2012 Flounder Options

[gradymania]

I sort of find it sadly amusing that our regulators are quibbling over whether the minimum size limit for a flounder should be 17 or 17 1/2 inches. This for a fish that grows to over 20 lbs + if only given half a chance. Nobody agrees with me, but I think that anything under 3-4 lbs needs to go back and grow some more.

[Fishman]

option c sounds good to me
C) 17 inches minimum size limit, 4 fish possession limit and no closed season

[Fishboy OV8]

I sort of find it sadly amusing that our regulators are quibbling over whether the minimum size limit for a flounder should be 17 or 17 1/2 inches. This for a fish that grows to over 20 lbs + if only given half a chance. Nobody agrees with me, but I think that anything under 3-4 lbs needs to go back and grow some more.

I agree w/ you

[cigar_stub]

C) 17 inches minimum size limit, 4 fish possession limit and no closed season

4 per person is plenty for me. Of course I generally don't catch my limit so the point is moot.....

[tuna2bite]

17 inches 5 fish no closed season option B sounds like the best choice!

[Bryansfish]

For me it does not matter. If they set the size at 17 1/2 all the fish I catch will be 16 1/2. If they set the size at 16 1/2 all the fish I catch will be 15 1/2. Go figure.

[BillyBoy_]

Option B.

[Kevin Smith]

I was under the impression that the total coastal flounder stock was struggling, so I am suprised they are letting folks take that many r fish per person, smaller sizes and no restrictions on the big ones to protect the breeding stocks. By taking smaller fish we may limit the number of tons recreational anglers take, but isn't it all about the total number of spawning fish we take out of the stock?

Just asking?

Kevin
Weekend Mistress

[Fishboy OV8]

...........

[Nutz]

I'm guessing if the limit was set at a length that was equal to a 3-4lb flounder it would do more harm than good. I know for me we would end up throwing back at least 75% of what we catch and I'm guessing released flounder have a higher mortality rate than other species. I have thrown back a number of smaller ones knowing they were not gonna make from being gut hooked. I think what is important is the size of a flounder capable of spawning, and keep the limit length restriction above that to ensure a population capable of replacing itself. Fishing is supposed to be fun and throwing back everything under 4lbs would be as frustrating as playing a round of golf.