Slot Limit back into effect on Nov 1

[mwardncsu]

Keep in mind, the slot limit goes back into effect on Thursday, Nov 1. No fish 26"-36" may be harvested.


We used to have a growth/age chart that, while not from SML, provided some useful insight on the age of a fish at various lengths. VDGIF collects age data on fish from the use of gill nets (mainly for 1-4 yr old fish) and ololith bone colllection on older fish, and it gives an insight into the growth rates on our fish. From the data collected in 2011 shows that it can take from 7 - 11 years for a striped bass to grow to 34"-36" in length. Just something to thing about.... that's a long time to wait to replace a fish of that size.....

Here's a link to some of the data - I'm working with Dan Wilson to get access to the full reports in a place that I can post/link to.

www.smithmountainstriperclub.com/conservation.html

[catsnstripers]

thank god. So tired of seeing 13lbers hit the coolers. Stupidest idea ive seen to extend the no size limit until nov 1st. If any changes should have been made It should have started May 1st or May 15th.

[BentRod]

Nice post Mward! I'm glad it starts back myself! Now that guide can't say, "Don't you dare" when his client wants to throw a fish back in late October.

I don't think most people realize the time it takes to get fish to 15+lbs. Everytime someone unnecessarily removes one, that's 12+ years to get that fish back and more so in this lake than others because we lost generations of fish in the fish kill and are basically rebuilding from scratch. I think Dan Wilson is right that the older fish aren't growing normally because it just seems like we've been stuck the past few yrs. lots of 15-25lbers but not much over that unless you're one of those people that keep telling me they catch "35lbers all the time" when in reality they're 18lbers. I think those mid to upper teens that went through the kill are just stuck until these younger post 2003 fish grow up. Either that, or we just can't do any better than where we're at now, but I think its too early..time will tell.

[catsnstripers]

30lb stripers and 50lb flatheads all the time! Ive heard that for years. But I wont bust anyones glory, and I like to hear that released word.

That SOB spike telling his clients to Dont you Dare throw that fish back to his clients. This past saturday i belive. If the clients didnt want to keep the fish, then what are they going to do with them. just let them go to waste? oooooh wait, just to have them hang on that dumbass nail board.. Take a picture with the fish alive and then release it if you dont want to keep it, it makes for a better picture.

Bentrods on the money with dan wilson. In my opinion the fishery we have right now is awesome. Its not near its glory days of the 80s n 90s. But its still fun as all get out. Im happy with the way the lake has become over the years since the kill off. IT still can do alot of improving, but the number of high teen low 20 class we have it awesome. If we that are willing to do our part on conservation. In a few years we might get back into a healthy 20lb class of fish.. I mean a 42 did come out of the lake this year...

Im glad to see the slot coming in tomorrow. bring it on bring it on

[linesider]

Yeh Travis I am sick and tired of seeing those teenagers being kept too. Saw way too much of that lately. We are starting to see a better class of fish and releasing them will insure the progression!

[leeb]

When I show people the pictures of the fish my son and I catch thay get vocal about us throwing them back.

Then they have the nerve to ask me to take them fishing. Maybe I can take a few with the slot in. Hope they can handle cold weather.

[mwardncsu]

Lee - take it as an opportunity to educate them on conservation of the striper fishery. When you catch a nice one with them, remind them how it looks very similar to that one you released previously and aren't they glad they got the chance to catch (and release) it.

[hotdog]

Lee - take it as an opportunity to educate them on conservation of the striper fishery. When you catch a nice one with them, remind them how it looks very similar to that one you released previously and aren't they glad they got the chance to catch (and release) it.

That's a good idea Mike.
Thanks