The striped bass fishery has been under extreme fishing pressure in recent years.  Striped bass anglers are able to catch a trophy fish of a lifetime with a striper of 30, 40 or even 50 pounds.  Given this pressure, fisheries departments have been tightening regulations yearly.  Last year they implemented a slot limit where you can only keep fish between 28 and 35 inches.  This year most states have implemented the requirement to use non-offset circle hooks when bait fishing for striped bass.  It is known that circle hooks minimize mortality with gut-hooked fish.

Our articles Hooks for Live Bait Fishing and Ethical Fish Handling cover the various types of hooks and how to pick the best for your fishing.

READ ON for the Free Circle Hook Giveway!

Connecticut Regulation

Effective December 1, 2020, anyone using any kind of natural bait (whether it be live, dead, or cut) on a hook with the intent to catch striped bass in Connecticut Waters MUST be using an inline circle hook. This applies in freshwater and saltwater.

New York Regulation (proposed)

DEC proposes the use of circle hook for 2021 recreational striped bass fishing season. Public comment on the proposal is accepted through March 08, 2021.

Massachusetts Regulation

Recreational anglers are now required to use in-line circle hooks when fishing with whole or cut natural baits. An inline circle hook is defined as a fishing hook designed and manufactured so that the point of the hook is not offset from the shank and bend and is turned perpendicularly back towards the shank to form a circular or oval shape. DMF’s Circle Hook Brochure has additional information about this gear.

New Jersey Regulation

Effective January 1, 2021, non-offset (inline) circle hooks must be used when fishing for striped bass with natural bait in all waters.

Maryland Regulation

Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks when live-lining or chumming;  Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks or “J” hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait or when using processed baits while not live-lining or chumming (treble hooks are prohibited).

Free Giveaway !

Tight lines …  Captain P.