[BasicPatrick]

Originally Posted by Mr. Sandman

DMF has its head up its rear (again). By culling thru that many fish the mortality actually increases in small fish. Last year the fluke mortality was the highest ever. Why? Because they assume that 10% of what is released dies. (Probably a good assumption, it fact for a lot of folks it is probably more than that) When you release more in trying to catch a keeper, you in fact kill more. So, what did they do?...they increased the size further so that you release (and kill) more young fish. Now, they will tell you "we did this because we were forced to by another agency..." (finger pointing) whatever, it is still STUPID.

IMO there are simple solutions to reduce mortality, but they are just downright lost and are pulled in too many directions by too many competing groups and agencies. We have to live with downright stupid, convoluted, inconsistent laws.

catchemup.

I agree with Sandman but there is a further part of the story. Thre is an ongoing attempt to correct this by the organized recrational fishgin community and it is sufferring from one thing and one thing only. Fishermen are not joining clubs and national organizations that represent them. A lot of perople display and rfa sticker but don;t pay dues. Membership in almost every recreational club is down and was heading that way before the current economic issues. LAws are written by those that show up or send others to show up for them. Extreme Enviros and others show up so they win.