Recent stock assessment papers show a renewed interest in using explicit forms for the stock-recruitment relationship. These include the classical recruitment curves of Beverton and Holt, and Ricker, as well as more recent ones proposed by Cushing, Deriso and Schnute, and Shepherd. I interpret these various stock-recruitment curves in the context of the stock reduction analysis model recently proposed by Kimura and Tagart, and Kimura, Balsiger, and Ito. Fits to the stock reduction analysis model can provide equilibrium biomass and equilibrium yield curves that are based on delay difference equation population dynamics. Although not generally recognized, the particular family of stock-recruitment curves that is used can strongly affect the conclusions of a stock assessment. Levels of exploitation that appear near optimum under one family of recruitment curves, may force a stock to extinction under another. This problem is explored in an example reassessing a Pacific ocean perch ( Sebastes alutus ) population using the stock reduction analysis model.