Page 24 - Discover Summer 2022
P. 24
Fisherman’s Almanac CONTINUED
F is he rma n ’ s Alma nac C O NTINUED
SML. They offer a snapshot of what size DWR. The club feels that the more data
and how many fish that local anglers are VA DWR has, the better equipped they
catching. are to make decisions about the SML
The fish head collection is the most Striped Bass fishery. The Striped Bass
interesting part of his study. There is a Angler Journals are available in paper
small bone in the Striped Bass inner ear form, or in electronic versions that are easy
called the otolith. DWR extracts this to access on your phone or computer.
bone, because with it, they can determine The SMSC was affected by Covid-19
the age of the individual Striped Bass and took about a year-long break from
by counting the calcified rings (much meetings and activities. The Covid-19
like trees). This age break gave the club
determination is an opportunity to
critical in identifying change its leadership
the overall health and recognize new
of the Striped Bass opportunities for
fishery. involvement. The club
For example, a 6 selected 3 new board
year old Striped Bass members and retained
should measure 26- 2 past board members.
28 inches in length. Chad Gilmore is the
If DWR, through the President, Jon Anderson
fish head collection is the Vice President,
data, notices that Pat McClenaghan is the
six-year-old fish are Treasurer, Joel Janecek
only about 22 inches is the Secretary and
long, they will start Mike Ward is Member
to investigate why the fish aren’t tracking at Large. The Smith Mountain Striper
along the published growth rate chart. In Club would like to invite you to one of
such a case, the forage base may not be their meetings, so that you can meet the
adequate to support the fish population, club members and learn more about these
and the likely recommendation would elusive giants that roam SML. We look
be that stocking should be reduced until
forward to meeting you!
growth rates show improvement.
The SMSC has made an increased effort
For detailed information for the expert and
post Covid-19 pause to provide more
novice alike, visit the SMSC website: www.
Striped Bass Angler Journals to VA
smithmountainstriperclub.com
22 Discover Smith Mountain Lake SUMMER 2022
