Do they have fish size regulations in every state?

Question

My boyfriend and I go fishing in NJ.. The other day a flounder was only off for very little and my bf still put the fish back in the water. Do they have these regulations in every state?

Answer 1

Yes they do, it is based upon conservation and preventio of over fishing.

Answer 2

Every state has regulations but NOT every fish has a min. length. In Fl. there is no min. size on blackfin tuna, wahoo, mullet, black snapper and some grouper species. Only 3 years ago was a size limit put on dolphin (the fish). But just because you CAN keep a small fish doesn't mean you should for reasons previously stated. Good job by your bf.

Answer 3

as people have said before, yes every state has these regulations. not only that but individual lakes have their own regulations. Many fish grow to a certain length by a specific age, and they don't breed til they are of a certain age. Therefore they figure the minimum age that a fish breeds and then they figure what length the fish is at this age and that is where they will decide the size limit they want depending on the population of the fish at the lake or pond you are fishing. If they are trying to decrease the population they will lower the size limit or have no size limit. If the population is low then they will increase the size limit to ensure that the fish reach maturity and can then breed and increase the fish population.

Answer 4

Yes - check each states Dept of Fish & Game (or similiar website). Each state has biologists on their payroll to do random sampling of various gamefish to ensure they are re-populating naturally.

In some cases it is the Federal government that has the biologists to conduct studies and sampling.

Many stateus have statewide size regulations and others have what they call "slot limits" on particular bodies of water...for a particular type of fish to make sure people release fish that don't meet the requirements such as keeping all fish below 12 inches or releasing all fish over 20 inches to name a few examples.

Answer 5

Not only is a size regulation specified in all states but species as well ;)... < ' ( (( > <

Answer 6

Yes, and its great that he is observing the state catch and release/size regulation rules, sadly there are some anglers who don't do this and as a consequence there is a lack of fish.