Quote:
Originally Posted by B-Faithful
It is based on targets for the recreational harvest.. based on our season length, creel, and size limits we should be about the target harvest in lbs under the ASMFC based on previous years and the levels of effort and participation.
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Greg; I'm a bit confused. The past year is what we should expect to catch in a NORMAL year? We (rec.'s) hit our target number of fish this year?
This is the worst year I can remember for not only myself, but for most of the guys I fish with.
Based on the "cost" it took to try to put a limit on the boat, I wouldn't think about buying a new boat. I won't be buying much additional tackle over the winter (I"ll make do with what I have), and if gas prices either continue to rise, or remain at $3/gallon, the number of trips will be decreasing.
If this year is the new "normal", you will find many anglers who feel the cost/return factor is not enough to stay in the game.
To be perfectly honest, I could care less about eating/harvesting them. I enjoy catching them. Catching was slow this year (on our boats). If the population doesn't rebound soon, less and less rec. fishermen will be on the water. This doesn't bode well for tackle shops or boat builders.
If my livelyhood was based on fishing/boating, I would be screaming for something to be done to improve the stock.
I was looking for validation that "this is the new normal". That's sad.
5th (Marty)