb]

Why gaff them when you can net them? Same with black drum. A big net is much easier and no mess.

To your question, I don't believe there is any law stating they can't be gaffed. It is a bit difficult to net a fish from a jetty with breakers crashing over you. A long handled jetty gaff is easier in this situation. However, make sure the fish is absolutely a keeper before you sink a gaff home. If it's not definitely a keeper, I'll risk busting my plug off before I stick a gaff.

 

[still searchin]

Bomb,
Thank you for your concern but I have been bass fishing for over 15 years and have caught hundreds of keeper bass and have not once sunk a gaff in one nor do I ever see myself doing so it was just a question because I was under the impression it was illegal and a friend says different.

 

[Spooled]

When fishing solo gaffing is easier-or if you dont have a big net.

on our Montauk charters they are gaffed unless borderline keeper size-then swung in

 

[Blynch]

i think the question here is strictly whether or not it is legal, and i am quite certain the answer is yes.

 

[Bluewater sportfishing]

its perfectly legal to gaff a striper

 

[still searchin]

Thank you Blynch!! That is my question Im not looking for a lecture. Also Thank you Blue water for your response but it seems both sides are pretty adimit that it either is or isn't and I am looking for documentation for a gauranteed answer which I havn't been able to find myself.

 

[Bluewater sportfishing]

do a search on this site,this was argued before and the outcome was its legal. Just food for thought why would it be illegal to gaff a striper if your going to kill it anyway? Think about that for a second.....

 

[TheAdamBomb]

I wasn't giving a lecture, just stating in GENERAL that I'd not gaff a bass unless it was absolutely a keeper. It is legal, and I was making a general statement, not accusing you of gaffing short fish.

 

[Blynch]

The reason there is no documentation is because it is legal... why would there be legislation regarding gaffing unless it was illegal?

 

[phillyfishing]

its legal.........

 

[striperman1]

only way i would gaff a striper is if it doesnt fit in my net. i will live if a bass gets away from me.

 

[IGGY2]

I dont believe their is any fish that is legal to keep that can't be gaffed!:huh:

 

[Forever Night]

Its legal to gaff a hooked bass

Its Illegal to hook one like just swimming by.





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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqwQAZaabUs

 

[Pop Up]

why not just lip the fish. are you kidding me!

 

[still searchin]

Thank You to all who actually answered the question that I have asked!! It is much appreciated! And to all those who voiced there opinion which was not asked for as well thank you and I will soke it all up and and honestly maybe think about posting a general question next time here on this site. It seems people are becoming so damn sensitive! Thanks POP POP for your brilliant advice and yelling at me over text for something I have never done. Thanks to all!!!!!

 

[joe2617]

Still Searching, I don't think anyone was giving you a hard time. Keep in mind that you are not the only one to read this post. Someone other than you, could maybe, benefit from the info posted. Also, there is a link at the top of the page for NJ Regs. any info you need is listed there. If it is not listed it's legal.

 

[tommymo]

Never heard of any law like that. But why gaff em? I've caught hundreds of bass in my life and have everything from lipping them to netting them, never even crossed my mind to gaff em.

 

[Joe D.]

Thank You to all who actually answered the question that I have asked!! It is much appreciated! And to all those who voiced there opinion which was not asked for as well thank you and I will soke it all up and and honestly maybe think about posting a general question next time here on this site. It seems people are becoming so damn sensitive! Thanks POP POP for your brilliant advice and yelling at me over text for something I have never done. Thanks to all!!!!!

Dude, you need to take a Valium. No one was giving you a hard time. I think your question was answered appropriately. Were you looking for just a Yes or No response? When you ask a question on a PUBLIC forum, be prepared for some creative responses as well as people's opinions.

 

[Spooled]

I think in Md you have to net them-no gaffing but not 100% sure on that.