Implementing a reduced mortality rate will allow striped bass to reach greater age and larger size. The task at hand is to restore natural age and size balance to the striped bass population. If we can do that, recreational anglers will once again have a chance of catching a 40 pound plus fish. Striped bass can live more than 30 years and reach weights in excess of seventy pounds. Since implementation of Amendment 5, few fish survive past age fifteen.
Current projections show that fish as young as six years are declining in number.
CCA is calling for management that will provide an ample striped bass population and a more natural proportion of large fish. This strategy will ensure both the health of the striped bass population and a quality recreational fishing experience for striped bass anglers.