Stripers on cland

[HURRICANEBOB]

It is.
I would like to see it changed to a 20" "must keep" in the summer and 32" winter limit. Even small ones die in the summer when released.

Don't know about a must keep. Some people don't clean and eat fish, just catch and release. And if I release it and it dies, or I take it home and eat it, either way it's not coming back next year.

I know dead fish are an eye sore, but isn't it true that dead fish provide habitate for lots of bottom feeding fisah as well as for tons of bugs and other necessary marine life that support the eco system?

I'd could support a must keep, if there was some sort of fish collection point were I could donate the fish caught. But I'm sure that's a pipe dream, even though I have seen this type deal along parts of the Cheaspeake Bay.

[PRO V LE]

Catch two and QUIT! do not keep killing fish trying to catch one bigger.
I think that maybe the thinking behind the must keep theory.

[Duayne]

As Pro said, it isn't really about the 20" fish you just caught. It isn't even about the second one. Its about the third, forth, fifth, sixth and so on.

There was a post on here a few years ago from a guy that used information from this board to go out and find a school of fish. I think they went through 20 fish in one day, releasing all the smaller ones until they got four (If I remember right). That is a true masquer. That incident changed how some (or at least I) post information here.

Don't know about a must keep. Some people don't clean and eat fish, just catch and release. And if I release it and it dies, or I take it home and eat it, either way it's not coming back next year.

I know dead fish are an eye sore, but isn't it true that dead fish provide habitate for lots of bottom feeding fisah as well as for tons of bugs and other necessary marine life that support the eco system?

I'd could support a must keep, if there was some sort of fish collection point were I could donate the fish caught. But I'm sure that's a pipe dream, even though I have seen this type deal along parts of the Cheaspeake Bay.

[Noker]

Well gosh guys i didnt expect this thread to turn into such a hott topic i appreshiate all the good info ive recieved and the friendly fisherman giving is. Also based on what you all have said 7 in a day with a couple just over 24 isnt bad??... not sure are the big ones just harder to find like hit and miss????

[Duayne]

Bigger ones can be found but things sometimes goes in cycles. You may go through a cycle where some real hogs are caught. You may also go through a cycle where the catch is undersized. The problem with catching seven this time of year to get two keepers is all sever will die.

Well gosh guys i didnt expect this thread to turn into such a hott topic i appreshiate all the good info ive recieved and the friendly fisherman giving is. Also based on what you all have said 7 in a day with a couple just over 24 isnt bad??... not sure are the big ones just harder to find like hit and miss????

[Chubminnow]

Ok...the light bulb finally came on for me...so I'm slow to learn sometimes, but NEVER to old to learn! Now I'm understanding why a 20" must keep is desirable, because if it's 23 1/2" it's chances of survival after being caught are slim. 32" in the winter sounds good to me too...and for that matter how about increasing the size limit of smallmouth too? I realize it's mighty hard to get things changed but I think the fishin.com voice can be pretty loud sometimes, plus I know for a fact that plenty of KDFWR Staff visit this website and read the comments. Maybe one day they'll take action on what they read here.

[mhall]

Ok...the light bulb finally came on for me...so I'm slow to learn sometimes, but NEVER to old to learn! Now I'm understanding why a 20" must keep is desirable, because if it's 23 1/2" it's chances of survival after being caught are slim. 32" in the winter sounds good to me too...and for that matter how about increasing the size limit of smallmouth too? I realize it's mighty hard to get things changed but I think the fishin.com voice can be pretty loud sometimes, plus I know for a fact that plenty of KDFWR Staff visit this website and read the comments. Maybe one day they'll take action on what they read here.

Good luck Chub, I've beat this drum loud and hard, all I ever get is ''The smallmouth at Cumberland are just fine". Whatever....................

[Duayne]

That is exactly what we are after. I think its harder to grasp because its a unique concept more than being slow..

When I spoke to the KFWD about it they loved the idea but was hesitant because of complexity. BUT, they have season fishing in other parts of the country.. Why not a seasonal size limit?

As for smallmouth, I didn't catch as many this year, but the ones I did catch were doozies. Several in the 5-6 plus range. I don't keep my ear to that track very much, but I think they would probably need a slot if you went much bigger on the smallies.

Maybe one or two fish 18-21. Two would be good for the tourny guys I would think. That means they could have four over 18 and would need a 21 to fill out the bag. Most of the bass guys I spoke to didn't like the 18 inch change when it happens, but I bet they are thrilled with it now. LOL

But a lot goes into a change like this. You don't want to over populate with smaller fish. You don't want bigger smallies competing with stripers.

Ok...the light bulb finally came on for me...so I'm slow to learn sometimes, but NEVER to old to learn! Now I'm understanding why a 20" must keep is desirable, because if it's 23 1/2" it's chances of survival after being caught are slim. 32" in the winter sounds good to me too...and for that matter how about increasing the size limit of smallmouth too? I realize it's mighty hard to get things changed but I think the fishin.com voice can be pretty loud sometimes, plus I know for a fact that plenty of KDFWR Staff visit this website and read the comments. Maybe one day they'll take action on what they read here.