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Originally Posted by jkswimmer
I think genetics plays a large roll in ultimate potential this has been seen in trout habitats. If only the largest trout are taken out of a particular stream the result will be a stunted population. this the resson hatterary trout do not grow large, no survival of the fittest. Another way to look at it is why don't all people grow to six feet tall and three hunred pounds.
Something else I read at one time was that striped bass do not age as we know it. They can live almost indefinitely and were being studied for this.
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I've often eyed striper populations from the same view. I grew up fishing for largemouths and trout so right or wrong, I view our effect on them from a freshwater perspective, i.e. if you remove the big ones you get a stunted population.
Also, I really want info on what an "old" striper actually is. Fish aren't mammals and sometimes I think we view the way they age in that way. Do fish when they get old have heart attacks? Develop cancer? Besides predators and us, what kills bigger stripers?
I wish I stuck with marine biology instead of switching majors sometimes...