Need your input on striped bass regulations

[Shady]

As you may know, the regulations for the Chesapeake bay striped bass fishery in 2015 are still not set. I received the following proposed regulation options from a charter captain friend and he asked that I share for further input.

Summary of Proposed Measures for Maryland’s Striped Bass Recreational Fishery

Maryland Chesapeake Bay Trophy Fishery

Option a) 1 fish, 36” min, 3rd Saturday of April - May 15

Option b) 1 fish, 36” min, 3rd Saturday of April – May 15, charter boats allowed 1 fish 28" - 36” per boat. This option does not allow an extra fish for an individual, but rather the allowance of one individual onboard to possess a fish between 28 - 36” in lieu of a 36" fish.

Option c) 2 fish, (1) fish 36"-40" and (1) fish 40" or >

Option d) 2 Fish, (1) fish 28" - 36" and (1) fish 42" or >

Option e) 1 Fish, (1) fish 28" - 36" or (1) fish 40" or 41" or > (size to be determined after review of DNR data)

[Mark]

Seems like Option (a) would return more of the large breeding cows to the water.

That or any option that would release more proven breeders would be my preference.

[alabamaangler]

Seems like Option (a) would return more of the large breeding cows to the water.

That or any option that would release more proven breeders would be my preference.

^agree

[Shady]

My honest opinion is there needs to be a slot, but that's not going to happen. My charter Capt friend agreed too

[JAR]

My honest opinion is there needs to be a slot, but that's not going to happen. My charter Capt friend agreed too

I'd like to see a slot limit for both trophy and regular season.

1 fish between 28 and 36 inches for trophy season.
1 fish between 18 and 27 inches for regular season.

Any fish 40 inches or over goes back into the drink.

[Romo]

I'm with option f slot 24"-30" 1 per day. I hope they don't make the same ridiculous regs that NJ is pushing through...

[Slobber Bob]

Personally, I'd like to see the start date of trophy season pushed back until no earlier than May 1. It's tough watching those breeders get hammered whenever there is a late spawn because of cool water temps in the spring.

[Memory Maker]

I like Jars option ........... The only problem is the MSSA will block it because they have to kill the biggest cows in their tournaments

I'd also like to see a June 10 or later start date and only use of barbless hooks

[mytmouse]

I honestly don't like any of them. While I understand the desire to have the opportunity to catch a big Striper in the Spring it would be nice to see them released at least for one year(32"+. The numbers just seem to dwindle and dwindle and this doesn't save the Cows from the Fall massacre that occurs down south near the mouth of the bay.

I like Jar's proposal but I might even make the slots a little tighter:
1 fish between 28 and 32 inches for trophy season.
1 fish between 22 and 27 inches for regular season.

But subsequent years would slide down or up to give fish a chance to make it out of the slot. Because in effect what we will be doing is targeting a specific age of fish and less and less will live to grow outside of it. I hope that makes some kind of sense. And MSSA needs to switch to C&R I really don't understand why they are so against it.