[rickstr66]

Tyler, I expect him to tell the truth. Its his job to watch over and manage the fisheries of NH. If one were in trouble or in decline its his JOB to let the public know so steps can be taken to fix the problem.What do you think hes going to do ? Lie? What basis do you have to assume this? The facts as you refer to have shown a 3 year upward swing in the average size of bass. How is that a decline? Are as many 3 and 4 pound smallies swimming around as there were 20 years ago? probably not but I bet if you go back 40 and 60 years ago you would see the same results. As population increases and fishing popularity increases more fish are going to be caught. Bass fisherman do a lot to protect their catch. Its in our best interest to do so.
I posted a study on Smallmouth bass' ability to return to ther "home range" after being released from a tournament. You dismissed it and only wanted to rely on your study. BTW your study was done on Largemouth, not Smallmouth. Even though they are both Bass, they behave in very different manners. A Largemouth is more likely to stay where it is released , especially if the right habitat and forage is available to it.I feel the study i quoted, done on smallmouth prove just the opposite of what you state. Smallmouth overwhelmingly find their way home, and in a relitivly short amout of time. Mortality was also VERY low as only 1 in 18 bass actually died after not only being held in a livewell and driven around the lake but also have a surgical proceedure done to implant a tracking device. Speaks volumes for the bass' ability to survive and thrive. Your post couldn't be more incorrect. Please dont dismiss what doesnt support your point of view and treat as gospel that which supports your claims.