Gamefish Status???

[zimmy]

[QUOTE=piemma;533397]1 fish a day, 36" minimum. You that are old enough remember the Bass Moritorium. We had 1 fish 36" then 1 fish 34" and the stocks came back strong.

There are those of us that don't keep fish under 36" anyway, but I see guys even in the boats keeping 28" fish all the time. I think it's a waste.

QUOTE]

I sincerely would like to know why is better to take over 36"? My instinct is that it is better to keep the breeders in the stock.

Is it because less people catch em that size so the overall take would be reduced? Is it that they have at least had a chance to spawn? Actually, i'll move this to a new thread...

[RIROCKHOUND]

QUOTE]
Is it because less people catch em that size so the overall take would be reduced?

Is it that they have at least had a chance to spawn? Actually, i'll move this to a new thread...[/QUOTE]

Yes and Yes IMHO

[piemma]

Originally Posted by RIROCKHOUND

QUOTE]
Is it because less people catch em that size so the overall take would be reduced?

Is it that they have at least had a chance to spawn? Actually, i'll move this to a new thread...

Yes and Yes IMHO[/QUOTE]

Point on Bryan. The proof that the increased size limit and reduced bag limit are evidenced by the robust rebound of the Striper stocks.
Probably one of the few things the fisheries management guys did correctly.
Of course the jury is out as to whether it would work again. I know in the mid to late 80s the Bass fishing was awful. Once the moritorium was instituted, the stocks rebounded. Whether this is cyclical or a direct result of the conservation measures is a moot point. The fact is, it worked.