HC, the numbers of Derby fish caught seem similar to what I see in a typical derby in a single day(mid-30s per DAY not uncommon). However this year, mid-teens is my total catch for the entire derby. Saturday was nearly a skunk with the winds.
With the missing age classes, I think EVERY FISH that is not returned to the lake will be missed over the next few years. Most fish are very nice and healthy 4 year olds and I see almost everyone it seems keeping them. Sure the derby may have killed 100-200 but I'm seeing pictures on several trolling related forums from both rec fishermen and guides and all these beautiful fish are being kept it seems. The minority seems to be the catch and release guys.
Bottom line is this fishery will continue to suffer until the missing age classes are replaced but IMHO it is not the derby but those who do not realize the state of the fishery and continue to keep (legally) every fish they catch during this recovery period.
|