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CARP FISHING
The bill designates certain state waters as locations with no closed season, creel limit, and length restriction for taking carp by bow and arrow. It designates the following waters:
1. Thames River;
2. Connecticut River and its coves downstream of the Arrigoni Bridge (connecting Middletown to Portland);
3. Coginchaug River downstream of Route 3, including the Cromwell Meadows Wildlife Management Area;
4. Quinnipiac River downstream of Route 40; and
5. Housatonic River downstream of the Derby Dam.
Under existing regulations, people may take carp throughout the year from the river systems of the abovementioned rivers, except the Coginchaug River, as well as the French, Quinebaug, and Shetucket rivers. But they prohibit taking carp by bow and arrow in streams stocked with trout or salmon. The regulations generally limit the daily creel limit for carp to five, with no more than one carp exceeding 30 inches in length. More restrictive requirements apply in Trophy Carp Waters (Conn. Agencies Regs. ยงยง 26-112-45 & 26-142a-4).
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Peter Gregoire, Secretary, Bowfishing Association of America: Supports the bill. Bowfishing typically removes invasive or harmful species or rough/underutilized species. In 2014 the common carp was identified on the top 100 worst invasive species list. As such, allowing bow fishing on this species will help keep the population under control.
Kyle Cooney: Please support this bill, as it will impact bow fishermen and their enjoyment of the outdoors in Connecticut.
The Environment Committee received over 40 additional similar letters supporting the bill stating its positive impact on the bow fishing community.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
David Moore, Owner, Big Carp Tackle: We are the largest carp tackle importer in the USA. Last year we sold a great deal of tackle to the residents Connecticut and also we supply two tackle shops with carp specific tackle. With the allowance of bowfishing to occur, people will be less encouraged to come to CT to fish. This, in turn, will negatively impact Big Carp Tackle.
Fejzo D. Akaratovic: Opposes the bill and would like regulations to remain as they are. Carp have become acclimated to the waters in New England and do not pose as much of a threat as is thought. Furthermore, allowing bow-fishing in certain areas will reduce the yield of catch and release anglers due to the permanent nature of bowfishing.
The Environment Committee received over 80 additional similar letters in opposition to the bill citing carps invasive nature and the impact of bowfishing on carp fisheries.
Ring any bells?
