Well I guess I've been stuck inside too long and I had to find something to do. I am starting a petition to get a striper tag for fish over 26" like the one that they have in place for red fish. We can change the 26" to a different number but I thought that was a good place to start.

Here is the mission statement:

Due to the decline of the population of large striped bass over 26� in recent years, we need to implement a measure that will ensure their protection and enable future generations to experience the power of these magnificent fish. Like the tagging regulation that is already in place for red fish, we need to issue a tag on the fishing license for a striped bass over the length of 26� allowing the taking of one big fish per fisherman from Texas waters during the duration of the license year. This effort will help to foster the population growth of large striped bass and create new opportunities for the anglers of Texas.

to sign the petition, visit

http://www.petitiononline.com/striper/petition.html

Thanks,
Brian

Brian I signed it as well.

Good Idea Brian. I signed it too.

I'm in

would this have to pertain to hybrids as well or just pure striper?I think that would be good for tex but not other lakes due to the spawning capabilities on tex compared to Taw. where they don't spawn.I've thrown back 14 lbs. hybs on hubbard so it wouldn't bother me too much.

I would really like to know what the reason for the decline
in big fish. I don't think the Arkansas lakes are kicking out
big fish like they used to.
I am wondering if we have inbred the hatchery stock ?

Do we need to gather a few of the big sows from the Atlantic?


MO

What about the stress of bring in a big fish. Lot's say it will kill them. I hate to put one back and then see it be a floater. I dont know, just like to know all the facts first. I'm all for it if it would work.

Good Point sassyman ( Doug ). I think it would be a good idea for Texoma because you have to buy a texoma license . They could attach a tag for the big striper for the texoma license only. The reason being is that lake is a striper spawning lake. Most of the other lakes around the north texas are stocked with stripers. . I know I just repeated everything you said Doug LOL. Just my thoughts.

IN

This is merely a petition and is up for dicussion as it can be changed before it is sent. I intended this paticular petition to be for stripers. I think that a different length limit would apply to hybirds. Also I think that a tag would benifit lakes with a stocking program more than lakes that with a natural spawn simply because of the effort required to get the fish into the lake to begin with. Also, a fish that is released has a far greater chance of survival than that of a fish that is put in the frying pan.

Brian

I think its a good start. Like anything it may need to be tweaked.

I think an upper limit would be nice, but until people learn to identify what they are catching or even care what they are catching, you will not see a state record hybrid being caught. While the Game Wardens do a great job in some areas, they fall short in Lake Patrol. I'm sure they are spread pretty thin, but the only lake that I've been checked at is Cooper Lake. I had fifty magnum sandies in the icebox, he measured every one of them and looked in all of their mouths, it took almost half an hour. The Warden was very courteous, I didn't mind the inspection one bit. It's just odd, the presence of Wardens on Cooper Lake, and the near nonexistance at the other lakes. I take many people fishing with me, most of them have no clue how to identify temperate bass.
I think they should double the license fees and step up the lake patrol. Sorry, that was just a joke. I do think we need more enforcement though. They could easily justify their salary with all of the violations that people commit.
Here is a link for identification information.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/wbass_diagrams.phtml


White Bass

Hybrid

Striper

Stripper

That last one will cost you more than a fine. You better turn everyone of those back!!!

Well, down at Livingston, any striper caught after the thermocline sets in is going to die if released. What we actually need down here is a no cull for legal stripers.

Sorry but the Gov doent need one more way to make money off us. Just my .02 I'm all about catch and release myself!! I just keep what I will eat fresh.