Quote:
Originally Posted by duranautic al
the simple answer is NOT to mandate the use of circle hooks...how about lowering the size limit a couple inches?...how many fish have to be handled in order to put a three fish limit in the box?..mandating the use of specific gear(circle hooks) will only lead to more revenue through fines on the average angler...then what?...outlawing the use of Gulp because it works too well??...JUST GIVE US A COUPLE SLOT FISH!!...i know i'd be off the water earlier and not weeding through shorts to try and get that last keeper!
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I agree that anglers should be allowed a few slot fish. Anyone who pays $65 for a party boat fare plus incidental expenses is spending over $100 per trip. They should be allowed a few fish. But circle hooks are a win-win situation. Fishing is a blood sport but we can take steps to minimize fish mortality. Hook-up ratios will improve (anyone who fishes circle hooks knows this), and most fish regardless of size will be lip hooked. Circle hooks are the standard for catch-and-release billfish tournaments simply because an effective way to reduce stress on fish that will be returned too the water.
