The 28-34 bay slot limit

[warrenahrens]

OK, check this scenario:

I am fishing in the late fall in the chesapeake bay and the rockfish are basically on their way out to their wintering grounds off the coast. I catch, let's say, a 32" fish and must release it. The same fish swims out to the coast to winter and gets caught and kept because the length limit is 28" as we all know. Is the established slot limit in the bay supposed to help the survival rate of this species? On what basis, facts, research, etc... was the slot established? The fall bay slot limit makes no sense to me, maybe I'm missing something...People spend alot of $$ on boats, gear, fuel etc... and have to release a fish such as that? I think it is a shame, but I do obey the law...

It makes more sense to restrict the spring season more (or even end it) because the fish that made it through the winter feed are roe laden and that is what "pro-creates" the species!!!!

[scotty80]

opps

[scotty80]

dbp

[Seahunter]

The slot is designed to protect the majority of the brood stock. The fish in that age bracket constitute the majority of the spawning population and an overwhelming majority of the spawn. Unlike Maryland, Virginia at least has the forethought to allow a fish to mature and spawn a few times before being harvested.

With that being said, a dead fish is a dead fish no matter when or where caught.

[Sea Gristle]

Yep, dead is dead, and any fish taken is one less fish around to breed. But unless you go C&R something's gonna get et.

I should know this but, it seems to me rock season and possession limits are based on poundage/TAL(total allowable catch) first. Based on what the estimated catch was in the previous year, a total pound limit for next year is set. Then Size/season variables are to calculated that will meet that quota, more fish/shorter season, fewer fish/longer season, length of closed season, size of slot etc. The slot is just one factor to help reach the overall limit.