Change in Saltwater Regs Conn Post

Every spring, anglers report on people taking sub-legal fish, taking too many fish or taking fish out of season. These reports seem to be increasing as the years go by. Many of the guilty plead confusion over the regulations. Below is a snapshot of the current regulations for the state's major gamefish. Clip and save this column for future reference.

Saltwater

1. BLACKFISH — This season is closed until June 15, then stays open until Sept. 7. The season reopens from Sept. 22-Dec. 13. The regulations call for a 14-inch size minimum and a four-fish daily creel limit.
2. BlUEFISH — The state Department of Environmental Protection has not enacted a size minimum on bluefish, but there is a generous 10-fish daily creel limit. The creel limit also applies to snappers.
3. FLUKE — The regulations on fluke, also known as summer flounder, were changed last week. Anglers now must obey a 17-inch size minimum with a six-fish daily creel limit. The season opened last week and will run through Dec. 31.
4. PORGY — Regulations on this fish were also changed last week. The season runs July 1-Oct. 31. The size limit will be 10inches with a 25-fish daily creel limit for private boats. Party and charter boat patrons have an increased limit of 60 fish in September and October.
5. STRIPED BASS — This is the state's most popular saltwater gamefish. It has a 28-inch size limit and two-fish daily creel limit.
6. WEAKFISH — Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in their numbers in Long Island Sound. The size minimum is 16 inches with an almost unreachable 10-fish daily creel limit.
7. WINTER FLOUNDER — In spite of tough regulations, the flounder population continues to dwindle. The current rules have a 12-inch size minimum. While anglers must adhere to an eight-fish daily creel limit, it is rare for anyone to find that many flounder.