Just Bass.

[cortaz]

its become pretty clear from the combined catch of users on this site that th basse spawning season is from jan. to march, we know that at the time the laws/dates were set 1, it was to keep the trawlermen happy, 2, no real data/catch reports available ,.So wouldent it make sence to close the season from jat./mar.? (maybe a few of us cud gang together are contact the c.f.b. whoever? ), i like the gang part ................. imagain tellin the yanks, , that our bass spawn in ja./mar., and we close the season in the summer??????????????????????

[Senor Feeshy]

Sounds like a plan mon. I've no idea that this is the case myself though but bow to your judgement. Just wondering how you know this.

Anyway no harm for anglers to make responsible representations to an official body. At least it shows we can self regulate

[Tanglerat]

You're going to need cold, hard scientific data to support your proposal. Where's that going to come from? Any marine biologist on here?

Good idea, if you get it right.

[Labyrinthfish]

Contact Jp molloy aka Rampant Wreckfish.

He works for the fisheries board and would know how to begin to forward your proposal.

[Matt Bass]

There is a wealth of knowledge you might be able to access via the BASS society - even though its predominantly UK and Channel island research I feel the the science will differ little. Some of the members involved on the restoration comittee would be a good starting point. Looking through the web site might also provide some info and a few contacts.

As a UK angler I have always been impressed by the existance of a close season in Ireland but always baffled by its timing. I guess given that they move offshore to spawn and pair trawlers should not be bothering them given your ban on bass fishing in Irish terratorial waters, to me it seems likely to lead to much difference, however if a ban was ever lifted (a terrible day that would be) having a close season at the right time would make a huge difference.

[ROADRUNNER]

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=20739

Thanks Art

[beachcomber]

I like the sound of any proposal linked to conservation, increasing numbers of anglers targeting bass and rapidly improving lures result in more bass being landed, how does a reduction in total 24 hr catch to 1 bass sound?

[eric]

I like the sound of any proposal linked to conservation, increasing numbers of anglers targeting Bass and rapidly improving lures result in more Bass being landed, how does a reduction in total 24 hr catch to 1 Bass sound?

pointless, its obvious that the current legislation is working, we are catching more bass every year. their stocks are healthy and are improving. leave things be.

[trout hunter jnr]

I have to agree with Eric here. With the amount of schoolie bass around it doesn't really matter because their stocks are growing and every year.

[Danny M.]

I thinks more troops on the ground in the way of fisheries officers is the way forward, but not likely in the current economic climate, especially with talks of cut backs/pay cuts etc with the forth coming budget to try balance the books.

There is Bass being being pulled out of the waters around the south east coast via nets to beat the band.

But unfortunately I dont foresee any changes in the current protection system we have in place at the moment.

Danny.

[seanie35]

i think with spawning and colder water temps during the winter that the angler is the least of bass stock worries its the trawlers that plunder the spawning grounds do far more damage , also as there is regional variations in spawning times the nail would never be hit on the head and unless the ban was for at least a few months to cover all variations. although bowing to commercial fishermen the ban in place currently by default helps the bass over a susceptible period in their yearly cycle "when they come on the feed after spawning" .

[JimH]

Cold, hard scientific data can be provided to support Danny M's comment on this thread regarding the illegal Wexford bass fishery - their called photographs!