An impressive number of fishermen showed up at Tuesday night’s ASMFC public hearing on striped bass management at Stony Brook University to cast support for measures that would reduce the number of striped bass taken in 2015.
Regulators were looking for feedback on options that include maintaining the status quo, easing in new rules over three years, or achieving a 25% reduction in striper harvest over one year. I estimated that of a crowd of 150 to 200 attendees, approximately 30 of the 35 speakers who made public comments supported the most conservative one-year, 25% reduction. All who spoke in favor of striper conservation were met with applause.
There was a large contingent of anglers in attendance who specifically supported a change in regulations to 1 fish at 32 inches, the most conservative option and one that has gained momentum through a Facebook group started by Long Island striped bass fisherman Ross Squire.
While several representatives of the charter boat industry spoke in support of 3-year phase-in plans that would allow their patrons to continue to keep 2 fish per trip, there were also quite a few for-hire captains who spoke about the declining quality of the striper fishery and supported 1-fish options.
Any new measures would begin with the 2015 striped-bass season. A final decision will come on October 29th when the striped bass management board meets to vote in Mystic, Connecticut. All striped bass fishermen are encouraged to submit written comments to Mike Waine (mwaine@asmfc.org) before 5 pm on September 30.
I’m from mass and would like to see the limits changed here to one fish at 32 inches . Over the last four years fishing has been slow and the fall run is practically non existent.
stop commercial fisherman limits surf casters and boating fisherman don’t take many fishat all as a matter of fact 98% fisherman that fish for stripers don’t know how to catch them I used to own one of the largest plastic lure companys
I still think the comical fisherman are still taking to many fish
absolutely, change the commercial quota first.
amen to that
amen from an old salt from long beach new york
Being an avid striper fisherman, my adrenaline boils watching the rod double over and hearing my reel sing! This past season I found that my reel sang at much lower note and much less to the previous seasons. I keep a bass here or there depending on what’s on te list for dinner that evening. One bass over 32 inches is more than adequate to feed your family at the table. I’d love to see the number cut down and make the qualifications for the fish to be a bit more strict. Problem I have is that I do 150 trips a season and never have I ever been checked my USCG or fish and game, so putting the regulations out there sounds well and good, but if nobody enforces it, why bother having any rules. For instance I’ll watch 100 people in a row on the cr river during their migration and every small fish they pull is straight into their cooler with not a single law enforcement officer to regulate what they’re suppose to be doing. The problem starts small, and works into a larger ongoing issue. Without taking the small pieces we will never get to the big picture and to solve the problem. I see it in all fisheries whether I’m in RI, CT or MA people don’t follow the rules and nobody enforces it. How about dragger a taking 100,000 pounds of fish and 40% at best is what they’re targeting and the rest is dead junk, how can you justify that. Rod and reel fishing takes 2%, draggers take 98% “that’s what’s legally claimed” not to forget the ten bass one guys taking or whatever specie they’re targeting. Lets look at this big picture and figure out a better alternative.
Well said, you hit all levels of concern. These dredgers need more regulations. I also, support 1 fish over 32″. You should forward your thoughts to your local Congressman.
It’s the same here in NY Bight, I watch as people take everything even (I hate the term, Garbage Fish). Something’s gotta give because nothing will be left.
Illegal Aliens killing all small fish must stop ………. Not regulated they get away with murder. I’ve seen them take many small fish.
What was the 10 dollars I spent on a saltwater license for ?
I have to pay for what…I thought the funds where to hire more help on keeping an eye on those cheating.My striper season sucked….I want my 10 dollars back
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