New Striper hook rules in Maine

[The Dad Fisherman]

I don't think anybody, and I mean anybody, here is saying they aren't willing to make sacrifices....they just want to make the RIGHT Sacrifices. Lay out Some real, well thought out, long range plans which would have a measurable effect and you would have pretty much everybody here willing to make sacrifices.

[RIROCKHOUND]

I agree with TDF's line there. I don't think anyone who posted here thinks the bass stocks are 100% A-OK.

I see this as something I could live with, and probably does help with release mortality.

As far as too much regulation DZ; you are always touting Florida's ability to put fish first... non-stainless steel circle hooks and de-hookers are required for gulf fisherman using bait....

http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sf/pdfs/Di...lity%20FAQ.pdf

[Clogston29]

i'd say its a step in the right direction. the circle hook / eel issue is the only real problem i have with it, but I could live with it.

one thing to consider is that striper fishing in maine is a big tourist thing, from what i have observed. i'm sure there are plenty of serious striper fisherman in maine too, and i'm not trying to diminish that at all. but head down to any of the tourist beaches (OOB, York, Ogunquit, Saco, etc.) any afternoon and you'll see a ton of people fishing the beach that really have no clue, although most probably mean well, and "releasing" plenty of floaters after ripping the hooks out of their gullets and posing for pictures for 10 minutes with an 18" fish. taking treble hooks and j hooks away as a bait fishing option for these occasional fisherman can only help IMO.