Get the word out!

[teacher]

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There are those who are not imformed and there are those who don't believe that the fish are dying if they swim off. We must continue to educate one another, 10 years ago I never knew about the mortality rate and I didn't hear the biologists speaking about it, the info just wasn't out there. I never heard the claim of an 80% mortality rate until about 5 years ago. Science & research reveals new facts & info about our fisheries as they evolve its up to us to apply that info for the benefit of the fishery. I know this person that caught the 30 stripers and I think he is unaware of the mortality issues involved with striper fishing this time of year. He is also a member of BISC and so am I. I guess this proves that the we need to work on making people aware of the facts
catch yall later
Teacher

[benjiwhite]

Right on!

[THE DOCTOR]

Teacher, thanks for reminding readers that just because a fish swims away upon release does not mean that the fish lives. I know this fact has been discussed at many of the club meetings , i guess some of the members missed either the message or didn't attend any of our meetings.
The doctor

[DORIGHT]

I have been sitting and watching this thread to see where it would go.I can't hold back any longer.I have seen this problem coming for the last several years and tried to impliment catch and release fishing in the BISC.It fell on deaf ears with the exception of a few.It is a known FACT that in waters less than 60 degrees stripers ARE able to be released with little to no detriment to the fishery.There are extenuating conditions (deep hooking and stressed from prolonged fight)but it will work.The SCDNR has studied this and have published this report.When the water is over 60 degrees the percentages go way up and anything over 75 it is pretty much useless.On the other hand you also have to take into consideration of Disolved oxygen levels in the lake.The lakes in the SC and GA have kills every year due to this and it is not uncommon.Why do you think that fish are being stocked?Striper fishing is a put and take fishery.No stocking No Fish.There are only a handful of Fisheries that support a natural reproduction of fish.Kerr is one of them.There are good years and some not so good.Stocking puts that in balance(sometimes).As far as lack of bait,it is no shocker that cold winters are tough on threadfin shad.It is part of balance.There are some lakes that I fish that have a overabundance of shad even on harsh winters.The blueback population is strong@ Kerr,but even this is a non native species.It is a coastal species.Why do you think that the Roanoke river has implimented no herring over 6" in legenth,during the season in Weldon.I have discussed this with the NCDMF In Morehead City.Balance.Another such species is the white pearch,It is also a coastal species that have flourished in Kerr.I hear alot of people blaming catfish and it is true that once a fish gets over a certain size they become a predator,but it is not one single source.
There is the issue of overfishing.There is less people fishing now than 15 years ago due to the economy, but the ones that are are better than they used to be.They have more knowledge and better equipment and more time.There is nothing wrong with this.In years past there also were some abusers of the fishery.In one instance after the new law was in effect during a BISC summer tournament one team caught 4 small fish and found bigger fish.He put the dead fish back and kept the bigger ones and he still won the tournament.What kind of message do you think this sends.The brood stock of large fish has long since gone from Kerr and will never be back.Kerr is not a trophy fishery..Concerning the the Kiptopeke/Bay fishery If you continue to take the brood stock and keep them It will eventually kill that fishery to.The lake is a finite resource and so is the Bay,just on a larger scale.Before everyone jumps on me I think that if you fish within the law its OK,but use common sence.I like to eat fish to and plan on doing just that. Everyone thinks that the enforcement is the anwser,but I can tell you it is not the soultion.Education and a change of mindset is.There are a lot of people who will never change.
One thing is for certain If you don't change it will be changed whether you like or not.Either change mindset,or it will be changed through regulation or the loss of a fishery.It is a shame that the states of NC and VA have to lose a fishery in order to be forced into action.Just look at the history.
DORIGHT

[lannyp]

In years past there also were some abusers of the fishery.In one instance after the new law was in effect during a BISC summer tournament one team caught 4 small fish and found bigger fish.He put the dead fish back and kept the bigger ones and he still won the tournament.What kind of message do you think this sends.DORIGHT

His win was temporary. He ended up giving the trophy and check back to the club. As far as what it says about the club; it says the club will not allow cheating. As far as what it says about its members; you can't judge a group by a single individual.
Lanny

[DORIGHT]

Lanny,
I don't remember the details.and didn't say anything about cheating.There are some fine people in the club and I did NOT judge anyone.Heck I even used to be in the club.

Doright

[vikingbud]

Do to the new rules of keeping 4 fish any size after june 1 every year, people are targeting those 4 months to fish. Most people, including myself are not going to keep a 14" to 18" fish. There is no meat on them. People all over the lake are going to put most of these fish back. I will always try to keep the first 4 caught. It might be a good idea to push that date back to mid may. The water is usually over 65 degrees by then.

[lannyp]

Hey Doright! Yeah, I used the word cheating. To throw back dead fish for live fish is cheating. Sure would like to have you come back to the club. Maybe you can make the meeting. I hope to see you there.
Lanny

Lanny,
I don't remember the details.and didn't say anything about cheating.There are some fine people in the club and I did NOT judge anyone.Heck I even used to be in the club.

Doright