What do you think size and posession limits will be this year ?

[BasicPatrick]

1...For 2010 I predict we will remain at 2 fish over 28"

2...I also predict that during 2010 we will be presented with good science that dictates a mortality cut as is required in the management plan and that reduction will be to 1 fish over 28" for 2011.

(((((("1 @22"-26" with another over 40" (or 45")"))))))

I think this slot limit is the worst of them all when it comes to mortality. The science from Maine clearly shows that when this slot went into effect the fishing mortality rose significantly.

If this slot was installed in MA the predicted mortality calculations will cause a total redistribution of all harvest coastwide. The one model I have actually read some graphs from actually results in a season and something much stricter than 1 at 28"

There are at least two theories that this slot has contributed to the lack of Stripers along the coast of Maine. Of course there are other contributing factors as well.

1 over 36"?

Just curious what you guys think it will be this coming season.

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by BasicPatrick

(((((("1 @22"-26" with another over 40" (or 45")"))))))

I think this slot limit is the worst of them all when it comes to mortality. The science from Maine clearly shows that when this slot went into effect the fishing mortality rose significantly.

If this slot was installed in MA the predicted mortality calculations will cause a total redistribution of all harvest coastwide. The one model I have actually read some graphs from actually results in a season and something much stricter than 1 at 28"

Keep in mind that under ASMFC rules a state can have less mortality than required by the ASMFC but can't have a greater mortality. If that statement above is correct regarding the slot, and if MA adopts that rule, then the odds are very good that the ASMFC will find MA out-of-compliance and, unless its fixed quickly, they may shut down all striped bass fishing in the state.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by MakoMike

Keep in mind that under ASMFC rules a state can have less mortality than required by the ASMFC but can't have a greater mortality. If that statement above is correct regarding the slot, and if MA adopts that rule, then the odds are very good that the ASMFC will find MA out-of-compliance and, unless its fixed quickly, they may shut down all striped bass fishing in the state.

If they shut down striped bass fishing in the state, I'll just have to turn into a bluefish fisherman that happens to release a lot of by-catch.

[CowHunter]

1@ 36, 24, or 28 would be fine. I cant understand for the life of me why anybody would want the smaller slot limit???? It kills way more Fish period. Here in NJ they are pushing for a slot limit for the 2010 season 1 @24-27.99" and 1 at 28" or better. I guess the charter captains started complaining that they dont kill enough fish in the Spring.... We get a nice run of 18-28" fish in Oct, Nov, and Dec. Miles of that class fish. The 160 ft headboats want to go out and be able to jig their client limit of fish, along with most other boats from the NY, NJ area. Also jig all you want with a hundred boats pounding the cape may rips for that slot, because thats whats there, just like clammin the bay March, April, and May.... Definately a bad Idea, sucked before... Guess its never enough..

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by CowHunter

It kills way more Fish period.

According to who? The only research I've heard of with regards to the (possible) negative impact of a slot on striped bass is from Maine, which approaches the outskirts of the Striped Bass range.

It seems the only evidence that a slot kills more fish in the long run than will be replaced is anecdotal evidence.

[CowHunter]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

According to who? The only research I've heard of with regards to the (possible) negative impact of a slot on striped bass is from Maine, which approaches the outskirts of the Striped Bass range.

It seems the only evidence that a slot kills more fish in the long run than will be replaced is anecdotal evidence.

There are WAAAY More 20-26 inch fish, they are Always hungry, and they eat anything. They are in all the rivers, bays, ocean and are Easily accesiblle to anyone. And they eat nearly anything you throw at em...I saw the damage done down here in the springs and falls with the slots. Wiped out resident fish...It takes a few years to see the effects... Your gonna tell me its theres more 20, 30,40, 50 or 60lb class fish around and they are easier to catch??? Comon' I can catch those slots any day, any month.. I can catch now if I wanted to in NJ!

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by CowHunter

There are WAAAY More 20-26 inch fish, they are Always hungry, and they eat anything. They are in all the rivers, bays, ocean and are Easily accesiblle to anyone. And they eat nearly anything you throw at em...I saw the damage done down here in the springs and falls with the slots. Wiped out resident fish...It takes a few years to see the effects... Your gonna tell me its theres more 20, 30,40, 50 or 60lb class fish around and they are easier to catch??? Comon' I can catch those slots any day, any month.. I can catch now if I wanted to in NJ!

Well, according to you, you can catch any size any day of the month.

I was curious if there was empirical research behind your statement because the only information I've been able to find about the detriment of slots is mostly hearsay.

There is no denying that there are more 20" fish than there are 20lb fish and more than likely, more numbers of fish will be killed, but that is not the issue at hand.

The principle issue is whether this slot will eventually result in more average females breeding each year.

[BasicPatrick]

Originally Posted by MakoMike

Keep in mind that under ASMFC rules a state can have less mortality than required by the ASMFC but can't have a greater mortality. If that statement above is correct regarding the slot, and if MA adopts that rule, then the odds are very good that the ASMFC will find MA out-of-compliance and, unless its fixed quickly, they may shut down all striped bass fishing in the state.

MA will be found out of compliace under that slot...there is no question amongst the state people I have spoken with