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Bobber - I see where you are coming from but I think we have this tournament reasonably figured out to fish in a responsible manner.
The impact that this tournament has is negligible and is far more conservation minded than when it was first unveiled. As far as Tournaments go, the Striper Cup, MDA/MS, and the Derby are my favorites. Unfortunately, these do not allow for safe release of fish.
If anglers didn't lie, there could probably be a Catch & Release tourney of this magnitude. Sadly that day won't come until pigs fly and PETA members start a carnivorous compound.
As well rounded anglers (not speaking of body shape) we should be concerned with the environment, concerned with the species, efficient with our practices, and foster good habits with future generations. If we modify our practices so that they are more conservative than the rules allow for I think we are doing a pretty good job. If we stay mindful of our actions and work with others that ordinarily would not we'll all be the better for it.
Some people are very strict 100% Catch & Release across all classes and I respect that. I'm about 99% C & R. But for those that use "killing fish" to push pure C & R on others should just quit fishing. The most competent anglers, fishing whatever size class, releasing everything, are still going to kill some fish. Facts.
That 8% mortality rate from Diodati's study is a good indicator. It could be even higher in more southern waters. With good ethics and practices, we as anglers can keep those numbers minimal.
If people really wanted to improve the fishery and sizeable fish, effort should be put into protecting the forage fish...
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