I think Cecil is correct ! Bingo - now we have a good idea of why.

A couple of points. Most state and fed biologists are good guys trying to follow policy. Keep in mind that most times they have to keep advice and comments as simple as possible because they are helping people with little if any understanding of fisheries science. Same for the state level publications - lots of good knowledge but often dated and simplistic. Why because of budget and audience and policy goals (food production not recreation) not because they are not good biologists.

My point is the more you know the more you can sift through all the advice both good and bad and thus make your best decision. Always question simple answers that don't sound right.