2014 striped bass fishing rules in southern Gaspésie

QUÉBEC, March 5, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement, de la Faune et des Parcs (MDDEFP) announces the rules and regulations for striped bass sport fishing in southern Gaspésie for the 2014 season.

Sport fishing for striped bass will be permitted in part of the southern Gaspésie between June 15 and September 30, 2014. Captured fish must be caught and released, except from July 26 to August 24 inclusively, when anglers may catch and keep one striped bass per day. However, holding more than one striped bass at a time is prohibited. This means that fishermen already holding a striped bass will need to stop fishing this species.

To sum up, striped bass fishing will be permitted in specified coastal areas, subject to the following specific rules:

• Permitted in Zone 21 waters between the upstream side of the Campbellton Bridge, including the Baie des Chaleurs, and the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the western tip of Cap-Gaspé (mddefp.gouv.qc.ca/communiques/2013/c20130610-zone21.pdf);
• Only single hooks can be employed, with no more than three hooks per line
• Only artificial lures can be used (natural bait prohibited)
• All striped bass caught from June 15 to July 25 and from August 25 to September 30 must be released
• There will be a one striped bass per day catch limit from July 26 to August 24
• Only striped bass measuring less than 65 centimetres from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail may be kept. All striped bass measuring 65 centimetres and more must be released.

Following a striped bass population census assessment planned for the fall of 2014 and related fishing, the duration of the fishing season may be adjusted up or down in 2015 and the years following.

Anyone that catches a striped bass outside the catch-and-keep period is required to immediately release it where caught and so as to injure it as little as possible. If the fish has swallowed the hook, the hook must be cut and the fish released, even if it is in poor condition or no longer alive. In order to contribute to the survival of released fish, the use of a circle hook is recommended. Fishermen are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with healthy fish release practices on the Ministère's Web site at mddefp.gouv.qc.ca/faune/peche/remise-eau-poisson.htm.

Citizens are reminded of their duty to report poaching and acts that counter the protection of wildlife, wildlife habitats and the natural environment by calling S.O.S. Braconnage at 1-800-463-2191 or by sending an email to [email protected]. This service is free and confidential.

Information:
Media Relations
Direction des communications
Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement, de la Faune et des Parcs
Tel. [phone]

SOURCE: Cabinet du ministre du Développement durable, de l'Environnement, de la Faune et des Parcs

Media Relations
Direction des communications
Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement, de la Faune et des Parcs
Tel. [phone]