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| FishTails: November
2000 |
Eight Fish Limit Will Be New Rule for 2001
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to tournament fishing is protection of the fish. Every effort is made
to insure the fish are returned to the water in as good a shape as when they were caught.Most of the time that's
the case. However, the task becomes more difficult during the mid-summer months when water and air temperatures
can shoot drastically higher, and cause a more rapid depletion of life giving oxygen in the water.
The West Virginia Bass Federation took that into consideration in voting to reduce the limit from ten-fish to eight
during Buddy Trail tournaments for the 2001 season.
"We wanted to head off a problem before it got started." Stated WVBF Conservation Director Jim Summers.
A study done both independently and by the DNR show delayed mortality hasn't become an issue in West Virginia.
Only a small percentage of fish don't survive their catch and then release.
"It's not a problem." Says DNR District Fishery Biologist Frank Jernacic, "Our data has shown that
there is some mortality, but it's not impacting the bass population at all, so it's not a problem."
"This would be a lot worse in a place like Oklahoma," notes Summers, "where the air and water temperatures
both get super hot. Last summer we saw it starting to become a problem, but we aren't seeing it that much. I just
want to make sure we don't see it at all."
By lowering the limits, the number of fish that will have to be handled during a weigh-in will drastically reduce
as well.The holding tank will be less crowded and will reduce stress on bass waiting to be returned to the water.
"It eliminates a lot of post stress and makes the oxygenation in our holding tanks more effective." Says
Summers.
The holding tank was developed with close consultation from the DNR to insure the best environment for bass following
their weights. The tank features oxygen infusion along with chemical treatment to relax the bass.
"In the future we might consider handing out "Catch and Release" formula or salt at the weigh in,
but it hasn't gotten to that point yet."
Outside of protecting the resources one side effect of the new rule may be added competitiveness in the tournaments.
"A lot of guys can go out there and catch eight fish." Says Summers, "But not as many can bring
in ten. If you have ten, chances are you'll win. That makes it the same people winning every week. Anytime you
lower the limit competition improves."
The move most certainly will lower the total catch rates during WVBF tournaments and leave a lot of fish less stressed.
However, how much help it will offer to those who struggle to catch a limit is an unanswered question. |
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