First Keeper - Catch-n-Release too!!

[MikeTLive]

Got my first keeper about an hour ago.


By the marking on my rod it was a neat 28 inches!!!
Looked at it and decided that I want to catch it again when it
gets bigger!!

I picked up a few scales for proof. Anyone know how to tell a fishes age from the scales? is it like turtles?

I sure wish official weigh stations made spot calls!!!

Due to the weather I left my camera in the truck.
I will pick up a disposable camera for next time!!

Also caught a 14 inch schoolie moments later.
Both caught bout an hour after high tide with mackerel chunks
There will be pix next time.

[Slingah]

congrads!

[backlasher]

MikeTLive...congrats on your keep. I've seen a chart that estimates striper age based upon length (the lenght/girth formula is for weight). I can't seem to find the chart at the moment...but, I believe a 28-incher would be about 4 years old (?).

Though I am not (yes not!!) a big proponent of "catch and release"...it must be a great feeling to release your first keeper. That is a difficult and very rewarding thing to do. Feel good about that and proud of bringing in that nice fish.

[backlasher]

MikeTLive...some time back, the environmental agency that issues fishing licenses in Massachusetts put out an age-length-weight chart using estimates gained through their Striper Biological Sampling Program.

Based on that data, the "average" 28-incher would go about 8 pounds and would be age 5 going on 6 years (of course you get a better weight calculation figuring in girth as well).

excerpts follow:

14-25 inch = age 3-4, 1-6 pounds.
26-34 inch = age 5-7, 6-14 pounds.
35-38 = age 8-9, 15-20 pounds.
39-44 = age 10-13.
45-48 = age 14-16.
49-53 = age 17-21

The first "50pounder' by the chart, would be just over 52 inches long (on average)...but, of course a 50# can be shorter.