I have a PDF of a presentation made by the dnr to the stake holders regarding last years trophy season. It is a rather good presentation. If someone wants a copy emailed to them, send me a pm
Here are a few key points to it though:
- The spawn typically lasts until mid June according to DNR.
- However May 16-June 15 typically shows less than 10% of MD's migratory harvest.
- Vast majority of migratory fish harvested in 2009 by far were between 34" and 40" long.
Other dymanics that we know:
- On average between 2002 and 2008, 85% of fish harvested during the spring trophy season are female.
- On average between 2002 and 2008, half of the females harvested during the spring trophy season have not yet spawned or are ‘pre-spawn’. The pre-spawn fraction is variable – ranging from 63% in 2005, to 30% in 2008
- Recreational fishing has a 1 Billion (according to ASA) to 1.3 Billion (according to DNR) dollar socio-economic impact to the Maryland economy
- While the breakdown of the seasons is not known it is estimated that the trophy season has the largest ecomomic impact to recreational fishing. (evidence through this is found in revenue and trips taken by with the charter industry over any given 2 week period - also visably evident through participation)
- Fish harvested through the late fall and winter are also carrying roe
- Coastal winter fishery has and estimated harvest of between 200,000-800,000 fish (fish arent accounted for caught in the EEZ)
- Other states harvest far more striped bass recreationally than Maryland. (in millions of lbs according to NOAA for 2008 - MD at 2.6, NY at 7.0, NJ at 4.7, Mass at 5.5)
Given that our managers are obligated to manage the resource to maximize its benefits, How can we manage for the future while maximizing today. While I certainly do not believe this should fall squarely on the shoulders of Maryland, we may have to address how reductions can be made by us in the future.
Personally, I dont believe in the concept of pre-spawn fish as they all are prespawn. Whether they are harvested off of Mass in the summer or NC in Jan, they are prespawn. Providing enough fish remain in the population to sustain itself, enough will get through for there will be a successful spawn. This includes Maryland. Given the harvest numbers, I am not sure the Maryland trophy season is doing the most damage, especially given the 1 per person creel not matched anywhere.
Should Maryland need to reduce its harvest numbers in order to allow more fish to spawn, I would like to see a no-take slot limit. Given the numbers shown above, I think a slot that targets where most fish are taken may reduce the chances one may keep a fish while still providing for a good opportunity to catch a fish. It is important to note that while I agree catch and release is a great tool in keeping access open, the opportunity to harvest a fish is attractive to many more anglers. This is evident in the participation levels after the trophy season opens. This is why a no-take slot would be beneficial in my opinion. It would greatly reduce the impact of the harvest while still providing for that opporuntity to keep a fish.
I actually believe Maryland could extend the season length with an appropriate no take slot to preserve the spawn. This would have the potential to increase the economic benefit to our state from the use of the resource while protecting more for the future. I also think it would help in the catch and release mind-set amoungst anglers who dont full appreciate the sport without keeping a fish. In other words, I think anglers who still have the opportunity to catch and keep a fish would still find themselves enjoying their time on the water if they were able to catch fish in the hunt for a "keeper" or true "trophy". While the no-take slot may affect their opportunity to keep a fish, it has not reduced their opportunity to catch a fish.
I will also disagree that debating on forums is a waste of time.
While we can poo-poo them all you want, managers are watching and reading. This was very evident to me during the whole preseason catch and release debate. I think forums are great tools to change hearts and minds and make good cases for your causes if you take the time to argue your points well and thoroughly.