Short life

We got out at 6pm again yesterday, same area. At just past high slack, we ran over 2 keeper fluke, I netted both in one scoop and marked the spot. We short drifted the area a few more times and had decent sized fluke but nothing big enough.

The amount of bait and short fish in this area is crazy. Why do we keep seeing these short fish early year after year? This spring scenario has been ongoing for over 10 years. I am sure the draggers are taking their toll, but shouldn't some nice fish make it through? Do these fish abandon this area as they mature, never to return? 20 to 25 years ago, one or two five-pound fish in the box would be commonplace this time of year. Now, a five-pound fish is a trophy.

Then big fish are examine, but the average size is way up over last year. And there is more bait around than I've seen in years. But it's small bait, and I'm guessing those bigger fish are looking for something else?

But George, fluke grow fast. Shouldn't those plentiful 17" and 18" fish we were catching last spring be keepers this year? The draggers can't be netting them all.
regards Holty

I'm not disagreeing, but there are some guys I know limiting. Usually we see the big ones by now, but I see this bait as a positive sign and I just hope it sticks around. Lets face it @holty , the deck is stacked against us. An 18 3/4 inch fluke is a healthy dinner in my book. But sadly we're slowly being regulated out of the fishery.

On Monday, I couldn't believe how many double headers hit the deck. Never seen doubled up fluke before.

Then big fish are examine, but the average size is way up over last year. And there is more bait around than I've seen in years. But it's small bait, and I'm guessing those bigger fish are looking for something else?

Yes the sand eels are very small being spit out on the deck. Two weeks ago there was a steady pick of keepers in that area. But day after day of keepers coming up eventually that body of fish become shorts and keepers are few and far between. Hopefully a new body of fish move in. Also anyone that fishes for fluke all know there is that window of tide the big fish chew. Sounds like Allykat was on them in that window of tide.