OTW "Striper Cup Tourney" Format is Irresponsible to the Fishery

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Granted, some people weigh in 8# albies just to get a picture taken in front of the Derby Sign and I'm sure more than a few do so with a 32" bass to get "On the Board". Personally, I wouldn't do that and a lot of people don't.

John--there are a number of people who weigh in 32" bass to have a shot at the daily "Mystery Prize". They'd do the same with small albies if they could. Personally, I stopped fishing for albies because it's very difficult to release one alive, and they're inedible--the fillet program won't even take them. Most of the ones caught during the Derby wind up as lobster bait.

[Big Dave]

Mike
I have to admit I mirror your thoughts about fishing in your above post. Could not have said it any better if I type it myself. I too have never considered the SB to be something special. It’s always just been another fish to catch and I too enjoy them as much as the next guy, but I also have no problems keeping my limit when I fish. Fishing is about eating and my family and I certainly enjoy each and every type fillet that makes it to the table. Be it ground fish or game.

Karl
I certainly understand your comments about the accuracy of data that’s collected. I can’t comment on what people tell surveyors, what I can comment on, within the reports equations are correction factors to bring error within the data into a usable calculation. Is it 100% accurate? No. Is it reasonable? Yes. It’s science, and the type it is ends up being a very well calculated guesstimate. And a lot of decision makers heavily rely on it. If you please, I am in no way trying to defend it, or to convince anybody to its validity; I personally give it its due credit.

There has been a ton of great points brought up in this discussion, especially about other derby’s, one of which came to my mind, (not sure if it was mentioned) was the Shark Tournament on the Vineyard. Pretty useless fish kill in the grand scheme of things, yet not many jumping up and down about putting an end to that one. People’s passion about the striped ones is plainly evident. At times a bit over stated maybe but none the less, there is a very vocal group of bass fishermen that seem to sing the loudest all the time. And from what I have seen it’s always the favorable and politically correct C+R guys.
I have been trying my best to understand and maybe side with the majority on the board about the aggregate catch numbers. I just can’t. This may be a very unpopular statement I just don’t believe that this derby harms the bass stocks, and the keeping of fish that are caught doesn’t really bother me either. So long as the fish do not go to waste. I guess amongst reasonable men there is always room for debate. Big Dave

[Karl F]

Thank You for your answer Dave.

[Skitterpop]

This is a great thread/discussion. If it ever ends I`m printing it out for the info. scrap book.

Megan`s letter sounded like they were going to try to improve the format for this year? Did I read it right? My comprehension is temporarily at a low level...I hope its temporary .

Will they have separate surf and boat categories I wonder.

Great reading,
Mike

[DZ]

I'm glad Chris and OTW are concerned about constructive input. They're smart - without support from their patrons they have a financial disaster.
But lets remember - its not whether the bass can take the pressure of another tournament - that's never been the question here.

The concern here is whether the final score for the Striper Cup will be
3000 pounds to 2500 pounds when it could just as well be 300 pounds to 250. Both sets of numbers determine a winner - but the lower numbers are much more conservative and ethical in this day and age.
I wish them luck.

DZ

[Skitterpop]

Considering reports from previous years about what has been found in large Striped Basses stomachs do you think they will allow using 9 to 13 " Stripers for bait?

[clambelly]

doesn't state law currently allow ALL recreational fisherman to take 2 fish at 28" PER DAY???

i only ask this question b/c the rules for this tournament allow fisherman who register to weigh 2 fish PER WEEK. that would be less then the state allows, right?

if you have a beef, take it up with the state, not a fine publication like 'on the water'. i am proud to say i am a subscriber who enjoys each and every issue.

i say thank you to the editors, keep it up.

[Offshore]

I was in touch with Gene Bourque, Ed. of OTW yesterday and he confirmed what Chris Megan said in his email to the site - they are reviewing the rules due to the adverse comments made here and in other places. Also, mentioned any changes would be posted to their website by week's end.