Quote:
Originally Posted by longtrav
Why can't I keep a smaller fish in trophy season? I rather release a 38" fish and eat a nice fat 28" maybe that should be the captians choice? Unless science says all the big fish are transient.
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First, there are few 28" fish caught during the Trophy Season. As the Trophy season winds down, and the big females have left, you may find more males in the 28-32 inch range.
But, the answer (in my opinion) is a question of mathematics. Because there are so many fish in the 36-40+ inch range during the Trophy season; DNR has to find a way to "save" a percentage of these fish. Rec's as well as Charters TARGET the larger fish. We aren't running 6 inch shads, we run 9 inch shads for large fish.
I agree whole heartedly that a 28 inch fish tastes better than a 38 inch fish; but I want to land a big fish, take a photo, and then have the OPTION to put her back if I want to.
5th