Comments on: Give Me Back That Filet O’ Fish

By: Jerry Norris

Jerry Norris — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 03:08:32 +0000

I agree, release the cows. If you want rock to eat, keep one less than 24″. They taste much better and are not loaded with toxics. I can almost see the flats from my office, but I do not target the prespawn fish. Not knocking anyone who does-that is just my personal choice.

By: Roger T

Roger T — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:50:39 +0000

Just think of the great fishery we would have If everyone did there part.

I caught a few WP yesterday at the BB rock pile down deep 50′…still cant get over how silver they get in that cold dark water.

By: Steve F

Steve F — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:04:09 +0000

I wish more guys would practice C&R on the bigger fish but I guess it’s that feeling you get when you get back to the dock and show all the guys that are standing around what you have caught. What was that you said one day while fishing “A photograph is worth a million fish” how true… Great read Shawn and I’m behind you 100% on the C&R…

By: Jim Windsor (jwinds)

Jim Windsor (jwinds) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:37:40 +0000

Shawn,

A great read as always. I am 100% with you in support of C&R for Spring stripers. We will just have to keep thowing ideas out there and hope that sooner tha later someone wakes up. Unfortunately there will be many folks, recs with boats and those that book charters, that insist on taking big fish home to justify their expense. To me a photo lasts a lifetime!

By: Rob Wilson

Rob Wilson — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:00:21 +0000

Well written Shawn.I agree with everything you said and always look forward to your next entry.I appreciate your knowledge.Hope to see you at the bridge soon.Rob

By: RiverCat09

RiverCat09 — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:11:28 +0000

Shawn,

Spring is indeed approaching, and not a moment too soon after the long, snowy winter. Those peepers across our street are deafening (music to my ears), our crocuses are in bloom, the goldfinches are turning color, and hummingbirds have arrived on the Gulf coast.

I’m a troller by birth; it was what I was taught growing up, and is what I do best, but I’m trying to master jigging one trip at a time. I believe the main problem lies with agricultural runoff and over harvesting by commercial netters. However, I believe that they should take a closer look each year at the opening of the season to ensure that pre spawn rock are not killed. I do like the fact that they are mandating barbless hooks and no stingers for pre-season C&R. It breaks my heart to see rockfish carcasses at the dock side in the spring laden with roe.

Shawn, thanks for taking the time to write, and thanks once again for teaching me to become better at jigging via your articles. By the way, sweet new boat!! Congratulations!

Don

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:23:44 +0000

Shawn nice article as always ,I would be concerned though with an increase in rockfish what would they eat as the menhadden stocks are being raped.

By: James Cunningham

James Cunningham — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:45:04 +0000

Shawn I truly appreciate all you are doing and hope others are listening. I know you have changed the way I think of fishing in general. I believe your knowledge of sustainable fishing is just as interesting as the techniques you use to successfully reel them in.