There are reportedly 54.2 million anglers in the United States, according to a 2023 study by the American Sportfishing Association.

This time of year, all over the country, fishermen and fisherwomen head out to their favorite fishing holes in search of “The Big One.”

People book with guides and resorts or research their dream vacation on and around the water. Many states tout record catches to lure in tourists. In Idaho, a record steelhead, measuring a staggering 41 inches long, was caught in October.

In September, a mammoth alligator gar weighing in at 283 pounds, holds the world record as the largest freshwater fish ever caught in Texas or anywhere in the U.S.

While many will search for that fish of a lifetime, most will just enjoy each other’s company, nature, and a bit of fun on the water.

Where Do These Monsters Come From?

The U.S. stocks waterways in nearly all 50 states. In Maryland inland waters, this is the time of the year when state fish and wildlife departments start to stock their waterways with preseason trout and salmon species.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) introduces over 73 fish species annually into America’s waterways, including imperiled and sport fish. Smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, steelhead, and coho salmon are some of the most sought-after.

The warm weather this winter and spring has proven excellent for early-season fishing, bringing anglers out in droves.

How Does Stocking Work?

Congress established the Federal program in 1950 to restore and better manage America’s declining fish resources. But fish hatcheries are not a 20th-century phenomenon. An angler could go out on the water today and catch a fish whose ancestor originated in a federal hatchery in 1872.

Fishery managers and scientists generally stock three sizes of fish — fry, fingerlings, and catchables. Fry fish are just a few days old, while fingerlings can be several months old. As the name implies, the catchables are the size anglers are looking for.

Growing fish need additional food, and managers stretch allocated budgets and strategically time fish releases to ensure success. Optimal size determination is usually done on a species level since different fish species will thrive at various sizes after release. For instance, small rainbow trout rarely survive when released as fry. Raising rainbow trout to a larger size is more cost-effective before stocking them.

Biologists monitor hatcheries closely and test fish for disease. They tested rainbow trout at a hatchery in Virginia to discover whirling disease caused by a microscopic parasite. Officials euthanized 40,000 catchable fish in an attempt to stop the spread.

Some Stocking Concerns

Though stocking has fervent supporters, it also has its share of dissenters.

There have been instances where stocked fish, even if they are the same species, compete with native populations to damage the natives. One such species is the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Nonnative rainbow, brown, and brook trout introduced into their range contributed to the species’ decline.

Every time fish enter new waterways, the risk of contamination, disease, invasive plants, or other introduction of organisms becomes a concern.

The stocked fish prey on and compete with natives. Interbreeding is also a concern since the young may not be able to survive. Conversely, they may be more hardy and overtake native species.

Some argue that the stocking program wastes money and resources since most introduced fish do not know how to survive in the wild and die. A Nature article cites a Scientific Reports study from November 2023, which found the survival rate of juvenile cisco after one year is 2%.

Why Stock Waterways?

The governments stock many waters around the country for several reasons, including recreational fishing. Angling for fun brings in approximately $148 billion in revenue annually, according to the American Sportfishing Association, not to mention the federal and state taxes collected from these activities. It supports 945,500 jobs, including diners, bait shops, and fuel stations. The local and state economies benefit from tourists visiting their localities searching for the next record fish.

Scientists introduce some species for predation. They release predators in hopes that they will manage the populations of smaller species during an increase in numbers. This increase is likely to trigger a period when the ecosystem becomes over-foraged. In other words, the predators keep the correct balance in nature.

Fish biologists stock threatened or endangered species to promote natural breeding and protect natural diversity.

Professionals also stock native species to boost their numbers until conditions in the waterway improve. There are many success stories where a species has been brought back from near extinction to thrive due to stocking.

Who Pays for the States To Raise and Stock Fish?

Much of the money collected from state fishing licenses and permits supports the maintenance of waterways and the breeding and releasing programs. Additional funding is through the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Program from the USFWS.

The federal portion of this investment collects funds from excise taxes on sports, fishing, and marine purchases, such as a tax on the portion of fuel sales attributed to small engine crafts and motorboats. It boils down to one fact: the anglers fund stocking programs.

The Bottom Line for Anglers

Fishermen benefit from all this research and cost by catching their biggest fish. It may not even be about the biggest; perhaps it’s the perfect size for eating. Stocked fisheries can increase the chances of daily catch and take limit raises.

The recent state records have increased faster than they have for years. Many records held for 50+ have shattered in the last five years. A record 17.44-pound rainbow trout in Maryland is a good example. So is the 66-pound, 6-ounce flathead catfish caught in Pennsylvania in 2023.

Filling the freezer with fresh, sustainable, healthy protein is a novel way to feed the family and save money. The next angler could be the lucky one.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks. Wealth of Geeks is a website where financial wellness meets pop culture in a blend that’s as informative as it is entertaining. Read the original article at: https://wealthofgeeks.com/fish-stocking-americas-waterways/