I don’t pay too much attention to these surveys.
Although I do believe that back when they were in danger in the 80’s when the panic did take hold in fear of loosening the species do to over fishing I have to tell you I saw no decrease in the stock where I fish during this time.
In fact I saw more large and juvenile fish than normal when everyone was seeing a shortage.
I still don’t think they have a handle on this yet.
To me the numbers going up and down is part of the natural cycle these days.
I don’t believe the shortage is an over fished situation like the 80’s.
Looks to me to be a weather situation.
They are also spawning in other areas today not being watched.
The migration of large fish is much later this year than most folks think.
A mentor of mine once said, they have tails and will swim where ever they want.
At a club meeting years ago in the 80’s Mass. Fish and game came to our club looking for some help on large stripers.
They said they saw a decrease of bass in the 50 pound class from year to year.
When some folks in this club seemed to be able to catch them.
He said they seem to disappear completely from the planet then show up in abundance the following year.
He then went on to ask does anyone know or have an idea where one thought these fish were going when they don’t show up where they do there survey.
My mentor stood up and said I do!
The warden’s turned and said where do you think they are going.
He then said I’m not going to tell you and sat down.
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