DNR striped bass proposed regs for 2020

[Yak Fish]

Because you guys are interested in C&R mortality, here's another graphic I put together which are from DNR studies. This is why you'll see summer closures upcoming. It's also shows why spring C&R is the best time to fish, and the quotes are from DNR scientists. Spawning rivers are already closed and you cannot target them there.
C and R studies chart.jpg

[Mark]

Two Questions:

1. Have studies proven that catching and releasing stripers laden with milt and eggs on their way to restricted spawning locations has negligible impact on their ability successfully finish their mission

2. The requirements for specialized hooks when using live or cut bait indicates that regulators know that that form of striper fishing is more injurious to released fish than lures and flies. Instead of trying to manage C&R mortality associated with striper bait fishing with special gear and difficult policing, why not ban it for stripers outright? Most of us have seen the floaters near the Bay Bridge chumming fleet in summer. Yes, heat is a culprit for increasing striper C&R mortality. But so is gut-hooking which is what the use circle hooks tries to prevent. Studies show that circle hooks work when used properly, but the continued scenes of summer floater carnage at the bridge suggests otherwise in practice. (My 2nd question was rhetorical -- economics and angling community culture make the banning of striper bait fishing a non-starter at the moment.)

However, community norms can change. There was a time when smokers could pursue their pleasure in restaurants, planes, offices, and other public places. There were economic and cultural implications in banning that activity too. But lawmakers decided a greater good was at stake.

[Yak Fish]

Two Questions:

1. Have studies proven that catching and releasing stripers laden with milt and eggs on their way to restricted spawning locations has negligible impact on their ability successfully finish their mission

2. The requirements for specialized hooks when using live or cut bait indicates that regulators know that that form of striper fishing is more injurious to released fish than lures and flies. Instead of trying to manage C&R mortality associated with striper bait fishing with special gear and difficult policing, why not ban it for stripers outright? Most of us have seen the floaters near the Bay Bridge chumming fleet in summer. Yes, heat is a culprit for increasing striper C&R mortality. But so is gut-hooking which is what the use circle hooks tries to prevent. Studies show that circle hooks work when used properly, but the continued scenes of summer floater carnage at the bridge suggests otherwise in practice. (My 2nd question was rhetorical -- economics and angling community culture make the banning of striper bait fishing a non-starter at the moment.)

However, community norms can change. There was a time when smokers could pursue their pleasure in restaurants, planes, offices, and other public places. There were economic and cultural implications in banning that activity too. But lawmakers decided a greater good was at stake.

I can answer those Mark.
1. There is not study shown to suggest harm from C&R on fish going to do their Mission. This is interesting, because there are old wives tales that say a fish drops her eggs when caught. DNR has even regurgitated this myth, and when pressed, they could find not study or evidence to support the case. Several emails were exchanged before they backed off.

2. The gear restrictions came out of a battle years ago. The circle hook was a concession to get a smaller size, I believe, and offset the harvest number associated with a smaller size. That said, the circle hook was shown to be very good and has been broadly adopted by ASMFC and recommended to all states. Why not just ban it? Well, bait fishing is too popular and is how most anglers catch fish. It's bad in all conditions, not just in the summer where it's worse. In reality, they should put a ban on all upper bay striper fishing in July and August (where salinity is not high enough to support fishing release success)

The problem with banning fishing north of the bridge, is all the fish are there. Hypoxia pushes them every year, so fishing anywhere else is not nearly as successful. I'm ok with that, because that's what the science says. I'd love to see the fleet off those cornered fish all summer. It crushes them.
.

[Mark]

Alan,

Thank you.

Again, the answers are there. But there is no way to effect them to please everyone. Unless more are willing to yield, to change their ways, a long term solution will be out of reach.

Mark