Proof The System Is Broken - We killed 3x the fluke we took home

[george]

Fluke Catch & Release Reality Check: By the Numbers

Here’s what a typical summer weekend looked like for just one popular fluke spot south of Jones Inlet.

Our Boat (3 anglers)​

• Total Released: 100
• Kept (legal limit): 4
• Died from Release Mortality: 11

All Party Boats in Area (290 anglers, 5 trips)​

• Total Released: 7,250
• Kept (legal limit): 290
• Died from Release Mortality: 797

Private Boats (200 additional anglers)​

• Total Released: 7,000
• Kept (legal limit): 280
• Died from Release Mortality: 770

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Grand Total: One Day, One Area​

• Total Fluke Released: 14,350
• Total Fluke Kept: 574
• Fluke That Died from Release Mortality: 1,579 (Nearly 3x as many as were legally kept!)

Key Takeaway: For every fluke you put in your cooler, almost three more die after release—even with careful handling and good intentions.

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Share this if you care about the future of our fishery.
Let’s start the conversation: How can we all do better for the fish—and each other?

 

[Chinacat]

Allow us to take the first 3 or 4 fish you catch of your mchoice and want to keep so you have the chance for a trophy if you want or switch over to target another species and stop catching and releasing fish that may die

 

[OVERBORED]

Allow us to take the first 3 or 4 fish you catch of your mchoice and want to keep so you have the chance for a trophy if you want or switch over to target another species and stop catching and releasing fish that may die

Then I'll never leave the bay! Keep my first 3 14" fish and go home! Love it!

Will that apply to shore based anglers as well? I see buckets full of 10" scup!!

Lol

 

[Chinacat]

Then I'll never leave the bay! Keep my first 3 14" fish and go home! Love it!

Will that apply to shore based anglers as well? I see buckets full of 10" scup!!

Lol

Well the idea needs some tweaking but conceptually why not?
You get to pick 3 or fish. Use your choices wisely