1 by 1 response...I am already tried of this...
1) $600/lb was written about in a past SWS. They looked at the cost of boat, fuel fishing, hotel, gear ect vs the amout of fish reported to be taken by recs. I think it is close. Yes the commerical guys are doing the same boats but there are few fewer of them and they are also taking somthing out for person gain. It is this personal gain that I find distasteful.
2) Quotas. Yes they went up last year. We all agree. There is not a commerical fisherman alive that is not looking for more. They are. As I mentioned before RECs are quotaed, they have limits and if we take too much those limits change. 20 years ago we had no limits and a 16" size. Today while the comms are back to their heyday limits we are doing the right thing and conserving the resourse, not exploiting it for personal gain.
3) Right..follow the money and you will see that those with comm interests are steering this effort to suck up every last bass they can for personal gain. mine mine mine mine..remindsme of the gulls in Wheres Nemo.
4) see 2.
5) If you want to sell bass comm'ly go grow them in a prive pond. leave the wild bass alone, they are not yours to sell and personally profit form
6)"...Well the striper is nothing special" <--HEREIN LIES YOUR PROBLEM. It is special. Incredably special. Not just to me but to millions. More so then any fish in our waters (atlantic salmon aside). Comm fisherman see $$ and nothing more. End of story. I can' belive you don't think this is a special and unique species that deserves our protection against exploitation from those who only seek personal profits. You are right about one thing follow the moeny any you will find the problem...its at the wholesale dock! I think I am going to vomit now...
