Emergency Rulemaking Modifies Striped Bass Circle Hook Requirement

Recreational fishermen,

The Department of Marine Resources has taken emergency action to modify the circle hook requirements for striped bass in order to come into compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Atlantic Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan. 

Below is a summary of the regulation which takes effect today, December 16.  

Concise Summary:

In order to come into compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Striped Bass Interstate Fishery Management Plan, the Department is implementing regulatory changes to expand the required use of circle hooks in the recreational striped bass fishery. Specifically, this emergency rulemaking makes it unlawful to use any hook other than a circle hook when fishing for striped bass with bait. In doing so, this emergency rulemaking removes the exception that previously exempted those fishing for striped bass with baited rubber or latex tube rigs from having to use circle hooks.

A copy of the notice of emergency rulemaking is posted on the Maine DMR website. The Department will follow this emergency action with the regular rulemaking process in early 2021.