Catch & release or keep?

[-badhabit-]

As someone who has fished only for bass for close to three decades I have noticed the decline in the bass population first hand here in FL

I'm not going to dispute your personal observations, but if you look at the tournament bag weights they have actually gone up n recent years.

I think sometimes us older guys look back at the "good ole days". I know I do.

I also don't believe that harvesting bass is the reason for any declines you may be seeing.

First off, all lakes have their cycles. They are better some years than others.

Second. Surveys of top bass locations in the country, continue to name several Florida locations at the top of every list I have seen.

Third. The impact of the '04 hurricanes was devastating to alot of fisheries.

The famed stick marsh, which is strictly C&R for bass lost all it's hydrilla and has yet to recover.

5th The current drought is also having a severe impact in some areas.

6th. I think Florida has one of the better F&W departments in the country. Keep in mind they have a very difficult task balancing the demands of the fresh water guys and those of the salt. The okeechobee release practices are always controversial. But they are on top of the game. Slot limits and ID'ing declining species like the goliath grouper are good things.

Lastly, I think it's fine that you have rules for fishing on your boat. We all do.

I just think it's a mistake to assume that C&R is the answer in every situation.

You are right about the FWC being one of the best there is.

As an ex-guide, newspaper columnist, and a person that has studied bass populations in central FL lakes for a lonnggggg time. I have seen changes. I have been out shocking fish and testing water several times with Sam McKinney (Regional Director & Biologist) of the FWC on the Clermont Chain, Harris Chain, Kissimmee Chain, & St. John's River. I have also been involved with them on studying local fish kills on smaller lakes in the area. My best friend Wayne that you may know as Tennsopher here studied Marine Biology at the University of Tennessee for years also.

NorthEast Region Headquarters (DFFM)

1239 S.W. 10th Street

Ocala, FL 34474-2797

Phone: 352/732-1225

Fax: 352/732-1391

Manager: Mr. Sam McKinney

Email: samuel.mckinney@MyFWC.com

I'm not saying that fishing pressure is the main reason for all of the decline because most lakes are doing fine - excelent. It does have an effect on the trophy size fish on the more pressured lakes.

When the water gets low like it is now the concentration of non-native chemicals becomes more concentrated and has an effect of marine health, growth patterns, & vegetation problems. Like fertilizer, pesticides, detergents, oil, & gas runoff from over development of our lakefronts. Also just about every lakefront home has to have a pvc pipe run into the lake to pump water on their lawn to help with the runoff problems and lower the lakes water levels faster than nature. Boat fuel & oil spills/leaks don't help either. So I would say over population of people is our #1 problem, not nature.

Also the batteries dumped along transit routes by barges years ago have the mercury levels in some rivers and lakes sky high.

I do know a little about the subject and will never claim to be an expert on it. But I have paid my dues to our sport. Results speak for themselves and you would be hard pressed to find more than a few people here that catch very many more big fish on a regular year-round basis than I do.

I wish you only the best and our bass populations even more,

Dave