The Department gave one of the best presentations I have seen from them on this subject at the MRC. A copy of the report is available here:
http://www.fgc.ca.gov/meetings/2012/011812mrcitem4.pdf
From that report I have taken three slides they presented. One on which method the Bass are taken by most, and two on how each proposed regulation might reduce the catch.
The picture below shows what percentage each method of take accounts for in the total.
The picture below shows the percent reduction in catch by implementing different bag limits. You will notice there is minimal change until you reduce the bag limit to 3 fish for Calico and Sand Bass. There is very little impact on Spotted Bass as they are mostly catch and release with few being kept already.
The department stated the average angler over time only retains 5 fish that is why you do not see a reduction in take increase until the bag limit is reduced to 3.
The picture below shows the reduction by implementing different minimum size limits. You can see even a 1" increase in the minimum size provides similar reductions to a 5 bag limit, and 2" reducing the catch more than a 3 bag limit in most cases.
Unfortunately the slide showing a slot limit is not available to me now they showed it in the meeting having a 13" to 17" slot had less impact than a 14" minimum as I remember. The theory at the time from the Department was there may be some difficulty in enforcing a Slot limit also.
I also have talked to many spearfishermen and having a slot limit to try to measure under water while pursuing a fish would be difficult.
I did not take the opportunity to ask for the presentation to include the possible reduction in catch that the MLPA has given but I will try to have this presented also. The species of most concern is Sand Bass and the "MLPA did not cover much Sand" was said at the meeting.
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