In Maine we have unique striper size limits, a slot and a trophy option if an angler wants to keep a striper, but every State has differing regulations. If you are ambitious, check this link out detailing State specific striper regulations. When you see how other States manage this recreational resource you’ll be able to get a better understanding to the value of this resource and gain some insight into how varied the regulations are. Their are infact several States that also have significant commercial fisheries.

An interesting study was recently published by Dr. David Conover, head of Marine Science Research for Stony Brook University. The study looked at the effect selective taking from a fish population had on future populations over several generations. In the study, Conover established three base populations (1,000 each) of Silversides, an Atlantic bait fish. From those populations he removed 90% of the largest fish from one group, 90% of the smallest fish from another and randomly removed 90% from the third. This procedure was carried forward for four generations and then the populations assessed to see if their was a measurable result.

Results - The group where the largest fish were removed had an average weight of 1.05 grams. The group randomly harvested had an average size of 3.17 grams. The group where the smallest fish were removed had an average size of 6.47 grams.

Think about this! Our fisheries regulations have a direct impact on fish escapement and conversely those that will spawn. Based on this research, we can draw some pretty solid conclusions related to what the future fishery will translate into if the over-riding regulations encourage the taking of the big stripers. Ultimately, schoolies will be the norm! Darwin would be pleased that we grasp this concept… So, with such important knowledge, why can’t we put into place solid regulations that are uniform across all State boundaries? Politics!

So, since we can anticipate bureaucratic inaction, we fishermen need to be responsible stewards of this resource. If we value this resource, we need to individually take the position of releasing the big fish. Put the big ones back, let them spawn, and be happy with the knowledge that their will be stripers there for your kids to catch.