"Catch 22" Big Stripers
A TSBA Conservation Article
By Ezell Cox
The size of a species of fish caught is important to
the fishermen for bragging rights. Virginia recognizes a Striper larger
then 20 lbs. as a Citation. The certified largest of a species is recognized
as a state record. Each fishermen recognizes big as relative to the area
and personal expectations. There is some of the best Striped Bass fishing
in the world in Tennessee, where big can be whatever you want it to be
with some research, effort, and patience.
A few of the requirements necessary for Stripers
to reach their full growth potential are genetics, environment, conservation,
stocking and enforcement laws. However the education and conservation methods
of the Striper fishermen will determine if we continue to have big fish
catches. The years of experience once that were necessary for Striper fishermen
to become good enough to affect a fishery population also allowed enough
time to learn the need for conservation of this put and take fish. Fishermen
now have more time to spend on the water, better equipment like fish finders,
bait tanks and downriggers. A short cut in the evolution from beginner
to successful experienced fishermen has been aided the most by communications.
Forecasts in magazines for the upcoming season, Striper clubs, cell phones,
VHF radios all increase communications. The daily updated web pages and
email can mean the water will be crowded tomorrow. The most common answer
to " you should have been here yesterday", will be, " I was!"
"Catch 22" does not mean catching 22 big Stripers
as it may sound, it also has nothing to do with the novel "Catch 22" by
J. Keller. It does mean that if we keep everything we catch we are sure
to end up in a paradox that makes us a victim of our own making.
My concern is the fishermen are learning to catch
fish much faster then they are learning the need for conservation of a
stocked only fish. Stocking more fish is not the answer either since the
stripers must be allowed to grow for enough years to get big before being
harvested. If I harvest all my potatos from the garden when they are the
size of a golf ball then there will be no big ones for food or seed.
As your success & experience increase, please
allow your conscious to be at ease by harvesting only what you need. Put
it back or "Catch 22".
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