State of Maine Changes Rules & Regulations on Striper (Striped Bass) Fishing

It's one of the biggest pastimes of the state of Maine: hunting and fishing. And now, it looks like there will be some fairly substantial changes coming to the latter.

According to the Kennebec Journal, the rules about what size striped bass recreational fishermen in Maine can harvest is changing.

The article explains that the previous limit of 35 inches will now be changed to no smaller than 28 inches and no larger than 31 inches.

The Kennebec Journal explains that the shift comes on the heels of an effort by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to help better protect and help sustain the population of Striped Bass in the state.

The new rules, which have been in place for a couple of months temporarily, will likely become permanent in the coming weeks.

In an excerpt from the Kennebec Journal article,

The rules have been in place on a temporary basis for about two months, having been introduced in Maine as an emergency regulation to come into compliance with a regional mandate. The state is now in the process of making the change permanent. As part of that process, a public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for 4 p.m. on July 12. People will be allowed to submit comments through July 24.

One of the biggest reasons for the change is the fact that the striped bass harvest literally doubled year over year from 2021 to 2022 across the New England region, according to the newspaper. Fortunately, for most recreational anglers who release their fish, the won't have a major impact.

So, long story short, just keep slayin' dem bass, and, if you do decide to keep a couple, make sure you're within the newly imposed size guidelines.

Wouldn't want to end up on an episode of "North Woods Law," would you?