Thanks to a hard lobby by Flyfishermen and sportfisherman, the DFG Commission actually voted against its own recommendations to increase stripers limits and size restrictions. The regulations were proposed to attempt to eradicate striped bass in California in order to save Salmonid populations in the delta. In actuality, the recomendations were put forth by Southern California Water interest in an effort to divert attention away from the real stressor of the delta fishery–water diversion to southern California.
Eradicate a species through eliminating fishing limits? Let’s get rid of Asian Carp that way.
The proposed draft changes regulations related to anadromous striped bass. The draft language (PDF) would authorize additional harvest of striped bass.
The basic proposed changes are as follows:
- Raising the daily bag limit for striped bass from two to six fish.
- Raising the possession limit for striped bass from two to 12 fish.
- Lowering the minimum size for striped bass from 18 to 12 inches.
- Establishing a “hot spot” for striped bass fishing at Clifton Court Forebay and specified adjacent waterways at which the daily bag limit will be 20 fish, the possession limit will be 40 fish and there will be no size limit. Anglers fishing at the hot spot would be required to fill out a report card and deposit it in an iron ranger or similar receptacle.
- Changes to the sport fishing regulations for the Carmel, Pajaro and Salinas Rivers to allow harvest of striped bass when the fishery would otherwise be closed.
Download and watch the fireworks at the meeting Get Feb 2, 2011
