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A few comments,
The last completed survey of MA Rec landings gives the number of fish (keepers) per individual, not per trip at .05 person per year. The average person who fishes for striped bass harvests 1/2 a fish per year. Even with this small number, the Rec harvest is massive.
The MA Commercial quota is a Hard TAC (total allowable Catch)...John R, I agree that 40 fish per day is high but records available to the public showed to the MA SB Advisory panel in 2002-2003 showed less thatn 10 40 fish landings two years ago. Many of these boarts taking 40 fish are splitting the catch between 3 or 4 licenses.
Inside info is that MA will take a hard look at 10 fish on Sunday (to prevcent front loading or stacking fish) and 20 fish the rest of the four open days. This will help to stabilize the price, but wether it is 40 fish or 10 fish, the quota closes and the TAC will not change.
MA is the only state that has a 100% rod & reel commercial fishery...part of the confusion around how the Commercial take of Striped Bass is handled is due to the fact that down Carolina way there is a more traditional commercial effort on the fish (nets, draggers, etc.)
2 fish at 28" is the standard set by the ASMFC (governing Management body) and is here to stay for a while.
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