Ch. 303

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

black bass fisheries in certain waters of the State; providing for the effect of certain
regulations; and generally relating to the authorization of regulation of black bass
fisheries.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Natural Resources
Section 4-735

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1989 Replacement Volume and 1996 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Natural Resources

4-735.

(a) During the open season, a person may not catch by means of rod, or hook and
line, more than [five black bass or] ten chain pickerel in any one day.

(b) [(1)] A person may not catch chain pickerel in the tidal waters of the State
during the period from March 15 to April 30. A person may not sell, offer to sell,
purchase, offer to purchase, or possess any chain pickerel during this period caught in
tidal waters of the State.

[(2) A person may not sell, offer to sell, purchase, or offer to purchase any
black bass at any time.]

(c) A person may not catch [black bass or] chain pickerel in any manner in the
tidal waters of the State except with rod, or hook and line using natural or artificial baits.
A person shall return uninjured immediately to the water any [black bass or] chain
pickerel caught in any net, seine, or other device legally engaged in other fishing.
However, a person may retain no more than one day's legal creel limit of [five black bass
or] ten chain pickerel for his own private use during the open season.

(d) Chain pickerel may not be transported into or out of the State during April,
May, and June. [Black bass may not be transported into or out of the State at any time.]
Anglers, however, may possess and transport [black bass and] chain pickerel caught with
rod, or hook and line, in accordance with the provisions of this section. This subsection
does not prevent shipment in interstate commerce of live [black bass or] chain pickerel
for propagating, breeding, or stocking purposes under § 4-11A-19 of this title, nor
prevent any person from catching or engaging in catching [black bass or] chain pickerel
for propagating or restocking the waters of the State under the direction of the
Department under § 4-410 of this title.

(E) THE DEPARTMENT IS AUTHORIZED TO SUPERVISE, REGULATE, AND
CONTROL THE HARVEST OF BLACK BASS IN THE TIDAL WATERS OF THE STATE; AND

(F) SHALL ADOPT REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE FISHING FOR BLACK
BASS BY AREA GEAR, SEASON, SIZE, AND CATCH LIMITS.

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