Rules
The rules are simple; any of the fish listed below must be taken on rod and
reel. Line testing strength is not limited. Live and cut baits may be used
as well as artificial lures. Anglers who wish to apply for Tackle-Busters
yet want to release their fish unharmed may do so. If the fish measures the
minimum qualifying length or greater, it qualifies. A photo of the fish
beside a tape measure would provide the necessary verification of size. To
join, simply fill out a Tackle-Busters card and mail with a photo of the
fish. Look for displays of this program at a variety of bait and tackle
shops and sporting goods stores. Application cards may be obtained from
these displays or directly from our Department. Remember that even though a
fish may make the minimum Tackle-Buster weight, if there is a regulatory
minimum size, that size MUST be observed. For example, if an angler has a
striped bass that weighs 26 pounds, it must still measure the legally
required 40 inches or greater if that angler is to keep that fish.
How to join the 2006 club
Print out the application card and mail it in with a photo of the fish. You can also look for displays of this program at a variety of bait and tackle shops and sporting goods stores. Application cards may be obtained from these displays, or directly from the Department of Marine Resources.
Remember that even though a fish may make the minimum Tackle-Buster weight, if there is a regulatory minimum size, that size must be observed. For example, if an angler has a striped bass that weighs 26 pounds, it must still measure the legally required 40 inches or greater if the angler is to keep that fish.
 See a slide show of members the 2005 Tackle-Busters Club and others who had noteworthy catches.
| Fish species |
Number submitted |
Fish weight |
Fish length |
Angler name and date caught |
Minimum size |
| Bluefish |
1 |
15 lbs. |
35.5 inches |
Bob Adams, 08/23/05 |
15 lbs. or 36 inches |
| Atlantic cod |
136 |
65 lbs. |
43 inches |
Patrick Codey, 08/02/05 |
25 lbs. |
| Cusk |
16 |
27 lbs. |
42 inches |
Rob Pylman, 09/28/05 |
12 lbs. |
| Haddock |
41 |
10 lbs. |
30 inches |
Russell Mott, 04/28/05 |
7 lbs. |
| Hake |
24 |
38.5 lbs. |
47 inches |
Sean Devich, 06/18/05 |
25 lbs. |
| Pollock |
9 |
31 lbs. |
42.5 inches |
Rob Fuehrer, 09/20/05 |
25 lbs. |
| Redfish |
9 |
2.5 lbs. |
16.25 inches |
Ed Baisley Jr., 09/04/05 |
2 lbs. |
| Striped bass |
16 |
34 lbs. |
44 inches |
Ron Carreira, 08/14/05 |
25 lbs. or 42 inches |
| Thresher shark |
1 |
530.5 lbs. |
n/a |
Joe Tufts, 08/06/05 |
100 lbs. |
| Wolffish |
17 |
23.25 lbs. |
40 inches |
Mark DeWolf, 06/09/05 |
15 lbs. |
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