fecundity rates vs spawning rates in Menhaden

I do not believe that adult bunker have been a primary food for striped bass in the NE probably for the last 100 years. From NJ south, a different story, but in my lifetime sandeels, sea herring, squid, lobster, and finfish (scup/etc) have been a much more reliable food sources for large bass around cape cod.

As for bait harvesting in the NE, you can see why it is such a small deal from the fishery managers point of view. Most menhaden, and lots of them, live elsewhere.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by sadmemories20

I do not believe that adult bunker have been a primary food for striped bass in the NE probably for the last 100 years. From NJ south, a different story, but in my lifetime sandeels, sea herring, squid, lobster, and finfish (scup/etc) have been a much more reliable food sources for large bass around cape cod.

As for bait harvesting in the NE, you can see why it is such a small deal from the fishery managers point of view. Most menhaden, and lots of them, live elsewhere.

Bossman, we're under a bot attack.