A new regulation limiting the possession of American eels could affect how much bait you buy before heading out on a striper fishing trip. A coast-wide bag limit of 25 eels makes it unlawful for a recreational fisherman to be fishing while in possession of more than 25 eels, whether purchased or harvested. According to a clarification issued by the Massachusetts DMF, these limits apply to both the individual and the vessel, regardless of the number of persons onboard. Also according to the Massacusetts DMF, if an individual purchases more than 25 eels from a bait shop or dealer and is transporting the eels, the individual must be able to document the purchase of eels with a receipt from the seller.
For more information, see the latest press release here:
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dmf/marine-fisheries-notices/clarification.html
The complete text of Massachusetts’ American eel regulations can be found at 322 CMR 6.30.
So… I will ask the stupid question… why the restriction on how many eels a person can possess… is there a problem with Eel populations??.
theres alot of eels out there and no strippers
No strippers? There’s plenty of strippers out there 🙂