Reminder About Circle Hooks for Striped Bass and Bluefish

As summer quickly approaches in Maine, we would like to take this opportunity to remind recreational anglers that the use of circle hooks is required in Maine when using bait to fish for striped bass and bluefish. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Atlantic Striped Bass Board recently passed Addendum VI which requires states to adopt regulations requiring the use of circle hooks when recreational fishing for striped bass with bait. While Maine regulations have required the use of circle hooks in the striped bass and bluefish fisheries since 2013, this Addendum means that states along the Atlantic coast will be working to adopt circle hook regulations in the recreational striped bass fishery over the coming year.

A circle hook is defined as a “non-offset hook with a point that points 90^o back toward the shaft (shank) of the hook).”  Information about the use of circle hooks, as well as the difference between a J-hook and a circle hook, can be found at this Maine Department of Marine Resources webpage.  Additionally, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Striped Bass Addendum VI can be found at this link

For more information, please contact Megan Ware at megan.ware@maine.gov or 207.624.6563