The new striped bass size limits are designed to restrict the harvest of larger striped bass when survival of catch-and-release fish is high, but allow harvest of this game fish during the summer when survival is typically low, Wilson explained.

"Studies have consistently shown that catch-and-release of striped bass in the summer months results in very high mortality," he said. "Most of these striped bass die one to three days after release and most sink to the bottom and never surface.

"Consequently, anglers should not release striped bass during the summer months. The VDGIF encourages anglers to quit fishing after catching their two-fish limit in the months of June through September. Catch-and-release is recommended for striped bass from October through May."

Todd Keith agrees that the fishery is recovering. The guide said another plus is that the threadfin shad population has improved, and gizzard shad and alewives remain a major food source as well. He is also a fan of the new slot limit.

"I love the slot limit," Keith said. "It gives an angler a chance at a bigger fish sometime down the line, and maybe, eventually, even a state record. Basically, what the slot is doing is protecting 8- to 20-pound fish. Of course, a 37-incher (or a fish weighing 20 pounds or more) will earn a citation."

Since our outing took place during the catch-and-release period and all fish caught fell within the slot, the four stripers we landed obviously had to be released. However, even if the fish we caught had been outside the slot, Keith would have strongly suggested releasing them. He made sure that the stripers, after a few pictures, were quickly set free. The guide believes that catching and releasing stripers will accelerate their recovery.

HOTSPOTS AND TAGGING PROGRAM
Wilson noted that striped bass dwell throughout the Piedmont reservoir for much of the year. The only time this is not true is when they move to the lower lake area during the heat of summer and early fall. A good general place to prospect for fish is between the dam and Buoy 64 on the Roanoke arm and up to Buoy 40 on the Backwater arm.

At this time of year, the fish can be found in coves, tributaries and the main lake. As Wilson noted, striped bass are notorious travelers and may dramatically change positions depending on shad movements and water temperature fluctuations not only now in the winter, but also at any time of the year.

Wilson said that the VDGIF began a tagging study in the fall of 2001, one of the goals being to learn more about this fish's movements. Other objectives include learning more about catch and harvest rates, survival and population dynamics. Three-inch yellow tags have been attached to abdominal areas on the fish.

The biologist instructs anglers who catch these particular fish to clip the tags (do not pull tags loose as this could harm the fish) and send them to the address printed on them. All returned tags will be worth one of the following amounts: $5, $10, $20, $35 or $50. Additionally, fishermen should print the following information on a tag: date fish was caught, buoy marker number nearest to location of capture, length of fish, and was the fish harvested or released. Tagged fish do not have to be harvested for an individual to collect the reward.

Wilson stated that the VDGIF usually does not collect stripers over 8 pounds, but that data on these larger fish is much desired, especially in light of the new regulations and the past problems with the fishery. If anglers decide to harvest stripers 8 pounds or more, the biologist requests that they freeze the heads and bring them to the Virginia Outdoorsman store in Moneta; the VDGIF periodically picks up the heads. The store has a form where anglers can fill out data on their catch.

The VDGIF biologist noted that if anglers would like to know the age and year the fish was stocked, they should include their mailing address and the VDGIF will send that information after the fish has been aged. Most game fish have an inner ear bone in the head (termed "otolith") from which the age is determined. Each otolith contains rings similar to tree rings and they can be counted for an accurate age determination.