Is it possible for the genetics of a species to grow to epic sizes to be lost?
The Texas record sand trout was 6.5 pounds and caught 51 years ago. The Louisiana state record sand trout was a whopping 11 pounds and was caught in 1973.
Their number 10 fish was caught in 1975 and weighed 7.25 pounds.
The biggest sandie I have ever caught was about 10 years ago and it weighed 2.5 pounds. I was absolutely shocked at catching one so big.
When was the last time you caught one that weighed over a pound? Think about it.
Shrimping-related bycatch has had a severe impact on sand trout populations along the Gulf Coast. Estimates indicate that bycatch can account for up to 40% of the global marine catch, exacerbating the decline of non-target species like trout.
If those kind of pressures can cause a decline in sand trout size what about flounder?
The Texas record of 13-pounds has lasted since 1976!
And what about speckled trout?
We should probably not make conservation decisions based on trying to produce record-sized fish but in the loss of giant specimens we can see we have failed at some level in conserving species. Maybe this food for thought can inspire us to look at the long-term conservation of marine species.
Chester Moore