THE long awaited striped bass legislation was finally signed on Friday by Gov. Pataki ending the uncertainty as to what regulations would govern the 2000 season.
New York State will resume managing the striped bass fishery in the Hudson River and all of the state’s marine waters under Amendment five, of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan. The bill re-establishes the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation regulatory authority over the catching, transportation and sale of striped bass in New York waters by commercial and recreational anglers until Dec. 31, 2003.
State Senator Owen Johnson, of Long Island, said that had the bill not been approved, it would not have been possible to ensure that striped bass sold in New York was from safe, certified waters.
The truth is, even with the bill, it is still impossible to ensure that all bass sold at the markets is from safe waters. Stripers are migratory, while they are in safe waters this week, they may have been feeding in unsafe waters the week before.
As for recreational anglers, the regulations will remain as they were last year: one fish per day (two bass are allowed aboard charter and party boats) and a 28-inch minimum size from May 8-Dec. 15 in all waters below the George Washington Bridge. In the Hudson River, north of the GW Bridge, it is one fish per day with an 18-inch size limit from March 16-Nov. 30.
One of the more prestigious striped bass tournaments in our area will take place May 19 when the Manhattan Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association of New York will host its second annual Catch and Release Tournament. This year’s tourney has been approved by the International Game Fish Association, the first time any tournament in the Northeast has been recognized by the IGFA.
The CCA Manhattan Cup will consist of approximately 25 area fishing guides who will provide their boats and expertise to individual teams competing for the largest striper among three categories — fly, artificial and bait. The boats will leave the dock at 1:30 p.m. from Chelsea Piers and will return at 7:30 p.m. There will be a catered party and awards ceremony following the tournament for all participants.
Every spring the Hudson River plays host to millions of spawning striped bass, making it the second largest spawning grounds on the East Coast. In May, as fish begin to migrate throughout the Northeast, the fishing grounds surrounding New York City become some of the most fertile anywhere.
The CCA is at the forefront of marine conservation. Starting in Texas in 1977, and spreading northward to 15 coastal states, the association is dedicated to protecting coastal land and water. By hiring a guide for this year’s Cup, you will be helping to conserve, protect and restore the waters surrounding Manhattan. Pre-registration is required. To register for either the Pro/Am or Sportfishing Division, contact John McMurray at the CCA NY office (516) 422-4126 or Edward Schwarzer at (212) 370-2424.
