2013 CT Anglers Guide - CT.gov

Marine Recreational Fishing Regulations
SPECIES, MINIMUM SIZES, DAILY LIMITS, & FISHING SEASONS
Effective 2013: Species regulations are subject to change. For legal purposes,
the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies must be consulted.
Visit www.ct.gov/deep/laws-regs or contact Marine Fisheries (860-434-6043)
for current regulations.
Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Program: This Marine Fisheries program is
part of a broader Department effort to improve the quality of access and fishing
to our Public Trust marine fisheries resources in CT, especially in urban areas. This unique program
relies on reduced size limit regulations to allow angler’s young and old alike the opportunity
to experience the joy and relaxation of outdoor recreation and the satisfaction of catching their
own dinner. At the same time, the design of this program assures that marine fish conservation
objectives continue to be met.
Red type signifies new regulations for 2013.
Minimum length is measured
from the tip of the snout (head)
to the end of the tail.
Spearfishing is an allowed
recreational activity, subject to
all sport fishing regulations.
Species
Notes
Minimum
Length
Daily
Creel Limit
(fish per angler)
Open Season
Alewife/Blueback Herring The taking of Alewife and Blueback Herring is prohibited.
American Eel
Eel Pots limited to 2 pots per person, personal use only.
Legal Methods: Angling, Snagging, Eel Pot
6" 50 Year Round
American Shad All state waters closed except the Connecticut River. None
6
(American and Hickory Year Round
Shad in aggregate)
Atlantic Cod Visit www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/regs for updated federal regulations. 22" 10 Year Round
3 June 15 – August 31
Black Sea Bass Split bag/season, length excludes the tendril. 13"
8 September 1 – October 29
10
Bluefish
None (including snapper Year Round
bluefish)
Haddock Visit www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/regs for updated federal regulations. 18" None Year Round
6
Hickory Shad
None (American and Hickory Year Round
Shad in aggregate)
50 fish or 5 gallons
Menhaden
None (whichever is the Year Round
greater amount)
Pollock Visit www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/regs for updated federal regulations. 19" None Year Round
Scup (Porgy)
Private Anglers 10.5" 20 May 1 – December 31
Party/charter vessels 11" 45 September 1 – October 31
Designated Shore Fishing Access Areas (see Appendix A on page 8) 9" 20 May 31 – December 31
2
Sea-Run Trout (Brown, Brook,
15" (all species in
Year Round
Rainbow)
aggregate)
Striped Bass • No spearing or gaffing 28" 2 Year Round
Summer Flounder (Fluke)
Summer Flounder:
Enhanced Opportunity Shore
Fishing Program Access Sites
(See Appendix A, page 8 for
Specific Summer Flounder Shore
Fishing Locations)
Tautog (Blackfish)
• On the water, fillets must meet minimum length or be accompanied by
a legal sized rack (carcass)
17.5" 5 May 15 – October 31
Designated Shore Fishing Access Areas (see Appendix A on page 8) 16" 5 May 15 – October 31
16" 2
April 1 – April 30
AND
July 1 – August 31
16" 4 October 10 – December 6
Weakfish 16" 1 Year Round
White Perch 7" 30 Year Round
Winter Flounder 12" 2
Open season:
April 1 – May 30
Sharks/Tuna
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/
48 deep.marine.fisheries@ct.gov
2013 Connecticut Angler’s Guide