Time to come clean
 

Despite our differing opinions regarding the limit for striped bass I think we can all agree that the outcome was the best we could all hope for in terms of the future of the species. Ultimately it benefits anybody who enjoys fishing for bass,regardless of category. This should make any angler concerned about the welfare of the stock pleased.
Cheers

Thumbs up !
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Yes Chris I agree.

Agree! Not only that but it is important to understand where everyone is coming from. Thanks go out to everyone who took part in the discussion.
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when did dangles turn into the voice of reason

Let's all go get a drink !
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A toast to saxatillus
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Yes, sir

second that

but yeah, besides NJ ,you could not predicted this few months ago

The bright side of a really really chity winter,,,,

seems he has :).

I love it when the snow starts to melt. Everything changes and we all just get along like normal.

Love you guys!
Rick

We all have these moments, occasionally.
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Totally agree Chris.

there have been some very interesting and (mostly) rational/reasonable debates on here for the last4-5 months.

thanks to all who took part... it was a spirited discussion, and I respect you for point(s) of view

Awe, youse guys......
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Now we have to figure out seals and stop illegal netters (I am guessing more than half of the problem). They are the worst offenders. People have a skewed idea of what the decline is coming from. Don't get me wrong. I M SUPER Happy right now about this, it will help, and it is a turn in the right direction. Thanks for everyone's hard work. IT has paid off. The last time strict regulations were put in place, populations of stripers rose. There are other variables in the mix now (seals + greedies that know how to beat the system) I don't want to be a negative Nancy, but we must kill the seals!!! (legally, when a law is changed, and we have a chance that is)

Lets not get too excited. This reduction has an estimated 50% chance of reaching the target SSB. Most managers are talking about a real possibility that this cutback may not work. It is very possible that in three years we are back in the same place. Remember that the 2011 year class is the only really good one coming and there are a few year classes that are horrible ahead of that one. Fishing is going to get worse before it gets better, that is indisputable.

You are so right Mikey. Most of the younger guys don't know what the Back and Race Point were like in the hay days.
The seals changed that equation in early 2000 and it has never been the same.

wasn't expecting to see this when I started reading this morning...:hihi:

correct. if you're going to do something- do it right not half azzed. moratorium or gamefish status is the way to go. as long as their is a $ bounty on their heads they won't flourish. when gov't and $$$ comes into play they're effed.

You have a better chance at understanding how women think than ever getting to put a seal in your crosshairs.
Though I would love the opportunity !
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Perhaps you should sell plugs without hooks then Don. Certainly that would help the mortality rate of the striped bass. Do you have any idea how gamefish status would impact your business? I am guessing a small business like yours would become nothing but a hobby if that were the case. Be careful what you wish for....IMO this outcome was the balance needed without becoming too extreme to the point where somebody's livelihood would be squashed forever. I know there are diehards that would be thrilled to not have to compete for shoreline and c&r to their hearts content. But if you think your business will grow or maintain status quo in that event then you could be cutting off your nose despite your face.
Tight lines
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reality is if you fish you will kill some fish. the key is to limit your kill which is something we can control for the most part. the majority of my customers are very well versed at c&r, for them i believe the mortality rate is far less than the 9% which is the accepted number ( which includes all types of fishing including bait ). i maintain my desire for gamefish status and let the cards fall where they may as far as my business goes. personally i think it would be good for all involved to get to a world class striper fishery- everyone ( especially the fish) would benefit- stripers, charters, fishermen, tackle shops, plug builders and all the supporting local businesses.

cut off nose "to spite face" not despite :)

How do you know the majority of your customers are c&r?
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i talk to a lot them and that seems to be the prevailing trend. i totally think it's ok to take one for the table once in a while, just not a big breeder. in all likleyhood i won't be around when and IF my vision of a world class fishery comes to fruition but it will benefit most.

nice civil conversation with SD- i like it :)

Chris I respectfully disagree. Florida gave game fish status to Tarpon and snook years ago. Now they have a world class fishery that people fly into all year. Game fish status doesn't mean you can't catch the fish. It doesn't mean you can't kill a fish for the table. It DOES mean you can't SELL fish.

3 reasons for florida's success- (all off the top of my head... I could have some facts wrong)

1- an expensive fishing liscense that has a 3 tier price structure lowest is a resident, then an out if state and then they really stick it to you for a week long license.

2- no commercial sale of game fish

3- slot limits. The cows all swim free to a certain point.
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Correct!