CT SB00929

Repeals and replaces Section 26-159a of general statutes to authorize the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to adopt fishing regulations governing marine and anadromous fish species in Connecticut waters.

Commissioner may establish regulations including open/closed seasons, legal lengths, daily creel limits, legal fishing methods, commercial fishing gear specifications, and restrictions on fishing locations and equipment.

Striped bass, Atlantic salmon, anadromous salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout may only be taken by angling and cannot be sold, bartered, exchanged, or offered for sale if caught in Connecticut waters.

Violators of striped bass regulations face $100 per fish for first violation, $200 per fish for second violation, and $500 per fish or up to 30 days imprisonment for subsequent violations, with fines non-remittable.

General sport fishing regulation violations are treated as infractions with mail-in fine payment options, except striped bass violations which carry enhanced penalties.