03-31-2014, 05:24 PM
[quote doggonefishin] However, it won't exacerbate any problem.
Here is an example based on when I helped with the gillnetting there 1 1/2 years ago. If memory serves, we netted 3 15 inches plus bass out of the sample nets and about 50 bass overall. I would estimate about 80% of the bass were under 12 inches long. So here is the lake population breakdown. (estimated and used as an example)
15+, 6%
12-15, 14%
under 12 inches, 80%![/quote]
You are missing something in your analysis….the idea that you miss is that once one of those 6% or 14% is removed a fish from the lower range replaces it and enters in the zone of maximum growth potential. So, once a 16 inched is removed, a 12-15 inched will enter into a quick growth zone and replace it. Generally, you aren't replacing a big fish with more small ones…you are replacing a big fish with another big fish. Also, by removing that "big" fish, you are opening up room for another big fish to replace it because you are opening up more room for the food that a big fish requires.
Protecting fish only exacerbates the problem of too many fish….if you want more big fish, you have to harvest fish of ALL sizes. True, harvest of small fish will help, but so will harvest of big fish!
Don't selectively harvest at a stunted fishery…just harvest!
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Here is an example based on when I helped with the gillnetting there 1 1/2 years ago. If memory serves, we netted 3 15 inches plus bass out of the sample nets and about 50 bass overall. I would estimate about 80% of the bass were under 12 inches long. So here is the lake population breakdown. (estimated and used as an example)
15+, 6%
12-15, 14%
under 12 inches, 80%![/quote]
You are missing something in your analysis….the idea that you miss is that once one of those 6% or 14% is removed a fish from the lower range replaces it and enters in the zone of maximum growth potential. So, once a 16 inched is removed, a 12-15 inched will enter into a quick growth zone and replace it. Generally, you aren't replacing a big fish with more small ones…you are replacing a big fish with another big fish. Also, by removing that "big" fish, you are opening up room for another big fish to replace it because you are opening up more room for the food that a big fish requires.
Protecting fish only exacerbates the problem of too many fish….if you want more big fish, you have to harvest fish of ALL sizes. True, harvest of small fish will help, but so will harvest of big fish!
Don't selectively harvest at a stunted fishery…just harvest!
[signature]