I usually don't post too much here or anywhere, but I thought this was worth it.
For those that follow the Surfcaster's Journal Blog there was an interesting article posted yesterday Titled "Things just don’t look good for striped bass right now"
If you don't follow the blog the link for it is here :
http://www.surfcastersjournal.com/things-just-dont-look-good-for-striped-bass-right-now/The last three paragraphs are the most important.
Basically it talks about the decline of the Striped Bass, for various reasons. Most opinions that I have seen on this Forum and the Other One (SOL)Seem to agree the there has been a significant decline in the amount of Striped Bass caught and even worse is the lack of juvenile fish. Regardless of the the reason why you believe the Striped Bass stocks have declined, but you believe they have declined. If you wish to do something about it now is the time. Don't request a size limit, a slot limit, a bag limit, or anything specific - the e-mail will be ignored. Just request that they reduce the Mortality Rate.
Last year the Fishing community sent their requests in to reduce the catch limit of the Atlantic Menhaden. In large part because of the fisherman sending in their e-mails that catch quota was reduced. It is time to do the same for the striped bass. Everyone has their own belief on how striped bass should be managed, and we may not change it the way we want but at least we can get the ball rolling to prevent further declines of the Striped Bass population. There may be more that needs to be done, and we can voice our opinions on the specifics then. This will at least be a start and a step in the right direction.
The Link for the ASMFC representatives is here:
http://www.asmfc.org/about-us/commissioners] [url]http://www.asmfc.org/about-us/commissioners[/url]
Below is what I wrote, feel free to copy cut and paste, or tell them in you own words.
I am writing you today to ask that when the ASMFC annual meeting convenes you please seriously consider reducing the mortality of the Striped Bass. I and many of my friends and fishing associates have seen a drastic and steady decline in the number of juvinile striped bass and adult fish. Please take action to prevent the population of striped bass from further decline. Whatever means you see fit will do, just as long as it reduces the overall mortality.
Please contact you representative and voice your concern for the future of the striped bass population.
