Is it legal to catch and release largemouth in areas of the Chesapeake Bay that are 'closed' to striper fishing? I launch out of Stemmers Run and that area is now closed to striper fishing until June, I believe.

If so, what is the protocol if you accidentally catch a striper? Remove the hook while it is in the water?

Hope to hear from someone that actually fishes it, rather than someone guessing.

Yes it's legal, one species has nothing to do with the other.

Accidental catch, same as it's always been, immediate release unharmed. If you wander into an area where you're catching Stripers with every cast, I would suggest moving.

DNR can and will consider this as "targeting"

If you want to lessen the chance of Striper attacks, fish shallow cover with plastics or SB's. Fishing in open water with traps or jerkbaits is just asking for trouble.

Thanks - I realize that one species has nothing to do what the other, but as you suggested, fishing techniques can be identical.

I'm new to the area so I wasn't sure if common sense applied to how the area was managed.  Sounds like it does.   Thanks

You're welcome. I didn't mean to come off as condescending, I should have clarified myself, I meant that one species didn't have anything to do with the other in a regulatory fashion, not biologically.