re: Speck Decision Already Made

quote:

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According to their data the majority of people now catch no where nears 15 trout per trip. 15 trout limits will do nothing to help the "recovery". I am thinking less......

"In areas of the state that have a bag limit of 25, which excludes the area from the Texas border to the Mermentau River, 85% of angler trips harvest 10 fish or less."

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I spoke with a well known and respected SE LA guide at the Nola Boat Show who made this very point. In other words, if the average recreational dude is catching 10 specks a trip then going to 15 could theoretically raise harvested numbers. He wouldn't say what the new limits should be and pointed out that younger fish are more prolific breeders and more numerous.

Habitat long term, blocked navigable water access and fresh water the past few years aren't getting near the attention they deserve. Guide's take is not the issue, we need to preserve them as well as the Marina's that help us all catch fish.

I would be happy with a 13" / 15 creel limit with one or two over 20" and rarely keep 12" specks b/c there's so little meat on them. I do keep them when they suck it down and removing the hook however gently, it's clear they will die when released.