DEC has adopted new regulations for recreational and commercial fishing for Atlantic striped bass. These regulations are to reduce state commercial and recreational harvests by 18 percent as required by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Addendum VI to Amendment 6 (PDF) of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP).

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In marine waters (south of George Washington Bridge):

• Slot size limit: 28” - 35” total length
  No fish smaller than 28” or greater than 35” may be kept
• Season date: April 15 – December 15

In the Hudson River and its tributaries (north of George Washington Bridge):

• Slot size limit: 18”- 28” total length
  (No fish smaller than 18” or greater than 28” may be kept)
• Season date: April 1 – November 30

In the Delaware River and its West Branch bordering Pennsylvania:

• Slot size limit: 28” - 35” total length
  (No fish smaller than 28” or greater than 35” may be kept)
• Season date: All year

States are strongly recommending the use of non-offset circle hooks for 2020. These hooks will become mandatory for the 2021 striped bass fishing season. Catch and release practices contribute significantly to overall fishing mortality and circle hooks work effectively to reduce release mortality in the recreational striped bass fisheries. (Image provided by Maryland DNR)

Visit Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations for a complete list of recreational limits.

Make sure to enroll in the annual no-fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry before going fishing in the marine and coastal district waters or when fishing in the Hudson River and its tributaries for "migratory fish of the sea" (e.g. striped bass).