How Should We Value Striped Bass?

"A good gamefish is too valuable to be caught only once." - Lee Wulff

When the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission put forth striped bass management proposals based on declining stocks, anglers came out overwhelmingly in favor of a one fish bag limit with a minimum size of between 28 and 32 inches.

But a funny thing happened on the way to the forum.

In New York those proposed cuts were watered done by tone deaf MRAC members on behalf of party boat operators.

Chares Witek lays out the conflicts of interest that are at play and asks the question, how do we value striped bass?

The various recreational fishing trade groups that like to pride themselves on the economic engine their members provide should be listening to folks like Charles Witek when it comes to fighting on behalf of striped bass.

Not as an icon that can never be killed, and not at two dollars a pound. 

Instead, it must be valued for what it is, the region’s iconic gamefish, which will always be worth more alive on the water than dead on the dock.

LINK

Comments

[Dave Maynard]

Indeed, a good game fish IS too valuable!!