One of our members (Great American Fisherman) sent a letter to NOAA inquiring about the sea bass season for 2010. This is the answer he got back from NOAA's Cyber Fish. I suppose this is the name they use for any internet inquiries.
Anyway, here is the answer. (This inquiry was made yesterday, Monday, 3/8/10):
Thank you for your inquiry regarding recreational fishing for black sea bass. The 2010 recreational regulatory setting process is still on-going in both state and federal waters. States set their summer flounder regulations, you will have to contact the state to determine their fluke regulations for 2010. Delaware and New Jersey have not finalized their 2010 regulations as of today. For black sea bass in state waters via the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (from MA to NC) there is currently a season from May 22 to September 12, 2010; size limit of 12.5 inches, and a bag limit of 25 fish (these regulations are for state waters only 0-3 miles). For federal waters (3-200 miles) final measures are expected in May. NOAA Fisheries Service received the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's recommendation package on February 24 and are in the process of review. The Council's preferred alternative for black sea bass was a fishing season May 22-August 8 and September 4-October 4; the Commission has a preferred season of May 22-September 12.
Sincerely,
Cyber Fish
