Quote:
Originally Posted by Bug Guy
Skip - the only problem is that all those who said they wanted to protect the fish have now argued, and convinced the DNR, that releasing any trolled caught fish will kill it, or at the very least there is a good chance it will die - charters will argue that raising the limit will result in too many undersized, released fish that die, and an overall increase in mortality as they "search" for the larger fish to keep. It's sad - but I'm betting that is what will be argued and the minimum size will not be increased. I think moving the season back may be considered.
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I too believe the MCBA has painted themselves in a corner on this one. Brian Keen? is on record as saying that "every one of those slot fish we threw back died". We were not allowed to challenge him when he made this statement; we had to wait until the "public comment" portion of the meeting was open at the end of the meeting. Evidently, DNR swallowed his comment "hook, line and sinker".
So if the slot fish die (or are stressed, or educated, or spill their eggs); as the MCBA contends, then some other kind of restriction is necessary. Many rec's suggested to leave C/R as it was and move the season just one weekend (open on Monday instead of the Fri. before) and you could save more fish then during all of C/R. Other rec's suggested moving the season to May 1st in order to allow more breeders to spawn.
Let's see if rec's take the largest hit this year. MCBA should share in the hit this time.
5th (Marty)