How much sense does it make to close the fishery during peak spawn and simultaneously run the DEC Striped Bass Cooperative Angler program which asks anglers to weigh, measure and document their striped bass catches each year?
This program HAS TO result in some mortality of striped bass also! . . . . I've been documenting for the DEC for years . . . weighing and measuring as quickly as is feasible . . .the fish swim off . . .but I don't know how many of the bigger fish actually make it in the end. Anglers taking pictures then releasing fish outside the slot limit does not take any more time than documenting (probably less time)
They should discontinue that program if they feel there is mortality related to the recreational fishing of striped bass!
P.S. The public comment period lasts until April 15th and they will surely need time after that to make a decision . . . .which means we will have some time to fish in the beginning of the season (April 1st) at the very least least!
Tight lines everyone!!!!!
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