1@32 Pledge

[zimmy]

Originally Posted by piemma

Dennis, I respect your opinion but please keep in mind that a 28" striper is 6 years old and this is, effectively, their first year to spawn.

Not saying you are wrong to keep a 28" fish. i am saying that the stocks are in trouble and some kind of comprehensive plan has to be put in place.

The only time the chance to spawn is an issue is if you keep a 28" when you wouldn't have kept a fish otherwise. If you catch a 32" and a 28" on the same trip, the 28" is the one to keep, regardless of whether it has had a chance to spawn. The 32" contributes more eggs than the 28" will at first spawn and numbers of eggs is the key. I am with Dennis. It is the reason I didn't take the pledge. I don't really keep bass since I think they are mediocre, but if I do, I will pick one smaller than 32".

[Sea Flat]

Generally I catch and release, but when I do take one it is usually in the low 30" range.

The challenge is that there are two ways to think of it:

1. Let the big girls go, they have more eggs etc.

2. Take one at 36" or bigger. Less fish will be caught in that size, but more 30-35" fish (which are more abundant) can breed.

Not sure there really is a correct answer. Maybe Maine has it right?