Thanks Dan for helping me out not trying to be a wise guy as insinuated but have lived through the rise and fall and would hate to see it happened again. Sorry if I offended anyone but this post just ruffled me up.
Old Timer who luvs striper fishing.
I look at stripers the same way I do all fresh and inshore salt species in that I catch and release fish if they look like they will survive and eat those that I think will not and are legal. When I bring people with me, I explain:
"you can legally keep "x" number of fish and are welcome to it BUT before you do you should read up on F&G fish consumption guidelines to know what you are eating".
When reading that they see that F&G recommends ONE MEAL per month (8oz) per ADULT (pregnant women and children should stay away. How many months would it take to consume a 30 inch striper at that rate?
I then explain that F&G is essentially saying that our fisheries are "poisoned" by PCBs and other nasties like mercury. Fresh fish is cheaper and safer at the market.
Most people will then decide not to keep any and those who still want to keep them I say "it's your liver" and have no qualms about them keeping their legal limit. This approach is much less confrontational and very effective in getting meat hunters to consider the benefits of CPR (Catch Photo Release).
Other than health issues, I see no problem with the limits as set (if they are being enforced strictly). If people feel you are not criticising their choice to keep fish - only watching out for their health, you get a much more positive response.
FYI... I have never kept a striper for my self, I catch and release all my own stripers and all my salmon unless they will not make it(salmon). My gram loves it when i bring one home for her, she doesn't know that i dont do it on purpose but thats ok, its the thought. For charters i have strict rules on my boat for salmon and i intend to keep it that way. My clients all had families of their own and were have fish BBQ's for them and that is why they kept 2 per person, their legal limit, i respect peoples thoughts about the fisheries and wish you all the best of luck!! Thanks Captain Pat
