Skunked by the slot

B-Faithful · May 3, 2007

Trolled 6 lines off Thomas Point light. Hooked 4 fish all on white in 40-45ft of water. Skunked by the slot... I hate throwing back 36-38" fish

susqking · May 3, 2007

The other day we caught 5, all but one was in the slot. At least it's action and I wouldn't call it a skunk.

Porkchunker · May 5, 2007

No skunk. Just call it C&R (which in my mind should be the law for all fish during the spawning runs, no matter where they occur on the face of the Earth.) Just my $0.02

B-Faithful · May 7, 2007

Maybe it wasnt a complete skunk but it still stunk that I didnt come home with fresh fish for a dinner with friends that evening. While I agree that we shouldnt over fish during the spawn (or anytime during the year), I think the 1 fish per person limit without the slot has been prudent being the striper population has been getting stronger over the years. I would like to see other states along the migratroy run match the 1 fish per person limit we have set in Maryland and have Maryland limit the commercial harvest to hook and line.

To me a dead fish doesnt spawn no matter where you kill it during its migratory run.

Outta Here · May 7, 2007

I don't fish for stripers, here's the NC '06 regs as I understand them.

2 per person per day @ 28" TL- Albemarle Sound
3 per person per day @ 18" TL- Other coastal areas

fed waters (3-200 mi) - Unlawful to possess HUH?

NC has the most minimal fish limits one can imagine. How much meat is on an 18" TL striper? Kings are legal at a paltry 24" FL, and pity the poor Spanish Mack caught in NC...if he's 12" FL long, he's a keeper. Fillet that bad boy.

Wanna flounder fish? NCs' the place. Keep all over 14" TL. That's about a 6" slab of meat for dinner. :roll:

B-Faithful · May 7, 2007

Speaking only of the migratory run which is in the spring or very late fall. Maryland is 1 fish per person. The fish must be over 28" and you cannot keep 35-41" (which is the bulk of the fish during the run).

Of course our summer resident fish who never leave the bay the limits could be refined in my opinion. they are 2 fish per person over 18", one of which is allowed to be over 28". Personally I wouldnt mind seeing the resident fish raised to 22" or 24". I agree that there is not much meat on an 18" bass. Although I have kept them I dont keep a lot of summer fish unless i have guests who want them as they are said to be unhealthy to eat more than one a month. The migratory fish are much better to eat.

Btw, I think NJ is now 16.5" for summer flounder.