Over 130 Tickets Issued for Striped Bass Violations Along the Hudson River

As the 2025 striped bass fishing season officially opened on April 1, Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) from Putnam and Westchester counties were cracking down on illegal fishing practices along the Hudson River before the season opened—and the numbers from their recent enforcement efforts are eye-opening.

Pre-Season Enforcement Yields Over 130 Violations

In early March, ECOs conducted focused enforcement details along the Hudson River, targeting violations tied to recreational striped bass fishing. The results: more than 130 tickets issued for offenses including:

• Illegal possession and take of fish

• Targeting striped bass out of season

• Fishing without a license or marine registry

• Failure to use required non-offset circle hooks when fishing for striped bass

In total, officers confiscated 33 illegally caught striped bass, a clear signal that pre-season violations remain a significant concern.

Striped Bass Season Opened April 1 in the Hudson River

The 2025 striped bass season for the Hudson River and its tributaries north of the George Washington Bridge began on April 1 and will run through November 30. Anglers are reminded that:

• Only one striped bass per person per day may be kept.

• The legal slot size is 23 to 28 inches in length.

• Non-offset circle hooks are mandatory when using bait to reduce fish mortality.

Why the New Slot Limits Matter

The updated size restrictions were implemented due to a sharp increase in coastal striped bass harvests in 2022 and consecutive years of poor striped bass reproduction in the Chesapeake Bay—a major spawning ground for the species. The slot limit is designed to protect breeding-age fish and support long-term population recovery.

Stay Legal, Stay Informed

Anglers are encouraged to review the New York State DEC regulations before heading out on the water this season. By following the rules, recreational fishers can help protect the striped bass population for generations to come—while avoiding steep fines and potential gear confiscation.

For more information on striped bass regulations in New York, visit the DEC’s official fishing regulations page.

Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by Fish HV Contributors