Question on handling BSB

[Jimmyz123]

I know a guy who actually will target them and catch them, take pictures, and doesn't care what anyone says to him about breaking the law. I have read many times that once you realize the fish is a Black Sea Bass, you should cut the line and take less risk of hurting the fish more. Some DFG officers will interpret the law how they feel is right, some will nail you the moment they see you touching the fish, some will say, "Sure, take a pic, but you better let it go." However if they know that you have a BSB on the line they will watch everything that happens. Would I love to catch one, sure, do I want to risk one killing over because I wanted that photo of one, No.

I will not be shocked if within 5 years there is a lift or a catch limit placed on the BSB and they are open target again. I can see them saying a 1 fish limit per angler or boat or something. Their numbers are coming back and I do see them being taken off the do not keep list. However the way our DFG does things it may never happen also.

Do some google searches on that subject and you'll find a lot of information about it.

[bubblehide]

Jimmy, I don't see a one fish limit, as I think that could decimate the population in no time at all; But I could see a one fish per year limit, and I'd welcome it.

[FISHIONADO]

I just got the email press release email and thought I would pass it on, I recognize their are a lot of new people on the board that may be unaware. The person who asked the DFG that question was a dip shit because he thought he should puncture the bladder. It is so easy to educate your self. :-)

[bubblehide]

Originally Posted by FISHIONADO

I just got the email press release email and thought I would pass it on, I recognize their are a lot of new people on the board that may be unaware. The person who asked the DFG that question was a dip shit because he thought he should puncture the bladder. It is so easy to educate your self. :-)

Thanks for clarifying that, your title made me think you had a question in there somewhere. Yet, I don't think there is a clear cut way (one size fits all) of responsibly releasing them; some knowledge and common sense can go a long way.

[Jimmyz123]

Originally Posted by bubblehide

Jimmy, I don't see a one fish limit, as I think that could decimate the population in no time at all; But I could see a one fish per year limit, and I'd welcome it.

They would have to sell a report card thing or something like that, and I could see that happening.

[bubblehide]

Originally Posted by Jimmyz123

They would have to cell a report card thing or something like that, and I could see that happening.

I think you read my mind.

[dorado50]

Lets see, there are at least 180,00 (calif)fishing licenses issued each year??? One BSB taken per angler per year.... yea that math looks good to me. Just release the fish and make sure it swims away healthy.

[Iceman]

Good to see some clarification on this..........I agree with it 100% Why risk injuring a fish so you can have a photo of it on your lap. The sportboat guys that boat them for pix drive me crazy.

[dsafety]

Originally Posted by dorado50

Lets see, there are at least 180,00 (Calif)fishing licenses issued each year??? One BSB taken per angler per year.... yea that math looks good to me. Just release the fish and make sure it swims away healthy.

I would be fine with what Dorado suggests since the BSB is such a majestic fish that takes many years to grow to full size. On the other hand, some say that the BSB population has recovered to the point where they have almost achieved "pest" status in some locations.

I am far from an expert on this subject but my thinking is that if it is ever determined that the BSB population can withstand some fishing pressure, maybe the best way to approach the management would be to have a lottery for a special permit which would allow some lucky fishers to catch and keep one fish of a particular size or larger. Kind of like what they do with hunting permits for some formally endangered animals.

The bigger problem in my view is that most people who catch a big BSB from deep water have no idea how to safely release the fish. I have read the recommended procedures but have never had to practice the technique. The only BSB I ever caught was a 10 pounder who quickly swam away after I removed the hook. I am hopeful that if I ever hook a big one, someone with a little experience is in the neighborhood.

Bob

[T Bone]

There was a video of this Jack-wagon catching a huge BSB on balboa pier on dragging it on the beach to die.I heard he went to court because someone called we-tip but I never heard what happened.If anyone could post that video or follow up that would be cool.