PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island has extended the season and increased the possession limit for recreational black sea bass fishing.
The state Department of Environmental Management says the changes reflect the “robust status of the black sea bass stock” in the northern Atlantic Ocean.
The season is now open from June 24 through Dec. 31.
The new rules add nine days to the beginning of the season. The agency is ending the fall closure period that was in place last year.
Until Aug. 31, the possession limit remains at three fish per person daily. For the rest of the season, the limit increases to seven.
The minimum size remains at 15 inches.
The department says black sea bass has become popular as a recreational fishery as its population has grown in local waters.
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