Jigsaw puzzle

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission released a peer reviewed stock assessment for striped bass for the fishing year 2006. The bottom line of the assessment was that striped bass are not being over fished, although the spawning stock biomass – the total weight of all spawning age fish – has declined each of the last four years, and fishing mortality is at the “target” fishing mortality rate – the maximum rate at which striped bass should be killed by fishermen. In summary, it was decided that no action needed to be taken on striped bass management this year and that the situation would be reviewed again next year.

This information appears designed to reassure the public that all is well with striped bass, but Stripers Forever believes an in depth review is warranted. Their concerns with the stock assessment center on the fluctuations that these statistics have had over the last five or six years, and what they perceive to be the determination by fishery managers to put a positive spin on striped bass stocks in spite of some serious negative indications. To read the complete article click here.

Illustration by El Pescador

Off the grid

By El Pescador
Copyright 2008 Way Upstream

Selection

I helped organize a couple of Striper Dealer Camps in '05 and '06. These "camps" were attended by fly fishing retail store owners and staff. I was reviewing some of the images from the '06 Striper Camp folder and came across one that I digitally altered to look like a watercolor. I thought it was worth posting. I call it Selection.

Way Upstream
Copyright 2007

Executive Order

ST. MICHAELS, MD - Surrounded by conservationists and anglers on the shores of historic Chesapeake Bay, President Bush signed an Executive Order establishing gamefish status for red drum and striped bass in federal waters. The Order is a landmark victory for recreational anglers who have fought for decades to restore and conserve two of the most coveted sport fish in America.

"With this action, the President has secured a legacy for the recreational anglers and conservationists who have worked so hard on behalf of our marine resources," said Walter W. Fondren III, chairman of Coastal Conservation Association. "When CCA began to work on recovering red drum 30 years ago in Texas, we never imagined an event like this would ever be possible. We owe a debt of gratitude to the President for recognizing the high value placed on these resources by the citizens of this country."

U.S. Presidents have issued executive orders since 1789, usually to help direct the operation of executive officers. The Executive Order signed today by President Bush instructs the Secretary of Commerce to put regulations in place establishing gamefish status for red drum and striped bass in federal waters, and encourages the states to take similar actions in state waters.

"From the darkest days of overfishing in the late 1970s and early '80s, hundreds of thousands of people have worked tirelessly to conserve these resources," said David Cummins, president of CCA. "The President today has delivered the only reward that mattered to any of them - a better future for the resources they cherish."

The photo above shows President George W. Bush signing an Executive Order to protect the striped bass and red drum fish populations Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007, at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md. President Bush is joined during the signing by, from left, Michael Nussman, president of American Sportfishing Association; Brad Burns, president of Stripers Forever; David Pfeifer, president of Shimano America Corp.; Walter Fondren, chairman of Coastal Conservation Association; U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez; U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest of Maryland and U.S. Secretary of Interior Dirk Kempthorne.

White House photo by Eric Draper

Sand Quill

The sand eel imitation that I posted last week has evolved. Click on the picture and mouse over the note boxes for details. I call this fly the Sand Quill.

Sand Eel Pattern

Ever since I posted A use for the pitt and the stem I've been pondering the quill as a fly tying material. I was fishing for stripers recently and the water was loaded with sand eels. I have several sand eel patterns that I like but on my way home after one session I saw these large seagull wing feathers lying in the sand and the vision of this pattern came to me. I'll be testing it out soon. Stay tuned. Click on the picture and mouse over the boxes for more detail.

Migration

Currents change. Temperature changes. Migration. With the movements of herring and tern and degree come the movements of thought and action. Thoughts like wandering flats in Maine wearing surf trunks. Actions like fly fishing in the salt. Migration.

By El Pescador

Photo by Dave Skok, Copyright 2007

One fly

Over the seasons you develop flies that you rely on. You tie them on before you hit the water, without seeing any signs. You probe and test with these flies. Here's one of mine for the local salt. I originally called it Stevie's Wonder but someone told me that name was taken. For now I call it 50 50, after the pretty even split between natural and synthetic materials.

My Art

This piece is a view of a section of a large striper's head.

My Art

I will be posting a series of Art pieces in the upcoming months. The title of the webshow is called "My Work". If you want more information about my Art or the "works" please let me know. This piece is a shot of a striped bass lying on the sand next to the fly rod. I do this for measuring purposes. The fish was released right after I took the picture. I took this image and altered it to the way you see it with some basic electronic tools. The image can be printed and signed or transferred to other medium. limited screen prints are such an option. Express your thoughts.

Crab pattern

Here's a fly that I've developed for catching stripers. If you haven't tried crab patterns for these fish you are missing out on a secret. Tying instructions available upon request.