Senate adopts committee amendments to tighten red drum limits and require circle hooks to aid conservation

Senate Bill 961, explained by Senator Campson, would revise catch limits and gear requirements for red drum (spot-tail bass) to respond to Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission findings that the fishery is overfished.

Under the bill, the slot limit would change to 18–25 inches, the per-person daily limit would be reduced to one fish and the per-boat limit to two fish; when using natural bait anglers would be required to use non-offset circle hooks size 4/0 or larger. Campson said the gear change is intended to reduce mortality of released fish by ensuring they are hooked in the jaw rather than swallowed.

Senators asked enforcement and practical questions: how DNR would check hook sizes, whether some anglers fish for other species with smaller hooks, and what penalties apply. Campson said DNR typically issues warnings during a grace period and enforcers would check tackle and recent catches to assess compliance. Committee members estimated recovery of the population might take several years — one senator recalled a 7–10 year timeframe discussed in committee.

The committee amendment was adopted and the bill received a second reading under the day's rules; senators noted the measure arises from interstate compact recommendations and longstanding conservation concerns.