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Posted - 08/16/2008 : 7:56:07 PM
Fellow Fishermen,
Can anyone join me in “encouraging” this and all other lake murray striper guides to limiting keepers before the population is perminatly damaged! I hate to think about the irreversable dammage that he and his colligues are doing to the overall striper population for novice fishermen like myself that like to go at it on their own. I realize that all of these catches are within the DNR guidelines but these people would never be able to come close to achieving these harvests without professional assistance. The majority of these fish taken will probably spoil in someones freezer and get tossed in the trash in 2 or 3 years anyway…
www.blueheronguide.com/catchof.html
Thanks,
The Glassmaster
Glassmaster, Lake Murray is a put-and-take striper fishery. If this was a naturally reproducing population I could endorse your position. However, I’m afraid that you don’t have all of the facts and an understanding of the dynamics of the summer fishery. For instance, DNR stocked 1,300,000 striper fingerlings into the lake this year and I would expect similar numbers next as stocking numbers were reduced during the three year draw down. Murray historically has had the highest ratio of fish per acre stocking in the state. The fact that Capt. Saliga is utilizing the provision of two fish per angler under 21 inches per angler during July and August is actually goodness. DNR has proven that the majority of fish released during these hot water months succumb to stress mortality. I would rather see a short fish utilized than released to die and feed the turtles. Also, I believe if you research Randy’s reports that you will find that he doesn’t let his clients keep the captain’s limit. I know that it has been frustrating this year catching quality fish on Murray - it’s tough for the guides, also. I believe that the bigges
Glassmaster- I too understand your position as a novice fisherman for stripers. I am like yourself who is not a guide and has had trouble finding keepers this year moreso than in years past. No real reason that you can put your finger on. As far as guiding goes and they are the ones to point fingers at, I feel that is wrong. As flatlander said there are many variables that can effect the fishery. This just looks to be a down year for the larger fish. Now, I have caught some good fish and did again late last night. Sometimes you gotta work hard as they just don’t jump in the boat and what worked yesterday may in fact not work today. Many of these guides, in fact I would say all, this is what food on their families table-if you can’t keep your catch on a $400 charter then why go? It’s not these guys faults anymore than mine or yours-it is what it is. Yea, fishing is hard right now-but it is on everybody-guides included!
Epic Failure=When everyday,run of the mill failure just won’t do