striped bass forever, again

[JoeP]

Originally Posted by JohnR

I think while we continue to debate for and against Game Fish status, we neglect the most important issue impacting the striped bass fishery - Forage Fish.

If the forage fish situation were addresses, there would be alot more HEALTHY fish around for us to argue shich "User Group" should have the first (or only) crack at them...

I agree John... Destruction of the larger forage species (menhaden, herring, etc.) is a major, if not the major problem for the bass fishery today.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by JoeP

I agree John... Destruction of the larger forage species (menhaden, herring, etc.) is a major, if not the major problem for the bass fishery today.

Exactamundo - many of the breeder areas of these fish are suffering with fish facing several diseases. Much of the "reports" cite a lack of nourishment is as much a factor as polutants and "dead zones". All of the major fish along the eastern seaboard feed primarily on one forage - the menhaden.

I am not a commercial fisherman and don't make a dime off of it but in my opinion, we would be better with a healthy stock of fish with a reduced commercial and rec pressure with plenty to eat than to have more fish divying up a smaller piece of the forage pie...

[afterhours]

saw more small schoolies han ever last year.