Quote:
Originally Posted by Haus
Wow! If people think the striped bass population is good, their living in a dream world.
It's 4:10am and I just fished for 4 hrs and got one friggin tap!
WTF!
I'm not just talking about tonight either. This has been me and my buddies worst year by far.
|
Haus - are you surf fishing or boat fishing? It makes a big difference.
Generally its surf fishermen who start seeing a decreased fishery first. First thing that happens is a trend or drop in "consistincy" of success - this occurs over an extended period. I and others have seen this over the past few seasons.
Boat anglers generally can move around and find fish somewhere by the fact they have more range and equipped with electronics. Of course they still have to get them to bite.
Surf fishermen compensate for lack of bass by expanding their range to exotic destinations like Cutty, Block, etc. Or by reaching for distant water in wetsuits. You can't get a true gauge of the fishery from those wetsuit clad anglers who basically fish in what used to be the domain of boat fishermen. To get a realistic picture of the fishery you need to talk with the "general surf caster clad in knee high boots or waders".
When these guys are hurting for an extended period you know something is not right. Once the boat guys start feeling it - it could be too late. I really hope I'm wrong.
DZ