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Post by bigun3 on Sept 21, 2021 15:55:19 GMT -5
Common knowledge, you can't have both.... curious what the prevailing consensus is.
DGIF sure has a tough job.
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johnr
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Post by johnr on Sept 21, 2021 16:47:02 GMT -5
The do have a tough job. They can’t please everyone..
My biggest complaint is that they LOVE to manage for species where said species ought not be.
Quit wasting our money on these cute, boutique fisheries and game animal habitats. Spend it on quality land/water acquisitions and focus on habitat restoration and supplementation for the native species that can sustain themselves for the most part.
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Post by 31Airborne on Sept 21, 2021 17:11:16 GMT -5
The do have a tough job. They can’t please everyone.. My biggest complaint is that they LOVE to manage for species where said species ought not be. Quit wasting our money on these cute, boutique fisheries and game animal habitats. Spend it on quality land/water acquisitions and focus on habitat restoration and supplementation for the native species that can sustain themselves for the most part. Can we please get an amen or two or twelve on this??? |
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Post by herringbone on Sept 21, 2021 19:53:14 GMT -5
Amen 12x, per 31’s request. It’s a tough job for these guys for sure. Better habitat for native fish seems to be more of a win win situation that will produce for years and satisfy lots of anglers, unlike some of the others. Better enforcement/laws/season, on the others, for me specifically, striped bass, would at least make an effort. Caught my first striper (on SML) there last year, loved the lake, and better sized fish compared to Buggs. I like action, bigger isn’t always better, like some might say. But, catching that 30”+ striper feels pretty good and rewarding.
I’m torn on the question. My question is, what’s “more fish” mean? Catch (40) in a day, or you go from (6) to (10)?
Me personally, I’d rather show up to the lake, catch bait easily, and then go catch (10)-(20) 6 lb’ers. Or cast to them. It’s action.
I haven’t casted my vote yet, still torn. Was hoping I’d convince myself one way or the other by typing this.
I mainly fish and know Buggs. So I’m used to the 20”-26” fish, super fun in a good day of catching double digit numbers of fish. SML presented the option for me last year to catch bigger fish, hence the reason I’ve chosen to do so again this year late fall.
My results are, more bigger fish. 😂
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Post by striperfan on Sept 27, 2021 8:06:46 GMT -5
You will not have "more bigger fish" or more any fish if you go out each time and C&R 10--20 fish. As we have said 80% of the C&R fish caught in warm weather May to October will NOT survive. So will not get BIGGER or MORE. Warmer months follow the rules, TWO fish CAUGHT per angler.
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Post by ncsportfisher on Sept 27, 2021 11:45:31 GMT -5
I’ll play, first I’ll start off by saying I don’t fish in the summer.. I also don’t eat Striper from fresh water, once you eat a saltwater one you’ll forget about freshwater..
I’ve only been fishing the lane for Striper for the last 10-12 years, although the mentors that have taken me under their wing have been fishing the lake for 30-40 years. I have heard about all the ups and downs, let’s face it.. 30 years ago the lake was better, wasn’t as populated etc.
Maybe, just maybe the lake sustained the introduced species better, as JohnR and a couple others say; these fish are not native. And by definition they do not belong here, so there is no way to enforce certain rules. It is a put and take fishery, period.
I purchase a license In the state of VA so I have as much say as residents, If it costs that much to keep up the Striper fishery put that money towards fighting the big companies to restore the spawning fish to the bay, or put that money into cleaning up the rivers that feed the lakes to get rid of the pollution and debris that negatively affect water quality in our rivers and lakes.
Or build fish ladders to let the natural fish that are supposed to run up the rivers do so. Etc etc.
FWIW, I will be fishing fall and winter because I love the fishery SML has to offer, I’m just thinking about the overall picture and not my point of view.. because if I only see it my way I miss the big picture
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Yam
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Post by Yam on Sept 27, 2021 13:11:11 GMT -5
I would be really happy if I could just catch a tank of 12”+ bait at SML. Pull a couple out of the tank with my hand (no dipnet needed), jab em in the nose, let them swim for a bit near the bank, then release them because I have plenty more freshies swimming around in my tank. If that would occur, I really could care the less about catching fish.
But to answer your question...I vote for BIGGER!
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Post by bigun3 on Sept 27, 2021 17:30:52 GMT -5
You will not have "more bigger fish" or more any fish if you go out each time and C&R 10--20 fish. As we have said 80% of the C&R fish caught in warm weather May to October will NOT survive. So will not get BIGGER or MORE. Warmer months follow the rules, TWO fish CAUGHT per angler. Striperfan, I truly respect your compassion for the fishery here at SML, but if your post is directed at me, you give me waaaay to much credit if you think I'm catching 10-20 fish when I do go out in the summer. Couple questions: 1. Who is we? 2. What are these rules you speak of? Everyone is entitled to their opinion on here. Mine is not banning summer fishing. Just so you know, I'll repeat myself. I have tried to revive a bigger fish in the summer months to release. (better chance to survive in the lake than the cooler) but I DO NOT catch and release in the summer months........ |
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Post by herringbone on Sept 28, 2021 20:04:19 GMT -5
You will not have "more bigger fish" or more any fish if you go out each time and C&R 10--20 fish. As we have said 80% of the C&R fish caught in warm weather May to October will NOT survive. So will not get BIGGER or MORE. Warmer months follow the rules, TWO fish CAUGHT per angler. When using all caps, are you yelling? If so, kinda notice the smiley face at the end due to the fact that my verdict was a combination of both of the choices. Just stating an opinion and creating what I thought was a little humor, that’s all. I only fish for striped bass at any lake from November to February, and don’t keep any, as it’s just for fun to me. Not sure who’s creating this thread, but I really hope it’s helpful, and we get enough return votes and info to make something happen, either way. |
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Post by ghostcomanche©® on Sept 29, 2021 10:38:40 GMT -5
You will not have "more bigger fish" or more any fish if you go out each time and C&R 10--20 fish. As we have said 80% of the C&R fish caught in warm weather May to October will NOT survive. So will not get BIGGER or MORE. Warmer months follow the rules, TWO fish CAUGHT per angler. Striperfan, you need to do a little more research on your information. The catch and release mortality rate is not as bad as you stated (80%) As per the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources in regards to the SML Striped Bass.... "Studies have consistently shown that catch and release of striped bass in the summer months results in high mortality. Most of these striped bass die up to 1-2 days after release and most sink to the bottom and never surface. Catch and release mortality appears to be especially high for the larger fish. Consequently, anglers should not be targeting large striped bass with the intent of catch and release during the summer months. Smaller fish (generally 22 inches)
generally survive summer release rather well. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries encourages striped bass anglers to stop fishing after catching their 2-fish limit in the months of June-September and occasionally during warm periods in October. Catch-and-release is recommended for striped bass from November through May." Use the following link for more info about the SML Striped Bass: Smith Mountain Popular Report |
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R22
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Post by R22 on Sept 29, 2021 11:40:23 GMT -5
I still want both!
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Post by herringbone on Sept 29, 2021 11:45:57 GMT -5
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Post by herringbone on Sept 29, 2021 20:19:24 GMT -5
Nice edit!
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Post by striperfan on Oct 12, 2021 17:04:58 GMT -5
You will not have "more bigger fish" or more any fish if you go out each time and C&R 10--20 fish. As we have said 80% of the C&R fish caught in warm weather May to October will NOT survive. So will not get BIGGER or MORE. Warmer months follow the rules, TWO fish CAUGHT per angler. Striperfan, you need to do a little more research on your information. The catch and release mortality rate is not as bad as you stated (80%) As per the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources in regards to the SML Striped Bass.... "Studies have consistently shown that catch and release of striped bass in the summer months results in high mortality. Most of these striped bass die up to 1-2 days after release and most sink to the bottom and never surface. Catch and release mortality appears to be especially high for the larger fish. Consequently, anglers should not be targeting large striped bass with the intent of catch and release during the summer months. Smaller fish (generally 22 inches)
generally survive summer release rather well. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries encourages striped bass anglers to stop fishing after catching their 2-fish limit in the months of June-September and occasionally during warm periods in October. Catch-and-release is recommended for striped bass from November through May." Use the following link for more info about the SML Striped Bass: Smith Mountain Popular Report |
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Post by striperfan on Oct 12, 2021 17:13:27 GMT -5
I appreciate your research, BUT what is the mortality rate that you question? I see no % of C&R only "HIGH MORTALITY" well 80% sounds about right. ARE we sure that ALL Captains and Fishermen measure their catch and ONLY RELEASE THOSE FISH UNDER 22 INCHES? I DOUBLE DOUBT IT. Hey I am only trying to keep the STRIPER FISHERY AS THE ONE BEST IN THE EAST
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