Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating - View Single Post - Keeper Sizes

schoolie monster · 09-17-2003, 09:50 AM

This theory actually was proven with cod as well.

Nature basically does what it needs to do in order to survive, so fish started to mature sexually faster in response to the depleting of the bigger breeders (due to overfishing) and thus the gene pool was weakened.

Fewer fish had the good genes of a heavy breeder. Plus, the bigger breeders produce more eggs.

Fewer and fewer big fish.

I think a slot of one fish, maybe 28-34" then a trophy fish over 45" would protect alot of breeding fish. That would allow you to keep a good eater and still get your trophy.

I'm just throwing those number out, but it would allow quality fish to spawn a few times.

It would have to be consistent up and down the coast though, which I have trouble seeing.

I think BM is right as well... the only reasons I kinda like the slot better however you set it up is it gives some quality 20lb class fish more of a chance to spawn. It also would give more people a shot at bringing home a fish. Not sure why I think that's good. But, at the same time, a straight 36" limit makes enforcement easier and rules simple to follow.

09-17-2003, 09:50 AM	#9
schoolie monster Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 1,195	This theory actually was proven with cod as well. Nature basically does what it needs to do in order to survive, so fish started to mature sexually faster in response to the depleting of the bigger breeders (due to overfishing) and thus the gene pool was weakened. Fewer fish had the good genes of a heavy breeder. Plus, the bigger breeders produce more eggs. Fewer and fewer big fish. I think a slot of one fish, maybe 28-34" then a trophy fish over 45" would protect alot of breeding fish. That would allow you to keep a good eater and still get your trophy. I'm just throwing those number out, but it would allow quality fish to spawn a few times. It would have to be consistent up and down the coast though, which I have trouble seeing. I think BM is right as well... the only reasons I kinda like the slot better however you set it up is it gives some quality 20lb class fish more of a chance to spawn. It also would give more people a shot at bringing home a fish. Not sure why I think that's good. But, at the same time, a straight 36" limit makes enforcement easier and rules simple to follow.