I know this is a fresh water subject but i would like to ask you guys what you think about DNR having a 27Inch minimum size limit to keep stripers in the lakes and rivers of the lowcountry. It is my understanding that these fish dont begin to spawn untill they reach this size. If this is true, then it seems to me we are killing the breeders and throwing back a ton of smaller fish who may or may not survive.It seems to me that the fishery would be better served with a slot limit like we have for redfish. I am just as guilty as all the other folks who fished the schoolies in Oct and Nov. We caught large numbers of fish in the 16 to 20 inch range and had a ball, but i couldnt help but begin to think we might be hurting the fishery that is so much fun. I saw boats with parents and 2 or three kids catching fish after fish and just having a great time and i thought what a great way for them to spend time together and get the kids started. But now i wonder if the fishery wouldnt be better off if each angler could keep 2 or 3 fish each and go home and have a great fish fry. Anyway i was just curious to see what my fellow anglers think about this issue.
They begin to spawn smaller than that size. I’ve been sprayed by my fair share of milt from 18-20" fish. The logic is that, by the time a fish has reached 26-27" they successfully spawned over many seasons and had a chance to further the fishery’s population, and therefore can afford to be harvested.
No matter how many variables I have control over, I never expect a bite. I only hope.
thanks chris, that makes a lot more sense now
Saltwater - Males can reach maturity at age 2-3. Females are typically mature at age 8, sometimes less, but typically 8.
Freshwater females are mature by 5 years @ 23" or so.
But the true breeders are the old, large females. 23" = about 15,000 eggs, 36" = about 3 million eggs.
Depending on your location, regulations are all over the place for bag and size limits - IMHO a slot limit of 18-24 with a small bag limit is the best scenario. Allow the larger fish, which are typically female breeders to live and breed. As they lay 200x more eggs each year. Allow most of the small stock to make it thru the slot limit, and allow fisherman to catch a nice share of fish.
And some studies have shown that taking the larger fish out of the stocks keeps the overall breed smaller.
quote:
Originally posted by jughedSaltwater - Males can reach maturity at age 2-3. Females are typically mature at age 8, sometimes less, but typically 8.
Freshwater females are mature by 5 years @ 23" or so.
But the true breeders are the old, large females. 23" = about 15,000 eggs, 36" = about 3 million eggs.
Depending on your location, regulations are all over the place for bag and size limits - IMHO a slot limit of 18-24 with a small bag limit is the best scenario.</font id=“red”> Allow the larger fish, which are typically female breeders to live and breed. As they lay 200x more eggs each year. Allow most of the small stock to make it thru the slot limit, and allow fisherman to catch a nice share of fish.
And some studies have shown that taking the larger fish out of the stocks keeps the overall breed smaller.
I could get in line with that.
In the future, where every stranger poses a potential threat, knowing the predator mindset is the only safe haven.
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You could just throw them all back, like I do.
No matter how many variables I have control over, I never expect a bite. I only hope.
Do you really need a study to tell you that taking out large fish means that more of the fish left are smaller?
No matter how many variables I have control over, I never expect a bite. I only hope.
Don’t forget about the lakes where the stripers are unable to spawn successfully, like Murray. These are strictly “put and take” lakes. SCDNR stocks these lakes yearly to make a viable striper fishing trip possible for us guys up here. I think the DNR guys do a great job, considering it’s the SC legislature setting the size and creel limits. I personally prefer the smallest legal stripers if I’m going to keep and eat them. Never had the urge to keep, clean and eat the ones over ten lbs, whether they can spawn or not.
quote:
Originally posted by RoddyBuiltDo you really need a study to tell you that taking out large fish means that more of the fish left are smaller?
No matter how many variables I have control over, I never expect a bite. I only hope.
Come on now.
Talking about genetics - not current stocks.
Im screwing around with you, obviously
No matter how many variables I have control over, I never expect a bite. I only hope.
quote:
Originally posted by RoddyBuiltIm screwing around with you, obviously
No matter how many variables I have control over, I never expect a bite. I only hope.
Sorry - nothing is obvious to me pre morning coffee:slightly_smiling_face:
I ran into Mr. Truman Lyons and a DNR biologist having lunch in town today. Mr. lyons is a well respected guide on Moultrie for over 30 years and his friends job is basically managing the striper population on Moultrie,afraid I didn’t catch his name. They basically said that the females are the ones that reach sexual maturity at the larger sizes and the males much younger. Similar to largemouth bass. They told me that a slot limit will become law in June of this year and will allow anglers to keep a few fish and spare the larger breeding females, just like the redfish. They both stressed that we need to flatten our barbs and refrain from removing fish from the water when we release them. Very interesting conversation with knowledgable experts.