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The problem with a 21" limit is the mortality. They assume a constant 10% mortality rate. With the increased size limit you need to catch more fish for every keeper and therefor you are in effect killing more.
In 2008, we hit the highest mortality ever. I think it was 2X higher than the previous year. This was because of the increasing limit.
IMO they should take away the size limit and let you take any size fish you want, just limit the number (creel limit). In this way you will be actually killing less fish. Unfortunately the fishery people are not forward thinkers, take away their rear view mirrors and they are doomed.
The track record of fisheries management is pathetic esp in MA.
That said, I like the idea of a longer season. it doesn't need to be 6 months but something north of 5 weeks would be nice. I think at one point they were proposing 32 days.
In MA, right now the current regs are:
July 1 - Aug 13 18.5 in 5 fish
but your mileage may vary
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