Recreational Fishing Regulations determined for the Fall 2005 striped bass fishery
For Immediate Use
Contact: Wilford Kale
(757) 247-2269
NEWPORT NEWS, VA. (August 24, 2005) - The Virginia Marine Resources Commission has established new regulatory management measures for the Chesapeake Bay area fall 2005 recreational striped bass fishery.
The fall recreational season will begin October 4, 2005 and extend through December 31, 2005.
The recreational possession limit will continue as two striped bass per person. The minimum
size limit remains as 18 inches. Anglers will be allowed to possess two striped bass 18 inches to
28 inches total length or one striped bass 18 inches to 28 inches total length and one striped bass
34 inches or greater in total length. The major change in the 2005 fishery concerns this "protected"
slot limit, whereby it shall be unlawful for any person to possess any striped bass between 28 inches
and 34 inches in total length.
Protecting striped bass between 28 inches and 34 inches in length, according to managers and
the fishing industry will enable this fishery to better adhere to the overall harvest quota of 1,504,927
pounds. For the past two years the recreational fishing for striped bass has been well over its harvest quota.
The Chesapeake area means the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and the
Potomac River tributaries.
