OK - here is the conversation. Each year we have the Fall MS/MDA Tourney coming up in mid October - great event, great cause. S-B fields a team and does well or not - S-B (well Habs, Tattoo, and KrispyGasPumpBoy) won one a decade ago

I have been informed that CT Surfcasters Assoc members are going to participate but NOT weight in any fish. They will fish the Tourney, donate the funds, make the Breakfast, but C&R the whole weekend. Thus being able to support the tournament and cause, yet make a fair minded decision to not participate in the kill part of the Tourney. They are hoping to see a new format introduced in the future.

I want to discuss for this week if S-B should make the same effort, (and have a cookout on the beach) and participate and just catch & release. We will still donate through MS Tourney regardless of the decision.

I love this Tourney and what it supports. I enjoy fishing with and against the others. I am wondering if we should follow CSA's example on this.

Thanks,

John

John:
Thanks for posting this. Of course, I'm only one voice of the CT Surfcasters, but it is fair to say the reason we are participating in this MS fundraiser event, but not entering fish in the weigh-in ("kill"), is because as a group we recognize that the Striped Bass population is on the decline and we don't feel participating in the "kill" aspect of this well-organized and well-intended event is truly in the spirit of and in the best interest of preserving the striped bass population. As a group, we really enjoy the event and, as you mentioned, the CT Surfcasters will support this important fundraiser in all other ways.

I should mention, we did not want to interfere with the efforts of the organizers of this event or attempt to persuade other clubs form participating or not. Having said that, I'm very glad to see your post and the fact that you are raising the issue amongst the SB.com team.

S-B should follow CSA`s format.
Also an idea, all participates as a requirement to join tourney have to mail, email or call your public comment to the contact below. Deadline is soon for which I don't know the date, maybe someone here knows.

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Subject: Draft Addendum IV)


Mike Waine
Fishery Management Plan Coordinator
1050 North Highland Street
Suite 200A-N
Arlington, VA 22201

Phone: (703) 842-0740
Fax: (703) 842-0741

Email:mwaine@asmfc.org
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

S-B should follow CSA`s format.
Also an idea, all participates as a requirement to join tourney have to mail, email or call your public comment to the contact below. Deadline is soon for which I don't know the date, maybe someone here knows.

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Subject: Draft Addendum IV)


Mike Waine
Fishery Management Plan Coordinator
1050 North Highland Street
Suite 200A-N
Arlington, VA 22201

Phone: (703) 842-0740
Fax: (703) 842-0741

Email:mwaine@asmfc.org
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Deadline is Sept. 30th. All the info is found at the following link.

http://www.asmfc.org/files/PublicInput/StripedBassDraftAddendumIV_PublicComment.pdf
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^^^^ Thank you
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Turn in our team "roster" and inform them at that same time that we will not be killing any fish for the tournament.
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We (Connecticut Surfcasters Assoc) have had many discussions on this tournament as a kill event and eventually decided as Frank posted to not turn in any fish for the event. Let's face it we all enjoy bringing in that fish and throwing it on the scale but on the other hand we all recognize the current condition of the striped bass population. We are not trying to impose our views on others but we think many feel the same way as we do and we just needed to start the discussion. The following is from our website:
Connecticut Surfcasters Association (CSA) is a non-profit organization established for the promotion, protection, and preservation of the surfcasting tradition, in its many forms along our coasts.
So with that in mind we took the position we did.
We in the club are looking forward to the event and hoping the fishing is good and we raise a lot for MS.
Jim Savage
Treasurer
Connecticut Surfcasters Association

I applaud your efforts Jim and the CSA!!
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And this is very important to note - we like the MS Tourney, what is supports, the camaraderie, AND the folks like Jim & Steve that do a crapton of work to put this on. This is also NOT to take away from the good they do but to take a position on the type of tourney to participate in. This stuff came up way too late to even have deep discussions on whether to request changes for this year.

This is a discussion to see if we should limit our impact (which has been light as of recent years :rotf2: ) on the fish.

There is more than one member here with direct family members who have severe MS. It's a good cause to support!
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HATS OFF TO BOTH CLUBS... SOUNDS LIKE WE ARE RITE ON TRACK TO SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE AND STILL MAKE THAT STATEMENT . I HAVE NEVER FISHED THIS PARTICULAR TOURNEY BUT I AM DOWN FOR THIS YEAR.

I think its a great idea, there will be cheating i'm sure, but hope not, it is for a great cause.

I think its a great idea, there will be cheating i'm sure, but hope not, it is for a great cause.

There won't be cheating bc no fish will be weighed in.

Great approach guys! My hat's off to you...

There is more than one member here with direct family members who have severe MS. It's a good cause to support!
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Yes - and to be clear, this is making a conscious effort to support the tourney and the cause but not to weigh in fish.

The wave of the future - very commendable. Time to think of some creative ways to run these tourneys minimizing the kill aspect. For many years the thought of entering bluefish that have been sitting around for 24 hours and have no table value whatsoever made me feel just as uneasy as entering a large bass, all for the chance at winning another reel or some more plugs to add to the 1000 I have already.

Great idea. Last few years, I haven't joined any tourny specifically because they required killing.

S-B should make an official statement as soon as possible. If someone that knows Toby, publisher of the Fishermen magazine asking him to publish an article relating to our view of the change in the MS tourney format.
The ASMFC will be making a decision in October therefore if an article was published beforehand it may have a positive impact on the outcome.
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First, the members of the Narragansett Surfcasters wish to thank the Connecticut Surfcasters for taking the bold initiative to participate in the MS Tournament on a catch and release basis while still contributing to a very worthy cause.

Further, we recognize and appreciate the stand taken by S-B.com.

With that said, let it be know that the Narragansett Surfcasters will also be participating in the MS Tourney on a catch and release basis.
As DZ aptly pointed out, the recovery of the striped bass fishery is far more important than winning a prize or eating a trophy striper.

Good luck to all participants.

Great news!
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A+

Wow we were not expecting this to go any further then within our own membership. We feel its just to close to the tournament to change the format. Bravo to all who choose to forfeit there points in order to release there fish.
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If SB needs another member to fish it let me know.
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Hey guys the catch and release part of the MS contest has been discussed and will be in the works for next year as far as this year don't really have the time to put this in effect for this year. I have talked with Jimmy about this and absolutely agree we need to do something as far as no kill for this contest. As you all know that part of the problem is its still legal to keep stripers and some of the fishermen may or may not want to keep there catch which like it or not we have to respect that . I heard an idea from someone which I would like to see maybe happen is to print out a card which would have the words MS tournament and the year ill put in 2015 and have them laminated and you would have to put the card on the fish and then take a pic and have length and girth taken to submit the fish as most have a cell phone that can take pics.. This may not be cost effective but something to think about .I would like to get together with some reps from each club sat of the contest and discuss what we could do . Thanks Steve .

If SB needs another member to fish it let me know.
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is there an actual set amount of team members allowed? i would like to fish it but am not worthy of a "roster spot"

First, the members of the Narragansett Surfcasters wish to thank the Connecticut Surfcasters for taking the bold initiative to participate in the MS Tournament on a catch and release basis while still contributing to a very worthy cause.

Further, we recognize and appreciate the stand taken by S-B.com.

With that said, let it be know that the Narragansett Surfcasters will also be participating in the MS Tourney on a catch and release basis.
As DZ aptly pointed out, the recovery of the striped bass fishery is far more important than winning a prize or eating a trophy striper.

Good luck to all participants.

Great news!

COULD BE THE START OF SOMETHING BIG. CONGRATS TO ALL CLUBS

is there an actual set amount of team members allowed? i would like to fish it but am not worthy of a "roster spot"

I am not sure, figured i would toss it out there. I am by no means a sharpie or an internet hero myself but if you aint casting you aint catching.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

msba agreed to participate the same way - no kill

Hey guys the catch and release part of the MS contest has been discussed and will be in the works for next year as far as this year don't really have the time to put this in effect for this year. I have talked with Jimmy about this and absolutely agree we need to do something as far as no kill for this contest. As you all know that part of the problem is its still legal to keep stripers and some of the fishermen may or may not want to keep there catch which like it or not we have to respect that . I heard an idea from someone which I would like to see maybe happen is to print out a card which would have the words MS tournament and the year ill put in 2015 and have them laminated and you would have to put the card on the fish and then take a pic and have length and girth taken to submit the fish as most have a cell phone that can take pics.. This may not be cost effective but something to think about .I would like to get together with some reps from each club sat of the contest and discuss what we could do . Thanks Steve .

Dude! Glad to hear some changes could be in the works for a later date - completely understandable that this year is too late. As many have stated - we like and respect this tourney and what it does, just need to alter a bit how we do it

:love:

S-B should make an official statement as soon as possible. If someone that knows Toby, publisher of the Fishermen magazine asking him to publish an article relating to our view of the change in the MS tourney format.
The ASMFC will be making a decision in October therefore if an article was published beforehand it may have a positive impact on the outcome.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Hadn't thought about that. Don't know if we rate a statement but perhaps a few sentences if Toby were so inclined to include it with that of others.

Important to note: Narragansett Surfcasters have done the same thing: http://narragansettsurfcasters.com/club/

Hadn't thought about that. Don't know if we rate a statement but perhaps a few sentences if Toby were so inclined to include it with that of others.

I am working on an editor's log on the subject which will appear in the magazine due out the week of the tournament. If I could get notice of any other clubs that will be participating on a C&R basis as they join up I will include them as well.

So far I have the following:
Connecticut Surfcasters
Striped-Bass.com
Narragansett Surfcasters
Massachusetts Striped Bass Association

Probably to late to ask, but, does anyone know if they offered the three day beach driving pass this year?

Yes-same deal as last year. For details e-mail gannetgil@cox.net but hurry there may be a deadline for sign-ups.

Any thoughts on how S-B is going to handle the 2015 tournament? The organizers have increased the minimum size for striped bass to 36 but there is no catch and release division/option.

This is starting to sound like what the Tri-State fishing Tournament has done for years. Way to go and great to see.

OK, I agree. Next year the M/S tournament will be catch and release for Striped Bass. and maybe Bluefish. It will mean a lot of work, new set of rules, how to measure, how to present pictures and do you have to fish with someone or can you fish by yourself. Some people will not be happy. We can discuss this more over the coming year.

I would also like to thank all the clubs that will support the
the M/S tournament even though they will not turn in fish.

Thank you,
Jim

:claps:

Bravo

:jump:

Awesome Jim!

Great news!!! :cheers2: :cheers2: :cheers2:

No kill for S-B
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Awesome news!
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Terrific news Jim. The MS has been CSA tradition dating back in the nineties.. Yes times have changed but the the reason for the tournament remains, MS. CSA has been proud supporters of the MS society throughout the many years whether through the MS tournament or through our yearly club MS raffle. Members always look forward participating yearly. We at CSA actively urge membership camaraderie and the MS yearly fall tournament solidifies our club concept. Thanks again Jim and the organizers.

Can we get some dates and info on the tourny?

Thanks!

This is good news, let's get fishing!

No kill for S-B
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

That's my signature on my posts.

May I remind all surf casters that this year's MS Tournament there are two important changes:
1. A one (1) striped bass/person/day limit
2. A 36'' minimum length

I was able to get the $15.00 three-day pass again for this year.

This is all really awesome to hear!

Can we get some dates and info on the tourny?

Thanks!

2015

“ SURF CLUB CHALLENGE “

“22 YEARS”


Hello:
We would once again like to cordially invite your club to participate in the annual
Surf Club Tournament. All proceeds are to be donated to charity in the name of each participating club

The tournament dates are Oct. 16, 17 and 18.

NOTE:

THERE WILL BE (3) WEIGH STATIONS THIS YEAR

THE MINIMUM LENGTH FOR STRIPED BASS WILL BE 36 IN.

NOTE:

There will be 3 day beach passes available for the tournament. The cost will be $15.00. A detailed explanation on how to get the passes will be e-mailed out to each club in September.

Anyone who would like to join in and help out with the tournament is welcome.

We look forward to seeing you this fall.

Sincerely,
Jim McKeough

CONTACTS:

Jim McKeough Steve Andrus
9 David Ave. Cell Phone 413-537-3261
Westerly, Rhode Island 02891 E-mail saajr53@comcast.net
Tel. 1-401-348-0132
Cell Phone 401-405-6015
E-Mail jdmckeough@verizon.net


“ SURF CLUB CHALLENGE “
STRIPED BASS - BLUEFISH - SURF FISH TOURNAMENT

This TOURNAMENT the Surf Club Challenge was established in 1993. The purpose is to bring together Atlantic Coast Surf Fishing Clubs, in an effort to unite members from different clubs and regions, to meet each other, discuss fishing and conservation in their respective areas. All proceeds are donated to charity in the name of Surf Fishing.

DATE AND TIME:

START -FRI. OCT.16, 2015 - 6:00 PM
ENDS - SUN. OCT. 18, 2015 - 8:00 AM

ENTRY FEE AND REGISTRATION

1.) A $75.00 donation is required from each club participating in the tournament
2.) Please send in your entree fee by October 10, 2015
3.) 2015 donations will be made to the M/S Society. Make checks payable to the M/S Society.
4.) All clubs participating in the tournament are requested, prior to the start of the tournament, to send in a list of members who will be fishing in the tournament. Clubs can fish with as many members as they wish This list can be mailed in or dropped off at Cardinal Bait & Tackle or sent to Jim McKeough before the tournament begins.


RULES
1.) All organizations participating in the tournament must be a club, fresh or salt water.
( officers, by-laws etc.)
2.) FISHING AREA: Napatree Point to Narrow River Narragansett, Rhode Island.
( NO BLOCK ISLAND )
3.) All fish must be caught from the Shore/Surf and weighed at
Cardinal Bait & Tackle in Weekapaug, R.I. , Snug Harbor Marina in
Wakefield, R.I. and Quonny Bait and Tackle in Charlestown, R.I.
4.) In the event a tie occurs: The measured length of each winning fish will
be added to the total weight.
5.) All fish will be measured from the nose to the end of the tail.
6.) All fish weighed and entered in the contest, will be entered in the book by someone
other than the person who caught the fish.
7.) After a fish is weighed and entered in the contest a punch mark or knife cut will
be made near the tail.
Note: If the angler is going to mount the fish the mark or cut is not necessary.
8.) Rhode Island Fishing/ Beach Regulations will be adhered to at all times.
9.) All anglers fishing in the tournament must have a valid saltwater fishing license.
( Rhode Island License -- License from another State
10.) Note: Striped Bass must be 36 inches minimum length to enter in the contest.


AWARDS:

1.) Surf Club Champion. Determined by the combined weight of the
(3) heaviest Striped Bass and the ( 3) heaviest Bluefish from a participating club
A continuing trophy with the surf club champions name and year will be awarded.
The winning club maintains the trophy for ( 1 ) year.

Note:
There will be awards given for the Largest Striped Bass and the Largest Bluefish.

The first pick of the raffle table will be awarded for the Largest Striped Bass and the Largest Bluefish.

FISHERMEN'S BREAKFAST

The fishermen's breakfast and awards ceremony will be held at the Andrea Hotel located on Atlantic Ave. in Misquamicut, R.I. at approx. 8:30 am Oct.18,2015.


WEIGH STATIONS

CARDINAL BAIT AND TACKLE SHOP ( CONTEST HEADQUARTERS )
CONTACT: Mike Cardinal
660 ATLANTIC AVENUE
WEEKAPAUG, RHODE ISLAND 02891
TEL. 401-322-7297
Cell 401-588-9004
E-mail -- www.cardinalbaitandtackle.com

HOURS:
FRI. CLOSES at 5:00 PM,
SAT. OPENS at 5:00 AM CLOSES AT 5:00 PM SUN. OPENS 5:00 AM


SNUG HARBOR MARINA
CONTACT: AL CONTI
410 GOOSEBURRY ROAD
WAKEFIELD, R.I.
TEL. 401-783-7766

HOURS:
FRI. CLOSES at 6:00 PM.
SAT. OPENS at 6:00 AM CLOSES AT 6:00 PM SUN. OPENS at 6:00 AM.


QUONNY BAIT AND TACKLE
CONTACT ROBIN OR JEFF NASH
5223 B OLD POST ROAD
CHARLESTOWN R.I.
TEL. 401-315-2330
CELL 413- 330-5037

HOURS:
FRI. CLOSES AT 6:00 PM
SAT. OPENS AT 6:00 AM CLOSES AT 6:00 PM
SUN. OPENS AT 6:00 AM


I will need a volunteer to pick up the fish affidavits at 8:00 AM at Snug Harbor Marina and Quonny Bait and Tackle and deliver them to Andrea Hotel by 8:30 AM
Sunday Oct. 19, 2014


Special Invitation by RIMS

RIMS welcomes all Surf Club Challenge participants to the RIMS cabin for a Saturday morning breakfast Oct. 18. ( 8:00 am to 10:00 am )
RIMS breakfast consists of eggs, bacon, home fries, orange juice and coffee.
RIMS cabin is located on Quonny beach.
Directions.
Go past the Weekapaug Breech Way until you get to the Weekapaug Fire District Beach.
Drive thru the dirt parking lots until you get to the sand trail, follow the sand trail until you see RIMS cabin on your left.
4 wheel drive is required.

I just received word that the Narragansett Surfcasters Club will not participate in the tournament until such time as SB are fully C&R. :uhuh:

I would be interested in supporting the Tourney, but as a C&R Participant - with the concurrence of the people that would fish for Team S-B.

Jim, I know going to C&R actually makes things more difficult but it really is the best way to go.

No back breaking work of hauling your bass back to the car! It's different, less energy, but it is easy after the first fish or two on the C & R option. Also, you can continue to fish after you get a "qualifyer"...otherwise your done for the day!!

No back breaking work of hauling your bass back to the car! It's different, less energy, but it is easy after the first fish or two on the C & R option. Also, you can continue to fish after you get a "qualifyer"...otherwise your done for the day!!
Not to rain on the parade but that is my beef with catch and release. No end to hooking fish and 1 in 12 die after being released. For instance with the Striper cup tournament if I catch a fish to weigh in on Monday I am done fishing until next Monday. Less fish hooked equals less impact overall.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Not to rain on the parade but that is my beef with catch and release. No end to hooking fish and 1 in 12 die after being released. For instance with the Striper cup tournament if I catch a fish to weigh in on Monday I am done fishing until next Monday. Less fish hooked equals less impact overall.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Well, you would need to catch and release 12 fish to equal every one you keep.

Well, you would need to catch and release 12 fish to equal every one you keep.
That's true but weighing in does limit the amount of fish hooked and time spent fishing, kind of a limt if you will. Catch and release goes until a person is exhusted, which to me means more fish hooked. Last Tuesday I took one for the table but going by the average mortality rate of my releases I probably killed 5 others...it was an amazing day but very few of size so I carry some guilt myself.
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Um, you might also catch and release a dozen fish before you catch the one you weigh in. I imagine most people dont weigh the first fish they bring to hand. C & R is not perfect. A bluefish only tourney would still result in striped bass being accidentally caught and then released. But C & R is better for the population than a tourney that requires weighing fish at official stations and shops
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BTW, curious, where does that 1 in 12 mortality rate for C & R figure come from?
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Six of one half dozen of the other catch and release is still the way to go from a conservation standpoint and as a member of the Narragansett surfcasters I fully stand by the decision.
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There are plenty of sources to find catch and release mortality rates and it really shouldn't be hard to either verify the 8% or discredit my 1 in 12 die statistic.
Think about how much handling and how much time the fish is out of the water for photographs. Is that really conservation of the species? If I catch a fish that won't compete it is released immediately with very little handling. If I catch a fish that will compete I am done fishing not only for the day but for the week.
If a catch and release tournament has no limit on the amount of fish hooked photographed and released then it is indeed causing more harm then having a size limit and one fish per week limit.
I think it is great that groups can get together and initiate change but to look at catch and release as being somehow better for the fish, I don't see it. Remember not everyone is going to agree nor are they required to, not here anyway.
Like I have said before what are the limits on fish caught for catch and release tournaments? When does a fisherman have to put the rod down and stop hooking fish?
Once again I think it is great that some groups can get together and initiate change but I for one don't believe that catch and release is less harmful.
I would rather see some limit on the number and types of hooks that can be used. I find 1 treble on a plug and circles for bait is adequate and causes minimum damage to the fish and/or the fisherman. Also release time is reduced using one treble and circles.
How about a limit on the gear used? One of the things I hated in Mike Laptew's Stripers gone wild dvd was when he said stripers on light gear what could be better....how about stripers on gear that is capable of landing the largest striper swimming efficiently....yeah that would be better.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Six of one half dozen of the other catch and release is still the way to go from a conservation standpoint and as a member of the Narragansett surfcasters I fully stand by the decision.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

The CT surfcasters also voted not to participate in the fishing of the MS Tournament but did vote to send in the $75 club donation for MS to show support for Jim and the expected change to C&R next year.

There are many variables which seem to affect mortality of caught and released striped bass. But even the highly scientific approaches are subject to skepticism due to necessary methodology and factors which cannot or were not controlled for, salinity, temp both air and water, season, hook type and location, length of fight, bait types, handling time and treatment and more....still these studies involve placing fish in tanks and pens for continued observation after the catch. Not the same as watching them swim away. Cleary there is a lot that goes into the hopper and still we cannot know exact numbers for C & R. But a fish on a scale at the shop is dead. There is no formula or basis to know how many were caught and returned before the angler decided that it was time to weigh one. The fish on the scale could have been the first fish caught or the 20th. God forbid the angler keeps several and culls the dead fish killing several but weighing one. Kill tournaments do produce an incentive for those who are less than honorable. It has been done before.

C& R has been shown in to help manage fish populations and maintain population health especially for trout. Prolly where it has been studied most.

Catching a fish places it at risk. We need to minimize those risks by behaving responsibly throughout the process. C & R is one way to do this. Its certainly a good place to start.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

How about limiting the entries to one per week and have a different code for each day that is used to identify fish caught each day and only allow one catch and release entry per week. That would help limit the amount of fish caught/hooked by each angler.
I have watched the catch and release tournament anglers and have seen first hand how long the fish are out of the water being measured and photographed before release. The time out of the water and damage to the protective slime coat to ensure a proper picture is very disturbing to me. The use of multiple hooks also adds time to the release on top of measuring and taking pictures. Now if the anglers are limited to one entry per week utilizing codes that expire each day/night (maybe noon to noon so over night fishing isn't hampered) I would not object so much.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Maybe we'll have a cookout one of those days ;)

Definitely going to at LEAST send in a check. I cannot underscore enough how good a job Jim Mckeeough, Steve and crew have done over the years on this tourney :cheers2:

How about limiting the entries to one per week and have a different code for each day that is used to identify fish caught each day and only allow one catch and release entry per week. That would help limit the amount of fish caught/hooked by each angler.
I have watched the catch and release tournament anglers and have seen first hand how long the fish are out of the water being measured and photographed before release. The time out of the water and damage to the protective slime coat to ensure a proper picture is very disturbing to me. The use of multiple hooks also adds time to the release on top of measuring and taking pictures. Now if the anglers are limited to one entry per week utilizing codes that expire each day/night (maybe noon to noon so over night fishing isn't hampered) I would not object so much.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device


Different Tourney - that is like OTWs. MS Tourney is a great local tourney over a weekend.

I didn't realize it was only 2 days but even being 2 days limiting the amount of fish hooked and possibly injured leading to their death is my goal. Simply put, more fish hooked means more fish dead. Just trying to add to the conversation and possibly save a few more fish.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I didn't realize it was only 2 days but even being 2 days limiting the amount of fish hooked and possibly injured leading to their death is my goal. Simply put, more fish hooked means more fish dead. Just trying to add to the conversation and possibly save a few more fish.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Just wondering? With all of your "data" of the mortality of catch and release. How do you personally fish? Keep? C&R? Or just observe?

Also the statement that a kill tournament with one fish caught ending an anglers week of fishing is not valid. Fishermen will continue to fish personally outside of the tournament and there is nothing that can stop this.

It's not MY DATA it is from numerous sources you can easily find on the web.
If fishing a tournament I stop when I have a fish that will compete and head for the scales since every ounce counts. Once I enter a fish I stop fishing until I can enter a fish again unless I need them for the table. The reason I stop is because I don't want to land a larger fish than I have already killed and entered. I eat striper so any fish I take home gets consumed unlike many catch and release fanatics that don't even eat stripers. I also stop fishing when I decide a fish is coming home because I want every fish out there to be in my future. I also NEVER fish light gear and never target undersized fish and anyone who has seen my gear can attest to the fact that ALL of my plugs have a single forward treble hook and my efficiency when landing a fish with my Century 1328 with a Saltiga 6000 loaded with 60# hollow ace and my spare spool loaded with jb hollow 80# will take any striper swimming. I also sacrifice distance and sink rate in order to reduce my impact on the stripers due to a prolonged fight, especually when fish are 3/4 of the way across the ditch and its an hour into a fast moving tide. Plugs that don't perform to my satisfaction with a single hook action wise are put a side until I get the chance to alter them. If I could post pictures of plugs that aren't in my rotation you would be amazed. I throw every plug I have including Strategic anglers (at $75 a pop) which are sitting home waiting for me to either sell them or throw from a boat.
I also NEVER target small fish that I can't take if they are mortally injured. Very rarely do I throw small plugs like an sp minow which once again has a single foward hook. All of the treble I currently use are 4x VMC 5/0 although I just got some mustad 7982HD 7/0 in order to reduce the likelihood a cow will use the exposed hooks to help dislodge the plug on the bottom. I am currently experimenting with steelon 120# leaders from the breakaway to the hook to ensure my fish aren't lost due to my 125 rosco split rings twisting or pulling open along with hook hangers pulling out of the plugs (Sebiles in particular). Another goal is to have the plug not be a source of leverage the fish can use to dislodge my hooks.
I use a Calcutta fish grip which makes handling the fish a breeze and causes less damage than any other fish grip I have seen. I also carry a 60# boga grip and check the tournament standings so I know what size it will take to compete before I make a cast.
I have been fishing the ditch for 40 years and have a pretty good eye for judging a fish that needs to be weighed on site or released immediately. The 30# boga fooled me once because it bottomed out and I thought the fish was larger.
I am also going to build a trough to measure fish up to 60" in order to enter them for catch and release in order to minimize the time necessary for photos to prove it's length. I am just trying to decide how to make it easy for transport (hinged or two piece) on my trike and yet sturdy enough to serve a long time. I have only entered one fish for c&r due to my concern for the additional stress and damage to their slime coat using a tape. I feel a trough will make the process efficient due to not having to reposition the fish or tape to take a photo.
I suppose the thrill is not the same for me due to the amount of time I fished throughout my life including being a mate fishing and living out of the Bourne marina. When there wasn't a charter or fishing on my folks 35 Viking or reconditoning boats I hit the ditch. I have tried it all except for salt water fly fishing (for personal reasons and I won't go into it in order to avoid a war with the fly guys).
You do what you want, but don't try and take my style of fishing and competing away while considering yourself above me or more conservation minded. Catch and release without limitations on gear and number and size of fish caught/entered still results in dead fish and in my case more than I kill and consume.
I know it's wordie but hopefully I have answered all of your questions

Will anyone answer these questions?

WHAT LIMITS DO CATCH AND RELEASE ANGLERS HAVE?

WHEN DO THEY STOP FISHING?

I seldom fish bait due to the lack of being able to minimize the likelihood of hooking an undersized fish. I also only use circle hooks if and when I fish bait. I have fished bait maybe 6 times in three years 98% eels 2% mackerel heads using the rest as chum. The heads eliminate the time spent on small fish and/or bluefish since neither is what I am after. I also don't fish eels to the point they are dead and give them another chance at life by releasing them to appease the fish gods. ;)
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

It's not MY DATA it is from numerous sources you can easily find on the web.
If fishing a tournament I stop when I have a fish that will compete and head for the scales since every ounce counts. Once I enter a fish I stop fishing until I can enter a fish again unless I need them for the table. The reason I stop is because I don't want to land a larger fish than I have already killed and entered. I eat striper so any fish I take home gets consumed unlike many catch and release fanatics that don't even eat stripers. I also stop fishing when I decide a fish is coming home because I want every fish out there to be in my future. I also NEVER fish light gear and never target undersized fish and anyone who has seen my gear can attest to the fact that ALL of my plugs have a single forward treble hook and my efficiency when landing a fish with my Century 1328 with a Saltiga 6000 loaded with 60# hollow ace and my spare spool loaded with jb hollow 80# will take any striper swimming. I also sacrifice distance and sink rate in order to reduce my impact on the stripers due to a prolonged fight, especually when fish are 3/4 of the way across the ditch and its an hour into a fast moving tide. Plugs that don't perform to my satisfaction with a single hook action wise are put a side until I get the chance to alter them. If I could post pictures of plugs that aren't in my rotation you would be amazed. I throw every plug I have including Strategic anglers (at $75 a pop) which are sitting home waiting for me to either sell them or throw from a boat.
I also NEVER target small fish that I can't take if they are mortally injured. Very rarely do I throw small plugs like an sp minow which once again has a single foward hook. All of the treble I currently use are 4x VMC 5/0 although I just got some mustad 7982HD 7/0 in order to reduce the likelihood a cow will use the exposed hooks to help dislodge the plug on the bottom. I am currently experimenting with steelon 120# leaders from the breakaway to the hook to ensure my fish aren't lost due to my 125 rosco split rings twisting or pulling open along with hook hangers pulling out of the plugs (Sebiles in particular). Another goal is to have the plug not be a source of leverage the fish can use to dislodge my hooks.
I use a Calcutta fish grip which makes handling the fish a breeze and causes less damage than any other fish grip I have seen. I also carry a 60# boga grip and check the tournament standings so I know what size it will take to compete before I make a cast.
I have been fishing the ditch for 40 years and have a pretty good eye for judging a fish that needs to be weighed on site or released immediately. The 30# boga fooled me once because it bottomed out and I thought the fish was larger.
I am also going to build a trough to measure fish up to 60" in order to enter them for catch and release in order to minimize the time necessary for photos to prove it's length. I am just trying to decide how to make it easy for transport (hinged or two piece) on my trike and yet sturdy enough to serve a long time. I have only entered one fish for c&r due to my concern for the additional stress and damage to their slime coat using a tape. I feel a trough will make the process efficient due to not having to reposition the fish or tape to take a photo.
I suppose the thrill is not the same for me due to the amount of time I fished throughout my life including being a mate fishing and living out of the Bourne marina. When there wasn't a charter or fishing on my folks 35 Viking or reconditoning boats I hit the ditch. I have tried it all except for salt water fly fishing (for personal reasons and I won't go into it in order to avoid a war with the fly guys).
You do what you want, but don't try and take my style of fishing and competing away while considering yourself above me or more conservation minded. Catch and release without limitations on gear and number and size of fish caught/entered still results in dead fish and in my case more than I kill and consume.
I know it's wordie but hopefully I have answered all of your questions

Will anyone answer these questions?

WHAT LIMITS DO CATCH AND RELEASE ANGLERS HAVE?

WHEN DO THEY STOP FISHING?

I seldom fish bait due to the lack of being able to minimize the likelihood of hooking an undersized fish. I also only use circle hooks if and when I fish bait. I have fished bait maybe 6 times in three years 98% eels 2% mackerel heads using the rest as chum. The heads eliminate the time spent on small fish and/or bluefish since neither is what I am after. I also don't fish eels to the point they are dead and give them another chance at life by releasing them to appease the fish gods. ;)
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Thank you for your reply, with all of the back and forth, I was interested in your personal take on the sport we all love. Although long, you obviously put alot of thought into what you can do to release fish unharmed.

I am a C&R angler. To answer your questions...I don't put a limit on the number of fish I catch in an outing. When I am out fishing, I will stop fishing when the bite turns off, the sun comes up, I am tired or my work schedule dictates that I stop fishing. I rarely take photos of fish and almost never remove them from the water. Do some of these fish die....of course they do, it happens to everyone; including people like yourself who take a lot of precautions to prevent injury.
I am ok with my approach to fishing and that's all that matters in my book at the end of the day.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

We have five surf casting clubs who will be honoring the 22 year tradition of the tournament by fishing in this year's event under the weigh-in rules.
They are: RIMS, HARTFORD SURF FISHING CLUB, PIONEER BOAT & SURF, RISAA, and WEEKAPAUG SURFCASTERS.

Boss,
I would like to donate a few bucks for the brats at the SB
cookout during the MS/MDS tourney. See you there all my
good fishin' friends.
JohnP :happy:

Whens the vittles??

Ecdoesit: damn dude tldr...


Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

...For instance with the Striper cup tournament if I catch a fish to weigh in on Monday I am done fishing until next Monday. Less fish hooked equals less impact overall.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device


WOW!! You're a much better person than I am. This is not a personal attack by any means so please don't take it that way, but for me...the day will NEVER come that a tournament keeps me from fishing. ("done fishing until next Monday") :huh: Your theory is quite interesting.
Again, not a personal attack...but feeling the way you do, WHY EVEN FISH? Why even hurt that one fish?

Perhaps my love for fishing far outweighs my concerns for mortality rates affected by my C&R...not perhaps, but definitely.
Sure, I want the generations to come to be able to enjoy the fishery. That being said, I will not sacrifice my remaining years of fishing to help that happen. Call me selfish, but I enjoy fishing, I'm not going to stop OR fish less for their sake. That's why they have regulations, sure they're not perfect, but nothing is.
I love eating fish...but always abide by the rules.
If I walk down that path leading to the beach and find a full-out blitz of 20# fish, I am NOT going to catch one and then turn around and go home. Call me what you like ~ Just sharing my thoughts

Back on target, with this being a Tournament of good reason, it shouldn't be that important which club walks away with the trophy for the year, the winners should always be those affected by that nasty disease and the reason behind this tournament. If you cheated to win bragging rights?? Shame on you -