Is this the begining of the end?

[fishbones]

Maybe some of the "oldtimers" can chime in on this, but I think this is different from the decline in the 80's. From what I've been told by my dad, back in the 70's, guys were filling their boats with 16 - 20 inch fish, or stacking them up on shore like cordwood. I've seen pictures of my dad and grandfather standing in the front yard with dozens of small fish all around them on the ground. I'm guessing that the decline in stocks had a lot to do with so many small fish being taken.

Maybe there's more people fishing now, but with the limits in place it should mean that more smaller fish are able to grow and become breeders. Even with the comms taking their limits, it's not a big percentage of the total fish taken.

Maybe I'm an optimist, but I think the fishery is in pretty decent shape now. I've caught and released more keepers in a lot fewer trips this year than in the last several years. Also, I only went out for schoolies a couple of times and I didn't think there were fewer around. Nor were they difficult to find. All that being said, I agree that a 1 fish limit at 36 inches would be best for the fishery.