1. (a) For the purpose of this section, “recreational fishing” means the taking of fish by angling or spearfishing for personal use only and which are not sold, traded, or bartered.
2. (b) No person shall take or possess black sea bass (Centropristis striata) by recreational fishing less than 16.5 inches total length not including the filament/tail extension.
3. (c) The recreational fishing daily limit for black sea bass (Centropristis striata) shall be no more than 4 black sea bass per day.

4. (d) Persons licensed to commercially take finfish under RSA 211:49-a and RSA 211:49-b shall not take or possess black sea bass (Centropristis striata) except as follows:

   1. (1) The minimum size of each fish taken shall be 11 inches total length not including the filament/tail extension;

   2. (2) If a pot or trap is used, there shall be two escape vents in the parlor portion of the trap, meeting these specifications:

      1. a. If unobstructed, each escape vent or gap shall be 2.5 inches if circular, 2 inches if square, or 1 3/8 inches by 5 ¾ inches if rectangular; or

      2. b. If obstructed, each escape vent or gap shall be at least 3 inches by 6 inches covered by a panel affixed with degradable fasteners consisting of:

         1. 1. Untreated hemp, jute, or cotton string that is 3/16 inches (4.8 mm) or smaller;
         2. 2. Magnesium alloy timed float releases or fasteners; or
         3. 3. Ungalvanized, uncoated iron wire that is 0.094 inches (2.4mm) or smaller.

Source. #10375, EXEMPT, eff 7-17-13; ss by #10460, EXEMPT, eff 1-1-14; ss by #12655, EXEMPT, eff 11-1-18; ss by #13277, eff 10-19-21; ss by #13637, EXEMPT, eff 5-17-23