Tony and Will drop in for a rapid reaction from the ASMFC Spring Meeting. Topics include the latest on red drum, spanish mackerel and striped bass.

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With the life of a fishing guide already being so chaotic, it’s hard to imagine how a simultaneous career as a musician is even possible. Balancing both of these journeys along with family life has become the norm for Chuck Ragan, a fly-fishing guide and musician based out of California. While Chuck has experienced a professional life most could only dream of, his proudest memories are based around his son. In this episode, we highlight a game changer in the fullest sense: someone lives as a shining example of "doing it your own way".

Consistent spawning production is paramount to a fishery’s long-term health. Many environmental factors are suspected to impact annual spawning production, and understanding these effects is crucial for conserving this fishery. For Atlantic striped bass, the right conditions are linked to high flows, a cool spring and a moderate temperature rise through the season, but these three factors only don’t tell the whole story.

In this episode, ASGA’s Policy Director Tony Friedrich is joined by Martin Gary, Director of the Division of Marine Resources for New York DEP. Marty’s previous fisheries experience includes time with PRFC and Maryland DNR. While the Chesapeake community dearly misses his four decades of experience and leadership, Marty has seen the best and worst of this fishery and will play a critical role in its future up in New York.

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Luyen Chou is the founder of the GotOne app. In this episode, Luyen stops by The Guide Post to recount tales of hunting sheepshead in the marsh of Louisiana and talk about the challenges of fisheries data. Luyen expresses hope for a revolution in capturing high-quality data at scale to better understand the fish we love to catch.

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The ASMFC Striped Bass Management Board held a formal review of the state implementation plans for the new regulations under the recently passed Addendum II. During this meeting, the Board voted to find the PA, MD and PRFC jurisdictions out of compliance. This vote passed 11-3-1-0 (full motion transcribed below):

“Move to approve Addendum II state implementation plans as discussed today with the following exceptions:

-PA: not planning to adhere to the May 1 implementation deadline; and

-MD, PRFC: not planning to adhere to the commercial quota overage payback provision for deductions to occur in the following year

These jurisdictions must submit revised implementation plans by April 12, 2024. The Management Board will review and consider approval of the revised state implementation plans at its May 1, 2024 meeting.” (11-3-1-0)

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It's nice to take a break from the doldrums of fisheries science and management to grab a seat at the bar and simply talk about fishing, from tactics you've never considered to fish stories too absurd to make up. In our our second episode of SHOP TALK, fishing guides spread out throughout the east coast sit down with the ASGA team to do exactly that. Pour a coffee, take a seat on the bench and join us for a bit of shop talk.

Ben Martens of the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association stops by the Guide Post to talk about rebuilding in New England after big storms and the resilience of the working waterfront.

"The impact of January's storms on Maine's working waterfront is currently beyond comprehension. The devastation occurred rapidly, yet the reconstruction process will likely span years." Learn more about the impacts of recent severe weather on the waterman community by clicking here.

The Guide Post

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There are few people as well-respected in the outdoor industry as Hilary Hutcheson. Hilary is an experienced, veteran guide in Montana with a lengthy resume of global travels. In addition to her pursuits on the water, Hilary keeps a packed schedule on land, serving as a board member for multiple organizations including AFFTA and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Advocacy is laced into everything Hutcheson does, from her past career in journalism to film work and industry ambassadorship. Hilary truly walks the walk, pushing the brands she works with to recognize their role of responsibility in conservation and challenging them to be courageous in difficult conversations. We couldn’t think of a better role model for upcoming anglers, guides and industry members - and we’re extremely excited to bring a thoughtful conservation with one of the best to Blane’s podcast series.