Striped Bass Management

[bloocrab]

Paul...I noted social media as often as I did because way back in the day...there were no cell-phones, never-mind social media. By the time you heard the fish were set up somewhere, they could have moved on by the time someone else got there.

Today, people aren't even keeping it between close friends...it goes viral almost immediately. People are more interested in getting "likes", comments of praise or hits to further their online ego or status without concern to consequence (because most didn't do the work themselves nor know the history of the fishery, NOR care). This is happening at every level, from the guy posting on any given social media site for his own personal gain, to the Charter guy looking to fill their boat with patrons. It no longer upsets me as it's become the norm and well outside my control...but it was definitely the turning point for the Canal. One can only imagine the mortality rate at that spot...from the stress the fish endure fighting current and fisherman, to the extended photo-ops when caught, to the poor release with minimal resuscitation. People think that when they release those fish, they all make it because they swim away...when a fish lays on its side or worse, belly-up 20 yards later, 90% die due to lack of bladder control or energy to correct themselves. Boating guys who frequent either end of the canal can vouch to how many fish they see float by belly-up ...and now with a 3" slot?? Who da fudge thought that would help the fishery??? So a normal guy goes fishing at the canal hoping to catch a striper to take home to eat...how many fish will he injure trying to catch that fish that has to fall within the 3" window?? Then add all the a$$-hats, regardless of ethnicity just plain stoopid IMO -

Not for nothing, but I've caught a few fish in my life-time, but rarely post a fish-pic, and even then, I've always tried to be inconspicuous, and yeah, specifically because I don't like giving up spots that I frequent...Sure, I love to see pictures of fish, especially caught by friends, so I'm not bashing guys who post pics, I just shake my head when I can tell where they are...but to each their own.