Mr. Goldfinch, the question is why have flats schools vacated previously filled areas with very little pressure? I mean no disrespect and appreciate all the work you have done, but the Georgetown area ( north inlet) and Cape Romain are WAY down as well. Why aren’t the juveniles repopulating? I’m getting the vibe from you that fishing pressure is the problem. Again, it’s not the problem in this area. Chaleston and Beaufort guides used to come here for better fishing. This is no longer the case.
Gotcha. No disrespect taken. Just making sure I understood the question. I’m not a fish biologist but I understand from DNR’s biologists that there’s a mixture of problems. 5-6 years of really poor recruitment classes combined with the increased fishing pressure from additional folks (Migrant Northerners ;), combined with an increase in take from 2007 seem to be the issue. We can immediately address fishing pressure, but the biological factor for the poor recruitment classes seems to be a cyclical issue in nearly every species. We just need to adapt as quickly as possible to keep our fisheries where they need to be. In 2007, we had done a fantastic job of conservation and we had consecutive years of good recruitment and we increased the limit. Some disagreed with that move then and maybe they were right. I personally think the sweet spot is as presented here. Thanks for your questions.
In this area, there was a significant drop (50%) in flats populations from 2010-2011, and things have dwindled from there. We had a restocking effort (200,000) in 2012 with no impact. What happened? I
I beleave we have far greater impact then people think weather it is negative or positive. We can easily out do nature meaning kill more than naturally produced or produce more than nature can support. The only solution that seems easy would to be have greater stocking efforts and funding. The flats I fish and area surrounding them no longer have good amount of dinks its mostly 18 to 36. Which would represent fish 2 to 6 years old. I never catch reds under 13 inches anymore. The next few years are gonna suck once the rest of those 18 to 36 inch fish get picked off and probably even worse later on if the stocks that are supposed to breed new stock are low. If they could double the cost of a fishing license to boost the stocking program it would be great. 20 bucks to fish all year is nothing. The fact that it only cost 10 bucks to fish all year is crazy, That’s the price of a fast food meal. That’s less then 3 cents a day. I think the funding could easily be gained. They could add a marine tax on all things marine related that goes to fund marine programs.
I never have understood why SCDNR has never asked for additional donations for fish restocking. Most of us would generously give if we knew what species and area the donation would be made.
In this area, there was a significant drop (50%) in flats populations from 2010-2011, and things have dwindled from there. We had a restocking effort (200,000) in 2012 with no impact. What happened? I
I am reminded of the maiden voyage of a little whaler i bought some 30 years ago. Ended up getting caught in the middle of a huge oyster field with the water dropping. Long afternoon. Oysters as far as you could see.
Went by the same spot at low tide last week…Nothing but mud.
Fresh water influence from midstate flooding? Overharvesting of shells. Too much traffic? Over development? Combination?
Could it be that the large breeders move off shore?
“I am constantly amazed at the stupidity of the general public.”
~my dad
Equipment:
2007 Grady White 222 Fisherman / 250 Yamaha
Simrad NSS evo2 and G4
1- 23 boy that won’t move out)
1 - 19 year old (fishing maniac)
1 - wife (The Warden)
The breeding size that go offshore doesn’t really start to mid 20s and most hang around inshore to about 30 inches.
Which is a 3 to 5 year old red.
It would be cool if they did a catch and release only area. I think the way fresh water trout fisheries are kept alive by management is impressive. Though salt water fish are free to leave most stay in about a 3 mile area. I would say the internet has an impact on fishing as well. It is a great tool to help someone educate themself and makes it easy to breakdown a fishery. I’ve went to new fisheries and done well just because I did my homework before hand. He’ll Google maps probably impacted fishing.
I beleave we have far greater impact then people think weather it is negative or positive. We can easily out do nature meaning kill more than naturally produced or produce more than nature can support. The only solution that seems easy would to be have greater stocking efforts and funding. The flats I fish and area surrounding them no longer have good amount of dinks its mostly 18 to 36. Which would represent fish 2 to 6 years old. I never catch reds under 13 inches anymore. The next few years are gonna suck once the rest of those 18 to 36 inch fish get picked off and probably even worse later on if the stocks that are supposed to breed new stock are low. If they could double the cost of a fishing license to boost the stocking program it would be great. 20 bucks to fish all year is nothing. The fact that it only cost 10 bucks to fish all year is crazy, That’s the price of a fast food meal. That’s less then 3 cents a day. I think the funding could easily be gained. They could add a marine tax on all things marine related that goes to fund marine programs.
40, I’m in complete agreement with you. If they enact the proposed slot/take limits and increase the fishing license (or add a redfish tag for a few more bucks) and specifically target those funds for redfish stocking, I think it could go a long way toward rebuilding the population. Of course any mention of the word “tax” is anathema to a whole lot of people who read this forum. The Charleston region is exploding. There are so many more fisherman on the water than even 5 years ago. If you don’t either decrease demand (by increasing the cost to fish) or increase supply (by tighter slot/take limits and increased stocking), then the redfish population will continue to decline. Simple supply and demand equati
Fritz, how much experience do you have fishing the flats around Edisto? There is only so much habitat in which the fish have to take up residence as juveniles. This is the lowest flats population I have seen in this area. Don’t be ignorant for the sake of argument.
This is the best, as you are being ignorant and arguing with me, you tell me not to do the same. I wasn't even arguing with you, I'm in agreement that the redfish schools are in decline.
But to answer your question, for fun and a different day, my friend and I used to trailer his flats boat down to edisto on occasion and fish the flats towards the ocean from the landing, there was a small flat on the right that held fish and then a little further on the left side was a nice flat that held fish as well. Are those still around?
After being released, a lot of fish die, but a lot of them live also.
Bag Limit goes from 3 to 2 with a boat limit of 6.
Slot Changes from 15-23 to 18-26
Gigging is banned for REDS ONLY.
CCA and DNR seem to be in agreement on these changes. Just curious of your thoughts.
Thanks.
Stephen Goldfinch
“Sleep When You’re Dead!”
I’m in favor of this, Mr. Goldfinch
However, is this just merely a Band-Aid to address the underlying issue for the decline in redfish? Short of having a closed season(s) and the state losing revenue from this fishery.
Ya know, it must be nice living in Neverneverland. Remind me to come visit you, when I need a break from reality.
I am in favor of the changes. I have fished the area Raddaddy is referring to for over 25 years and am 100% in agreement with his opinion on Redfish populations. I have no idea why. I lot of the reasons some of you suggested could have an effect but not the drastic decline of the last few years. It is also time for a license increase. I do not know why our government cannot set a reasonable rate for licenses or fuel taxes and have them increase with inflation.
Bag Limit goes from 3 to 2 with a boat limit of 6.
Slot Changes from 15-23 to 18-26
Gigging is banned for REDS ONLY.
CCA and DNR seem to be in agreement on these changes. Just curious of your thoughts.
Thanks.
Stephen Goldfinch
“Sleep When You’re Dead!”
I’m in favor of this, Mr. Goldfinch
However, is this just merely a Band-Aid to address the underlying issue for the decline in redfish? Short of having a closed season(s) and the state losing revenue from this fishery.
Ya know, it must be nice living in Neverneverland. Remind me to come visit you, when I need a break from reality.
I don’t think anyone could fight the local guides outrage if you shut down spot tail fishing! A lot of money would be at stake if this was done.
I am in favor of the changes. I have fished the area Raddaddy is referring to for over 25 years and am 100% in agreement with his opinion on Redfish populations. I have no idea why. I lot of the reasons some of you suggested could have an effect but not the drastic decline of the last few years. It is also time for a license increase. I do not know why our government cannot set a reasonable rate for licenses or fuel taxes and have them increase with inflation.
Rob
Triumph 17
Honda 75
More taxes and fees for our natural resources? no thank you.
You say those schools have been depleted, whose to say that those fish didn’t just “grow up” and move along? Most of the schools have the same general size fish in them from what I remember.
After being released, a lot of fish die, but a lot of them live also.
If that is the case, then that means there are no juvies to take their place. Which in turn means we need to look at what’s happening to all the big breeders so many target.
Bag Limit goes from 3 to 2 with a boat limit of 6.
Slot Changes from 15-23 to 18-26
Gigging is banned for REDS ONLY.
CCA and DNR seem to be in agreement on these changes. Just curious of your thoughts.
Thanks.
Stephen Goldfinch
“Sleep When You’re Dead!”
I’m in favor of this, Mr. Goldfinch
However, is this just merely a Band-Aid to address the underlying issue for the decline in redfish? Short of having a closed season(s) and the state losing revenue from this fishery.
Ya know, it must be nice living in Neverneverland. Remind me to come visit you, when I need a break from reality.
I don’t think anyone could fight the local guides outrage if you shut down spot tail fishing! A lot of money would be at stake if this was done.
Found this article, dated May 2016, gives the estimated revenue in SC alone is $600 million.
http://www.savannahfly.com/good-read-especially-meat-guys/
Ya know, it must be nice living in Neverneverland. Remind me to come visit you, when I need a break from reality.
I’m in favor. Remember, we can all choose to follow personal catch and creel limits that are more restrictive than the law allows. Just because you can keep a limit doesn’t mean you should.
