CT HB05333

Violations of striped bass regulations in marine or inland waters result in fines of $250 (first offense), $350 (second offense), and $500 (third or subsequent offense), with fines paid to the municipality where the infraction occurred; effective from passage

Hand-harvesting of horseshoe crabs or their eggs from state waters is prohibited, except by permit for educational or scientific purposes; using horseshoe crabs or their eggs as bait is also banned, with $25 fines per specimen for violations; effective October 1, 2026

Food service establishments may sell lobsters with carapace length up to 6.25 inches if lobsters over 5.25 inches were legally taken from federal Lobster Management Areas authorizing such harvest; effective October 1, 2026

Striped bass fishing from December 1 through April 30 is restricted to catch and release only; effective October 1, 2026

Bait fishing in the Housatonic River downstream of Derby Dam is prohibited from December 1 through April 30; effective October 1, 2026