It isn't often when we can positively impact something special to others through our actions. Many times there aren't any instructions in place to help us make an educated decision on what we are about to embark upon, leaving us to take a leap of faith and roll the dice, crossing our fingers and hoping to have made the right decision. Then there are situations that come to the forefront that appear to be so blatantly obvious that it would leave those who choose not to act negligent for the most certain pressing negative impact.
The fate of the Striped Bass is clearly on that blatantly obvious list. The Striped Bass is on some painfully familiar ground that just a few decades ago was reality, and one that could've lead to their demise if some very pointed measures were not put into place. Today, we find these lovely creatures on a steady decline, and before you all go pointing fingers in a million different directions, sit back and just listen for a minute. The commercial fishing industry is the easiest target to point that finger at, but I caution you to pass quick judgement. The catch and release angler continuously uses that practice as their moral compass clearly believing that they are not the problem as it has been proven to further sustain a species. I will add to that, in theory the practice works, but there are a litany of other variables that come into play when catching and "ethically" releasing a fish back into the water to ensure its mortality.
I feel I can speak to both accords, as at one time in my life I kept everything, only to graduate to the concept of catch and release, which I have practiced for the better part of 35 years now. Personal experience both as a recreational fresh and salt water angler and freshwater guide, it would be irresponsible to think that just because you practice catch and release you aren't negatively impacting a fishery in any way. There isn't a day that goes by when I step foot into my homewaters, a place where catch and release is practiced at a very high rate, and stumble upon at least a handful of fish that perished at the hands of one of "us" catch and release anglers Sometimes I witness the act of mishandling, other times I just see the pale washed out corpses of fish on the river bed, lying belly up as a result of our mishaps. It happens, and we all can do a better job; every season I release a fish or two that I happen to wonder if I negatively impacted them to the point of no return.
Over time I have taken less photos of fish, and spent more time taking in the moment in the last season then I ever have, and mostly because I have often wondered is it really worth it to showcase that memorable catch to the "gram" if my actions lead to the demise of that fish? I have come to recognize that carelessness in this regard is something I can do a better job at to hopefully prolong and preserve this wonderful sport for not only myself and others, but my children and hopefully someday grandchildren.
You're all probably wondering why I am waxing poetic here, a very understandable response. It isn't often that we can make a difference, but constant reassessment can lead to change, not only in ourselves but others. A real look in the mirror at our practices past and present can lead to positive change.
I was recently forwarded an article from a few of my friends in my closest fishing circle who happen to live on the Massachusetts shoreline. This article punched me right in the gut in the first three paragraphs, and I have been sitting here all weekend between kids games and daily chores wondering what I can do to spread the word while simultaneously reflecting on my own catch and release practices.
Dick Russell penned the article for the Vineyard Gazette titled Words of a Fisherman: Time to Let Stripers Be. I suggest any of you who fish for Striped Bass to read it, it'll take maybe five minutes out of your day. And that five minutes should paint a very clear picture as what needs to happen to further this species. It is very apparent the time has come to repeat history, and place a moratorium on the Striped Bass before they are another species added to the extinct list. This stretches further than the commercial fisherman, it touches on EVERY fisherman, we need to leave these fish alone and take action before it's too late; and it just might already be just that.