Dedication to conservation
"There is a window in time, and that is now, when we could forever lose a precious ocean heritage, or we could develop the foundation for an enduring legacy, an ocean ethic...an inspired gift from the 20th century to all who follow us." -- Dr. Sylvia Earle
As leaders in fish conservation, the High Hill Striper Club has historically been and continues to be actively involved in campaigns which seek to maintain a sustainable and abundant population of recreational species of fish. As most obviously evidenced by the decimation of striped bass prior to the 1980s, sound fisheries management is imperative to the future our sport and as a result, has long been an important goal of High Hill.
Over the course of the existence of the club, several members have taken active roles in the development of recreational and commercial fishing legislation to prohibit the exploitation of striped bass and other gamefish. Our members have been involved with several committees, lobbied legislators and have written countless letters which have helped keep fish populations from a seemingly certain demise. These committees include the Marine Resources Advisory Council, the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Commission and the Friends of the Striper Committee, to name just a few. These passionate gentlemen include, but are certainly not limited to, such surf fishing legends as Fred Schwab, Bob Rance
and Bill “Doc” Muller. In recent years, my mentor, Ed Messina has carried the torch lit by Fred Schwab. Moving forward, Ed has instilled the High Hill Striper Club’s conservation ethic in me, and has made me proud and excited to carry that ethic to future generations of High Hill members.
On the beach, High Hill members continue to pride themselves on their conservation-minded ethic by practicing “Catch and Release.” In 2002, the club captured first place in the New York Surf Fishing Contest “Release Points” category (with 10,381 points); over 3 times the total of the club which placed second with 3,275 points. Furthermore, members utilize the utmost care when handling fish to be released and refrain from the use of equipment which may be detrimental to fish survival. It is without a doubt that this behavior is exemplary for other surf fisherman to observe, respect and adopt as their own.
As leaders in fish conservation, the High Hill Striper Club has historically been and continues to be actively involved in campaigns which seek to maintain a sustainable and abundant population of recreational species of fish. As most obviously evidenced by the decimation of striped bass prior to the 1980s, sound fisheries management is imperative to the future our sport and as a result, has long been an important goal of High Hill.
Over the course of the existence of the club, several members have taken active roles in the development of recreational and commercial fishing legislation to prohibit the exploitation of striped bass and other gamefish. Our members have been involved with several committees, lobbied legislators and have written countless letters which have helped keep fish populations from a seemingly certain demise. These committees include the Marine Resources Advisory Council, the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Commission and the Friends of the Striper Committee, to name just a few. These passionate gentlemen include, but are certainly not limited to, such surf fishing legends as Fred Schwab, Bob Rance
and Bill “Doc” Muller. In recent years, my mentor, Ed Messina has carried the torch lit by Fred Schwab. Moving forward, Ed has instilled the High Hill Striper Club’s conservation ethic in me, and has made me proud and excited to carry that ethic to future generations of High Hill members.
On the beach, High Hill members continue to pride themselves on their conservation-minded ethic by practicing “Catch and Release.” In 2002, the club captured first place in the New York Surf Fishing Contest “Release Points” category (with 10,381 points); over 3 times the total of the club which placed second with 3,275 points. Furthermore, members utilize the utmost care when handling fish to be released and refrain from the use of equipment which may be detrimental to fish survival. It is without a doubt that this behavior is exemplary for other surf fisherman to observe, respect and adopt as their own.