4-23-15 Report

[trophytroutman]

Nice!!!!

[Robalo]

WTG Termo!

[Termo]

Thanks everybody! As I said, I released mine since they all looked to be females (from size). A general "rule" on my boat (actually a suggestion after some shaming and pleading) is that all fish over 22" or so during spawning seasons be released. Since I was a guest in another person's boat, I kept my mouth shut and released only my catch. At least I've got my friend Eddie to start releasing obvious females. I admit it a lot easier for me, since I don't eat fish.

Here are some conclusions from the University of Mississippi and Texas parks and Wildlife that influenced my thinking also:

The number of eggs released during each spawning event increases substantially as the females grow older. A five-year old female can produce about five times as many eggs per spawning as a one-year old. The benefit of practicing catch and release with larger female spotted seatrout is obvious.

Female spotted seatrout grow more quickly and reach larger sizes than males. Males are not as long lived as females; few live longer than five years. Females can live to age ten. Consequently, essentially all spotted seatrout weighing five pounds or more are females.

[Ibtsoom]

So when can I book at trip!?

[Jerkyourcroaker]

Catch and release is easy for me. I haven't figured out the catch part.

JYC

[bountyhunter]

Sweet, sounds like a pretty good day all the way around.