Three Tons of Striped Bass Seized

What do you get if you are caught twice during the same week for illegal commercial fishing for striped bass in Maryland? A $500 fine ($250 if you plead guilty before trial). When you can get even $2 to $3 per pound on a haul of three tons or more, it doesn't take long to see why some folks are willing to take the chance. The catch was seized as well, but the damage to the fishery was already done. Check out this article via the Baltimore Sun. Heads up courtesy of Stripers Forever - Fighting for Game fish Status for Rockfish everywhere. Join up - it's free!

**Of course, all parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Stripers Forever: 2008 Survey Results

The annual Stripers Forever fishing survey is tabulated and the results show some disturbing facts:

1. In 2008 59% of the anglers indicated that the quality of fishing for stripers was worse or much worse – down from 43% in 2007. Only 21% felt that it was improved, compared to 34% in 2007.
2. (58%) reported the average size of the stripers they caught was declining, compared to a statistically similar 57% in 2007.
3. Support for a slot limit to take the pressure off large breeders crept up two percentage points to 76%, a new high. Members in every state widely favored a slot limit in our survey. Many respondents cited the success of Texas and Florida, which employ both slot limits and game fish status to manage red drum and snook.
4. An increasing number of professional fishing guides are reporting that their businesses are being adversely affected by the smaller number of striped bass generally available.

As for Stripers Forever's mission of game fish status for the striped bass, 87% of those surveyed want at least 50% of the commercial catch reserved for conservation – same as in 2007 - and not assigned to increased recreational bag limits. More facts and figures reside on the Stripers Forever Website. While you are visiting with them take a moment to take action.

Patagonia Supports Stripers Forever

Via Patagonia fly fishing gear guru Straq and his Way Upstream blog comes news of an inititive by Patagonia to fund the activities of conservation group Stripers Forever. The funding will come from a portion of the proceeds from the sale of snazzy looking tee shirts.

From the Way Upstream post:

Stripers Forever is an organization working to have striped bass designated as a gamefish. This designation will stop commercial exploitation across the Eastern Seaboard. Patagonia will make a five-dollar donation to the group for every purchase of the Striper T-Shirt. Renowned artist and angler, Alan James Robinson created the original artwork (back graphic) displayed on this soft, 100% organic cotton tee. The neck rib contains a touch of spandex to help retain its shape. Check with a Patagonia dealer or retail store near you or click on the striper t-shirt link above to make a purchase.

You may remember that Stripers Forever was one of the groups highlighted in the FlyFishMagazine.com 2007 annual charitable giving guide.

Stripers Forever Auction: Buy Wine - Help Striper

Be sure you read that title carefully. It says Buy Wine - Help Striper. While we know that many of our fellow anglers have bought strong drink in an effort to help strippers, this is a much more noble cause.

A communique from the right minded folks at Striper's Forever indicates that they are auctioning off a case of Fish Hook Vineyard's Pinot Blanc. The opening bid is $200 and proceeds, of course, go to the aid of Stripers Forever Game Fish Initiatives.


Oregon is rapidly becoming known as one the great Pinot Blanc producing areas in the world and Stephen Cary is rapidly becoming known as one the great practitioners of the art of turning this relatively little known grape variety into great wine. When we founded Fish Hook Vineyards we had three basic goals. First, we wanted to make really good wine that shows the true fruit character of the grapes and the subtle mineral qualities of the vineyard. Second, we wanted to make a little bit of money to support our bad habits (fishing) in retirement and have some fun doing it. Third, we wanted to do some good with some of the profits and tie it all in with our passion for fishing and the sea. Hence Fish Hook Vineyards, the Striper on the label and our involvement with Stripers Forever and The Ocean Conservancy.

Follow this link for instructions on how to place your bid.