Quote:
Originally Posted by clambo
In my local paper we have a column written by Dave Monti every Saturday, In this weeks column he talks about proposed regulations to contribute to the rebuilding of Striped Bass stocks. They include No targeting, no harvest, shorter season, new slot size. It should be obvious to most fisherman that the measures that have been taken aren't working! In my opinion the most logical solution is the one not taken. It is quite well known that larger Bass produce the most eggs yet they are the very ones that the commercial fishery are required to catch. I have asked marine fisheries in Mass. and R I why is this allowed and can't they change to weight rather than the number of the breeders and I have been told they would have to buy a scale. Are you kidding me? In order to fish one needs a boat, a truck to pull it. No wonder they fail to increase the stocks. I think they are just plain stupid! This is not rocket science folks. Leave the breeders in the water to breed! Am I the only person to see this as the most logical solution to get more Striped Bass biomass into the sea? If the people who are in charge of rebuilding the biomass can't see this solution we are truly screwed!
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Mike, None of this stuff will solve the problem. There are 2 solutions, 1 short term and 1 long term.
1) Short term is a Moratorium. Shut it down
2) Long term is Game Fish status for everyone. All states. Commercial and recreational can keep nothing.
There will still be a 12 to 15% mortality with C&R but the species will recover.
The slot, shortened season, EEZ, etc does nothing. The "grey" market guys still kill whatever they want because there are dollars attached. Close it down with no keeping. then they will have nowhere to sell. There will still be abuse but not at the level we live with now.