all these big fish being caught-

[Brian L]

Originally Posted by ThrowingTimber

Gamefish status and just take the price tag off the fishes head. Theyre worth more alive than they are in a market be it a fair or black market.


I think Maine's slot is the best thing going. BUT it would have to be enforced, with all the double dipping on catches etc and taking of small fish and guys who want to play commercial fisherman because they think they look cute in bibs enforcement would be key.

The new enforcement guy in southern maine hands out his card with 6 contact #'s to the good guys and he says if you see anything I dont care when it is call me. Hit every number until you get me I'll be there in 20minutes.

Enforecement with the type of dedication is what we would need in RI to enforce a slot such as maine currently has in effect.

RI and Maine are such completely different Striped Bass fisheries. I'm not sure you could or would need to apply the same rules and regulations for both states. There are so many more fish for a much longer period of time in RI.

Does anyone here know the prime breeding ages/size of Stripers?

Disagree w/r/t the price tag as well. You'd just be paying for them another way. More taxes, licenses, etc.. for more enforcement, etc.. Maine's got a high focus on attracting vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts. The state derives a lot of income from it, so they'd spend more dollars and time enforcing fishing and hunting regs because the return on the investment is good.(licenses, fines, tax revenue from vacationers/outdoorsmen, dollars brought into ME economy) Money would still be spent on fish that are caught, it would just be distributed into different areas.

[eddie]

Originally Posted by Brian L

RI and Maine are such completely different Striped Bass fisheries. I'm not sure you could or would need to apply the same rules and regulations for both states. There are so many more fish for a much longer period of time in RI.

that is why there should be an even more strict limit in RI.

I was talking to a comercial fisherman yesterday, and he was saying that the bycatch in a couple of days equals the entire comercial striper season. He went on to add that these floaters are all big breeders.

[Mr. Krinkle]

I did my undergrad thesis on the baymen that haul seined on eastern Long Island. The amount of big fish that were taken in the late 70's and the early 80's, before the collapse seems as if it is repeating itself. Why the hell are we so stupid and unable to learn from past mistakes. Something needs to be done....soon.