^ Rich I think in 2002 it was noticable as well. Just starting to decline.
An article from 1977. 5 years before changes were being made--

FISHING: Striped bass population threatened by extinction?
Montgomery, Monty
Jun 5, 1977; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Boston Globe (1872-1982)
pg. 95
http://nycflyfishing.com/1977%20Striped%20Bass%20column.pdf