The fishing pressure now vs. 'then'(60'-70's-80's) was probably much different
than what you stated. First of all, 'then' the commercial fishing fleet was
made up of just about everyone who fished for stripers. No license, limit was
18". It was much rarer to see a fish released than to see a 40# fish caught
back 'then'. The mortality rate was nearly 100% back 'then'.
I don't see the picket fences today which used to form at the hot spots when
the fish were in 'then'. It was often literally shoulder to shoulder fishing
at times. Many fishermen complain about the crowded condition of the Herring
Run on the Canal. It used to be much more crowded 'then' than it is now. I can
remember having to go all the way to the Cribin or the Mussel Bed to find a
spot to fish back in the early 70's.