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IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: stuckinohio on Dec 20, 2020, 03:42 PM

Title: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 20, 2020, 03:42 PM
I watch a lot of ice fishing videos on Youtube and I see a LOT of catch and release videos.
Jen and I are always sitting there asking each other why. I mean... It wouldn't even occur to us, unless they were not keepers or were breeders.

But all the time, we are seeing eaters being tossed all day long and none kept too many time.
We just dont get it.

Anyone here that can explain this to me, I would listen with an open mind but I honestly just dont get it.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: zcm_82 on Dec 20, 2020, 03:50 PM
I love catching fish, never been big on eating them, so back in the drink they go. I've just never been especially fond of the taste of fish. 🤷‍♂️
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: RapShack on Dec 20, 2020, 03:54 PM
Are you the guys who saw me releasing short bass and said "hey well take those?" and then I said "they aren't even legal" and then the wife said "doesn't matter to us!"?  I don't get it, someone explain please?

I fish almost every day.  I go fishing because I enjoy it, not because I want to eat fish for every meal.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: meandcuznalfy on Dec 20, 2020, 03:59 PM
I don't eat very many trout, but like catching them, so I put them all back, sometimes I'll offer the ones I catch to others around me.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Ole Polanski on Dec 20, 2020, 04:09 PM
I can only speak for myself on this. And I'm only a trout chaser! To me, IF...U arent gonna eat them and/or they arent gut hooked or bleedin why NOT put them back so maybe someone else like me or better yet a young kid can enjoy catchin them again?? Trout here are stocked and can easily be cleaned out by those killin everythin they catch!  Just my 2 pennys worth!!  Does make U mad to see piles of fish left on the ice or in ice holes by "the killers" tho! No justication what so ever to do that!  Hopefully U get your question answered so U can understand our view point!  Stay safe and well...
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Iceassin on Dec 20, 2020, 04:11 PM
The only release I do is the runts. All biguns' come home with me. And in all of my years ( a lot ) of fishing, I have never depleted a body of water of "quality" fish. They are there every year. As long as I follow my states DNR guidelines...which I do.. I'm good. No remorse.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: skifisher on Dec 20, 2020, 04:16 PM
To me it’s all about the experience of ice fishing. Catching fish is just an added bonus. Many people like to catch fish to eat, and I do too on occasion. Releasing them is my prerogative, and I will let them go out of respect for the resource. As long as you are keeping and donating fish within the regulations, I have no problem with that...it’s YOUR prerogative! I have a difficult time with the guy who over takes his limit, or otherwise violates the rules. Good Fishing! Ski
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: esox_xtm on Dec 20, 2020, 04:24 PM
Here's my take:

For the most part those folks fish ALOT. AND often they catch fish. I know the "fill the freezer" mentality. Usta be there. Then, sure enough, every coupla years I'd find some freezer burned hunk(s) of fish jammed in back or the bottom not fit for human consumption so it would get pitched. Can't feed it to the pets, good as I am, they don't know how to look out for any stray bones. My new personal rules became if I've got two meals in the freezer it's C&R unless I'm eating that catch fresh in the next 24 hours. Just me.

Additionally, there are possession limits. That's the total amount of fish you can have in your possession at any given time. In WI it's one daily bag limit plus that same amount in your fridge, freezer, cooler. where ever. That means if the daily bag limit for walleyes is 5, I can catch 5 walleyes and take 'em home. I can do that again tomorrow too. BUT if I put 'em all in the freezer and I go fishing again I would be violating to keep any of my walleye catch.

Back to the celebrity anglers: Since they have reputations to maintain how would that look if they not only catch fish but a ticket for violating whatever at where ever? Not so hot. So C&R is really necessary for lots of those folks. Of course they promote C&R as well and yep, it's sound silly to folks like us that have time where we struggle to catch fish with any regularity. But we're not them.

I got hollered at for keeping a 22" walleye during the spawning run one year. "You're killing millions of walleyes!" It was the only fish we caught all weekend and we only made the one trip that year. Sure, I was the bad guy but it was ONE FISH. C&R is a slippery slope both for folks that do or don't. Usually I just try and mind my own business. If someone doesn't like it I consider that their problem.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 20, 2020, 04:26 PM
Here's my take:
Usually I just try and mind my own business. If someone doesn't like it I consider that their problem.

Great answer!!!!!

X2
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Dave R on Dec 20, 2020, 04:43 PM
I only keep enough for a meal. The rest go back down the hole.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 20, 2020, 04:54 PM
I can understand releasing fish.  Especially if you fish a lot.  But, I only fish 2 or 3 times a week.  We only eat fish once or twice a week.  However, even if I limit out when I go, I'm not going to throw the fish back.  And, I don't freeze fish, at all!!!  I just don't like them if they aren't fresh.  What I do is clean them and give them to friends and family that don't fish.  I have a few elderly friends that very much enjoy fish but can't get out.  I'm not going to take more then my limit, but if I can catch a limit, they always go home to be used by someone.

X2 - I was a major provider of trout this summer to an elderly couple near my cabin who were very grateful for what they received.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: lefty2053 on Dec 20, 2020, 05:06 PM
Used to keep fish a lot. Then it dawned on me my wife doesn't eat fish so I started releasing almost everything. During the Winter I might bring home 2-4 but that is it. I even catch and release from the boat. Bend the barbs down on my lures so they come off easier. I have a brother in law and his 2 boys mad at me for catch and release. But why catch and freeze everything just because I can?
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Iceassin on Dec 20, 2020, 05:11 PM
And I'm good with frozen fish. The secret? 2 dont's...over rinse too long after cleaning and NEVER soak in salt water. Zip lock freezer bags 3/4 full of water...burp the air...into the freezer. Re-rinse a little after thawing. Good for about a year. Never had a complaint from those I gave to or fixed for.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Dec 20, 2020, 05:19 PM
I only fish for and keep panfish and pike during the winter.and some early spring walleye.mainly due to cleaning fish is easier in the winter as they are full of crap and stink more in the warmer months.i do alot of catch,photo and release except for winter.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Arctic Addict on Dec 20, 2020, 05:35 PM
I typically only fish for Lake Trout through the ice.  Very seldom do I keep one.  For me, I am after a PB ever time I fish.  Obviously, it doesn't always happen but that is what drive me to fish along with being outside and taking it all in.  Lake Trout in my area are "managed" but the fishery has taken a beating.  Given that the trout I catch can be 15-25 years old, and I'm not starving, I release them.  I fish every weekend and I would like to see the fishery continue for generations to come. 
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Evinrude58 on Dec 20, 2020, 05:40 PM
For me it is simple math. I fish 4-5 days a week about 48-50 weeks a year. I mainly target Crappie and do quite well at catching them. If I caught and kept 2 limits a week (I could do that easily most weeks) that would be 60 a week of 10" or better fish. Since it is just me and the wife we normally use 3 fish a meal, so 60 fish would be twenty meals a week. So I release most of what I catch because I don't want to eat fish 3 times a day.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: RStock521 on Dec 20, 2020, 05:40 PM
I'll keep fish on occassion, but like mentioned above, I normally only keep a small inventory in the freezer these days and C&R the rest.  Part of it is that I'm lazy.  After a long day out on the ice, the last thing I want to do spend a couple hours cleaning fish and cleaning up all that mess.  Maybe it's just that I'm getting old  :-\
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Rebelss on Dec 20, 2020, 05:41 PM
X2 - I was a major provider of trout this summer to an elderly couple near my cabin who were very grateful for what they received.

I'd be grateful too. I'll PM ya my address.   ;D

C&R for me too......more about just being out in the outdoors in the boat and catching some.
I like Fall best. Pulled one after another of these in one late afternoon this September...kept enough
for din-din, and the rest went back in.


(https://i.postimg.cc/ns1Qjq7n/DSC05044.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ns1Qjq7n)
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Arctic Addict on Dec 20, 2020, 05:44 PM
I'll keep fish on occassion, but like mentioned above, I normally only keep a small inventory in the freezer these days and C&R the rest.  Part of it is that I'm lazy.  After a long day out on the ice, the last thing I want to do spend a couple hours cleaning fish and cleaning up all that mess.  Maybe it's just that I'm getting old  :-\

Totally agree, way better at the end of the day to have a nice cold beer and tell fish stories then process fish. 
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Buckshots on Dec 20, 2020, 05:47 PM
I can understand releasing fish.  Especially if you fish a lot.  But, I only fish 2 or 3 times a week.  We only eat fish once or twice a week.  However, even if I limit out when I go, I'm not going to throw the fish back.  And, I don't freeze fish, at all!!!  I just don't like them if they aren't fresh.  What I do is clean them and give them to friends and family that don't fish.  I have a few elderly friends that very much enjoy fish but can't get out.  I'm not going to take more then my limit, but if I can catch a limit, they always go home to be used by someone.
So if I’m reading this correctly, you are admitting to taking home more than you are legally allowed?

2-3 times a week is a lot IMO. I don’t keep many fish because we just don’t eat it that often. Maybe twice a month. A limit of panfish goes a long ways. I like to catch fish to catch fish, not to eat them. I also hate cleaning fish. I can keep everything I catch, and I’ll end up with a freezer full of old fish I’ve never ate.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Dec 20, 2020, 05:54 PM
A limit of panfish does not go a long way in this household.i got to fight the heathens off to get a few fish in my belly!!lol when my kid was younger i could get by with 15 fish but now the wife and kid love fish and we eat a limit of fish for dinner easily.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DrummerManDrew on Dec 20, 2020, 06:15 PM
A guy from Colorado sends me this picture of about 13 trout between 10-14”. He tells me that is was his buddy out there and his buddy sent him a picture, and he was sharing this picture with everyone??? Thoughts? So... I explained to him that it’s always fortunate for the one guy who’s knows all the rules for them not to apply to him.

In my opinion, if your going to catch it to eat it, play by the rules. Yes it is annoying when your having a great day on the water, but conservation and not over harvesting a lake it just as important. CO has the worst influx of people and the reservoirs are suffering big time from all of these people, not playing by the rules.

Just my opinion on catch and release
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: zcm_82 on Dec 20, 2020, 06:25 PM
I'll keep fish on occassion, but like mentioned above, I normally only keep a small inventory in the freezer these days and C&R the rest.  Part of it is that I'm lazy.  After a long day out on the ice, the last thing I want to do spend a couple hours cleaning fish and cleaning up all that mess.  Maybe it's just that I'm getting old  :-\

That's true here, too. On the rare occasion I do keep fish once or twice a year, it's just a couple channel catfish. One or two is plenty for a meal, and they're easy to clean. I hate cleaning fish.   :-\
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: esox_xtm on Dec 20, 2020, 06:26 PM
A limit of panfish does not go a long way in this household.i got to fight the heathens off to get a few fish in my belly!!lol when my kid was younger i could get by with 15 fish but now the wife and kid love fish and we eat a limit of fish for dinner easily.

You just gotta learn how to get on the bigguns Doc!  ;)2 I steered my Dad many years back when he was looking at retirement property. Was gonna be on a chain of lakes in late September. They stopped back on their way home and said I'm gonna leave some bluegills for your family. He left six and went home.  "What's everyone else gonna eat?" , I'm thinkin"...  Pan dressed (his usual), scaled, gutted, no head or dorsal but tail intact. Could only get one in a 10" pan at a time.

It was fine... ;)2

 ;)2
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: skifisher on Dec 20, 2020, 06:31 PM
Drummer, I couldn’t agree with you more. This is a definite violation of the regulations, (unless there were several others fishing with him), and should be addressed. It’s people like that who take more than they’re entitled to, and deplete the resources. I hate hearing that!
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: GBguy on Dec 20, 2020, 06:33 PM
Depends what I'm catching, but like others here, I have way more fun catching than I do cleaning, and I'm all alone so I don't need a bunch of fish for me. A handful of perch or panfish or maybe a whitefish or two.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: kasilofchrisn on Dec 20, 2020, 08:29 PM
I end up with so much fish from summer fishing fresh and saltwater that I don't need to keep any in winter but a meals worth here and there.
Properly vac sealed in our chamber vac or properly canned keeps them good for a long time.
I don't keep what I'm not going to eat except a few fish given to elders or others.
Fishing is still fun even if I'm not keeping them.
I guess I don't understand only going fishing to keep fish?
There are certainly times for both C&R and keeping fish.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stripernut on Dec 20, 2020, 09:19 PM
I like eating the saltwater fish that I catch more; Haddock, fluke, SeaBass, and Tutaog are just better eating... Most winters I do one maybe two trips for panfish for a fish fry. The rest go back down the hole to catch again!
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: TickleStick on Dec 20, 2020, 11:07 PM
I fish for fun not to eat...
 
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: VTLakers on Dec 21, 2020, 02:08 AM
I typically only fish for Lake Trout through the ice.  Very seldom do I keep one.  For me, I am after a PB ever time I fish.  Obviously, it doesn't always happen but that is what drive me to fish along with being outside and taking it all in.  Lake Trout in my area are "managed" but the fishery has taken a beating.  Given that the trout I catch can be 15-25 years old, and I'm not starving, I release them.  I fish every weekend and I would like to see the fishery continue for generations to come.

x2 Every time I go out I want to try to catch my PB.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Whopper Stopper on Dec 21, 2020, 05:01 AM
I spend a lot of hours in my dark/spear house every year.

Most days I don't even bring the spear, for me it's the enjoyment of watching the fish. Almost every year I see fish in the 20# class come to my decoy and eventually leave, it never gets old.

                    WS
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 21, 2020, 05:19 AM
And I'm good with frozen fish. The secret? 2 dont's...over rinse too long after cleaning and NEVER soak in salt water. Zip lock freezer bags 3/4 full of water...burp the air...into the freezer. Re-rinse a little after thawing. Good for about a year. Never had a complaint from those I gave to or fixed for.

Same here. Never had an issue.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 21, 2020, 05:27 AM
A guy from Colorado sends me this picture of about 13 trout between 10-14”. He tells me that is was his buddy out there and his buddy sent him a picture, and he was sharing this picture with everyone??? Thoughts? So... I explained to him that it’s always fortunate for the one guy who’s knows all the rules for them not to apply to him.

In my opinion, if your going to catch it to eat it, play by the rules. Yes it is annoying when your having a great day on the water, but conservation and not over harvesting a lake it just as important. CO has the worst influx of people and the reservoirs are suffering big time from all of these people, not playing by the rules.

Just my opinion on catch and release

I have to put my faith in harvest numbers being set by the biologist in charge of the bodies of water, as to over harvest. When people are not following those regulations then they are breaking a law and thats not anything that I am endorsing.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 21, 2020, 05:31 AM
I spend a lot of hours in my dark/spear house every year.

Most days I don't even bring the spear, for me it's the enjoyment of watching the fish. Almost every year I see fish in the 20# class come to my decoy and eventually leave, it never gets old.

                    WS

Never done this BUT... I could see why you do that. It does sound cool :)
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: zcm_82 on Dec 21, 2020, 06:12 AM
I spend a lot of hours in my dark/spear house every year.

Most days I don't even bring the spear, for me it's the enjoyment of watching the fish. Almost every year I see fish in the 20# class come to my decoy and eventually leave, it never gets old.

                    WS

Makes me really miss fishing from a spear house. I never speared much, but angling from one was always a good time... like watching an aquarium.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Dec 21, 2020, 06:26 AM
Yes spearing is great.although ive never seen a huge northern in the hole I decided when i first started to pass on all the trophies and spear the eaters.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Kourcha on Dec 21, 2020, 08:00 AM
I catch and release most my fish typically, I really only eat fish during the hard water season,  we cook our fish generally right as it comes out of the hole. My daughter enjoys eating fish more than I, for her its about catching a fish to eat she hates going home empty handed!
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: eriksat1 on Dec 21, 2020, 08:47 AM
A limit of panfish does not go a long way in this household.i got to fight the heathens off to get a few fish in my belly!!lol when my kid was younger i could get by with 15 fish but now the wife and kid love fish and we eat a limit of fish for dinner easily.

We eat a lot of fish also. add in 3 of my kids and 4 grand children and a limit doesn't go far. everyone like to come over when I mention I am making fish. I also do a lot of selective harvest only keep certain size fish along with rotating lakes so not to over pressure fish in any one lake.
Anyone who says they don't like to eat fish has never tasted my crappies breaded with shore lunch or Andy's Cajon and deep fryed in peanut oil.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: uncleshorty on Dec 21, 2020, 10:25 AM
I know guys who fill their freezers with stocked trout every spring.  Then a week before deer season they throw out all the trout to "make room for venison".

A week before trout season they throw out all the venison to "make room for trout".

I don't fish or hunt with idiots like that...
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 21, 2020, 10:30 AM
I know guys who fill their freezers with stocked trout every spring.  Then a week before deer season they throw out all the trout to "make room for venison".

A week before trout season they throw out all the venison to "make room for trout".

I don't fish or hunt with idiots like that...

Sounds like an enormous waste. Perhaps they give it to friends/relatives or at least a food program.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DrummerManDrew on Dec 21, 2020, 10:31 AM
Drummer, I couldn’t agree with you more. This is a definite violation of the regulations, (unless there were several others fishing with him), and should be addressed. It’s people like that who take more than they’re entitled to, and deplete the resources. I hate hearing that!

For me... What dude, shows other dudes, pictures of fish he buddy dude caught?... Has it really come down to this?
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 21, 2020, 03:45 PM
I know guys who fill their freezers with stocked trout every spring.  Then a week before deer season they throw out all the trout to "make room for venison".

A week before trout season they throw out all the venison to "make room for trout".

I love deer hunting and could shoot a dozen if I wanted to but we can only eat 4 a year, so thats all we shoot.
Fish? .... I can eat everything we catch in one day, any day. We stop fishing when we catch a limit or catch enough to eat + 2 meals in the freezer.

Quote
I don't fish or hunt with idiots like that...[/b]

Dont blame you.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 21, 2020, 03:47 PM
Sounds like an enormous waste. Perhaps they give it to friends/relatives or at least a food program.

Agreed whole heatedly.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: xiaolu on Dec 21, 2020, 04:15 PM
I can understand releasing fish.  Especially if you fish a lot.  But, I only fish 2 or 3 times a week.  We only eat fish once or twice a week.  However, even if I limit out when I go, I'm not going to throw the fish back. 
So if I understand you correctly, you are hereby openly admitting that you are taking home more fish than you are allowed (more than your legal limit)?
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DrummerManDrew on Dec 21, 2020, 06:04 PM
So if I understand you correctly, you are hereby openly admitting that you are taking home more fish than you are allowed (more than your legal limit)?

I went back to read the original post, the whole post and nothing but the post, and that's what it came across as... SNITCH..... are you saying that if you catch your limit - youll continue to keep fish because you give them to other people who don't fish?  what are you sayin!!!!!!?
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Sylvanboat on Dec 21, 2020, 06:49 PM
I don’t find fish that has been frozen to taste nearly as good as fresh fish. So I only keep what I can eat that or next day, subject to limits rules. All the rest are released.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 21, 2020, 06:50 PM
I went back to read the original post, the whole post and nothing but the post, and that's what it came across as... SNITCH..... are you saying that if you catch your limit - youll continue to keep fish because you give them to other people who don't fish?  what are you sayin!!!!!!?
Funny...
I read the post (the whole post) and didnt see that he was saying that at all.
Maybe I am wrong but I always understand that (when reading) a persons mind interprets what is said to that persons state of mind at the time. ;)
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: beast on Dec 21, 2020, 06:59 PM
Here's my take:

For the most part those folks fish ALOT. AND often they catch fish. I know the "fill the freezer" mentality. Usta be there. Then, sure enough, every coupla years I'd find some freezer burned hunk(s) of fish jammed in back or the bottom not fit for human consumption so it would get pitched. Can't feed it to the pets, good as I am, they don't know how to look out for any stray bones. My new personal rules became if I've got two meals in the freezer it's C&R unless I'm eating that catch fresh in the next 24 hours. Just me.

Additionally, there are possession limits. That's the total amount of fish you can have in your possession at any given time. In WI it's one daily bag limit plus that same amount in your fridge, freezer, cooler. where ever. That means if the daily bag limit for walleyes is 5, I can catch 5 walleyes and take 'em home. I can do that again tomorrow too. BUT if I put 'em all in the freezer and I go fishing again I would be violating to keep any of my walleye catch.
This.

Back to the celebrity anglers: Since they have reputations to maintain how would that look if they not only catch fish but a ticket for violating whatever at where ever? Not so hot. So C&R is really necessary for lots of those folks. Of course they promote C&R as well and yep, it's sound silly to folks like us that have time where we struggle to catch fish with any regularity. But we're not them.

I got hollered at for keeping a 22" walleye during the spawning run one year. "You're killing millions of walleyes!" It was the only fish we caught all weekend and we only made the one trip that year. Sure, I was the bad guy but it was ONE FISH. C&R is a slippery slope both for folks that do or don't. Usually I just try and mind my own business. If someone doesn't like it I consider that their problem.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 21, 2020, 07:34 PM
I watch a lot of ice fishing videos on Youtube and I see a LOT of catch and release videos.
Jen and I are always sitting there asking each other why. I mean... It wouldn't even occur to us, unless they were not keepers or were breeders.

But all the time, we are seeing eaters being tossed all day long and none kept too many time.
We just dont get it.

Anyone here that can explain this to me, I would listen with an open mind but I honestly just dont get it.


I'll never understand it I fish so I can eat them a whole lot cheaper than buying fish.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: eriksat1 on Dec 22, 2020, 08:51 AM

I'll never understand it I fish so I can eat them a whole lot cheaper than buying fish.

Now that is very debatable.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 22, 2020, 09:06 AM
Now that is very debatable.

In fact, cheap fish is a VERY tough sell, even with ice fishing. Add softwater and $50,000 boats and the fish at the supermarket becomes a very good deal.

Then, there is the cost of a pound of venison to consider, fully amortized...on second thought, let's not.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Wapiti406 on Dec 22, 2020, 09:08 AM
Now that is very debatable.

That's the same logic I use on my wife for why I have to hunt so much.  "We're saving so much money by killing our own food!"  We just don't talk about the gear/ gas/ time involved...
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 22, 2020, 09:17 AM
In fact, cheap fish is a VERY tough sell, even with ice fishing. Add softwater and $50,000 boats and the fish at the supermarket becomes a very good deal.

Then, there is the cost of a pound of venison to consider, fully amortized...on second thought, let's not.

I own a $600 boat I bought 3 years ago. I have maybe $1000 in ice fishing gear. I fish 5-7 days a week during the winter. I try to limit everytime and I take kids out as well so I'm the end I think fishing and hunting is alot cheaper then buying fish at the store or beef. Not to mention the look my my kids faces when we are crushing the fish PRICELESS
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: FishDoktor on Dec 22, 2020, 09:26 AM
I saw possession limits mentioned a few times. They do vary widely by state so make sure you check it. Not just in what the number is but what actually applies to the limit. In some states, fish you have at your home in your freezer count towards that limit. In others, its only fish you have with you in the field or in transport and fish in your freezer at home do not count. Idaho is that way for example. We have a 3X the daily limit for possession but fish at home in your freezer on your property do not apply to that limit.

I catch and release exclusively during the spring-summer-fall. I am mostly fly fishing and hiking up and down a river or up to a mountain lake so I just don't bother with it. When ice fishing, I used to always keep limits of trout and kokanee and would keep every decent sized fish of crappie, perch, bluegill, etc. But after having some long nights of cleaning, and struggling to get it all eaten in a decent time frame, I have scaled back a bit. I don't keep limits of trout anymore but will keep a few here and there depending on the quality of the fish and what I have at home (I also raise rainbow trout for a living so I can get a box of fillets pretty much anytime). I have gotten more selective on the panfish only keeping certain size fish and imposing self limits on numbers. I just enjoy fishing a lot so while being able to keep some fish is nice, its not the be all end all for me.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: jethro on Dec 22, 2020, 10:11 AM
You want to know what is real madness? Using smelt for bait. I will bet you ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS you will never catch anything using smelt that will taste better than the smelt itself. MADNESS I TELL YOU!
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: filetandrelease on Dec 22, 2020, 10:25 AM

 X2
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 22, 2020, 10:32 AM
In fact, cheap fish is a VERY tough sell, even with ice fishing. Add softwater and $50,000 boats and the fish at the supermarket becomes a very good deal.

Then, there is the cost of a pound of venison to consider, fully amortized...on second thought, let's not.


LOL!
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DucksAndDogs on Dec 22, 2020, 10:54 AM
I have to put my faith in harvest numbers being set by the biologist in charge of the bodies of water, as to over harvest. When people are not following those regulations then they are breaking a law and thats not anything that I am endorsing.



The Atlantic Cod fishery did, too.

The same people who say this are out badmouthing them for lowering deer numbers and the same folks that are complaining about how the fishing isn’t as good as it used to be.

I’m not objecting to keeping fish, just saying that keeping everything you catch and being admittedly clueless to the purpose of C&R is a problem in and of itself.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: FishDoktor on Dec 22, 2020, 11:03 AM
In fact, cheap fish is a VERY tough sell, even with ice fishing. Add softwater and $50,000 boats and the fish at the supermarket becomes a very good deal.

Then, there is the cost of a pound of venison to consider, fully amortized...on second thought, let's not.

On my first trip out this year I had a guy with me that spent the money on 2 jigging jaw jacker set ups. Jigger, jaw jacker, new rods, etc. He bought them last year and barely used them and didnt catch anything. He finally managed to catch a perch on one this year and myself and another guy with us both referred to that 9" perch as the $150 perch the rest of the day. He took his lumps. I also gave him a ration for sitting there jigging in one hole with a normal jigging rod. He had bought a new ICE 45 the previous season and it was just sitting next to him not being used. Asked him why he spend $400 on a paper weight. He started using it after that (he bought the 45 because he liked my 35 and he had to try to one up me....I still out fish him every year.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: TKfishing on Dec 22, 2020, 11:05 AM
I'm a believer that our lakes are more pressured than ever, and toss in recent advances in gear (just in the last 10 years), it's not going to take much to deplete a resource. The C&R movement is aimed at allowing for the increased fishing pressure so everyone can enjoying reeling a fish in, whatever species it may be.

I'm not that old, but can remember when I was a young lad and seeing the same guys re-drilling the same holes day after day throughout the winter and filling a bucket with panfish (not too long ago WI limits were 50 panfish). Those were the same guys that would say "the bites really slowed down the last couple days"... when asked how they were doing, almost like there was no acknowledgment to the 250+ panfish they'd already pulled out of the same area and as if it was an endless resource. Luckily this doesn't happen as often anymore, as like I said with the increased pressure we'd see a lot of lakes in some real trouble now.

Responsible catch and keep is possible, but requires everyone to self regulate, and that is hard for some people. As a whole the fishing community respects the variety of freshwater fishing resources we have in our country, and want to continue to pass that opportunity down to the next generation of fisherman and women. Usually for a meal of panfish, my wife and I will keep five or six fish and fry them up that night. Rarely do we put fish in the freezer anymore, as it's more fun to have to go and and catch it fresh if that's what we want for a meal.

I respect anyone's right to keep what they're going to eat, but will never agree with the crowd that hordes and stockpiles freezers of fish where most will burn and go to waste.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: bart on Dec 22, 2020, 11:30 AM
stuckinohio, I keep a few fish from time to time for a fish fry, I even have a couple of meals in reserve, but never felt a need to keep every fish I catch...



 "Many fish their entire lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after."-Henry David Thoreau
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 22, 2020, 11:40 AM
I sometimes wonder (a lot actually) why the management in charge does not do their jobs.
IMO lack of fish and game shortages (due to large bag limits) cannot be blamed on the sportsman.
The sportsman follows guide lines with faith that limits are set by management.

Don't blame the people paying to hunt and fish. Blame the people in charge of the management.

While I see what you are saying and agree, I lay the blame at the feet of those who's job it is to regulate and ensure abundant wildlife.


I'm a believer that our lakes are more pressured than ever, and toss in recent advances in gear (just in the last 10 years), it's not going to take much to deplete a resource. The C&R movement is aimed at allowing for the increased fishing pressure so everyone can enjoying reeling a fish in, whatever species it may be.

I'm not that old, but can remember when I was a young lad and seeing the same guys re-drilling the same holes day after day throughout the winter and filling a bucket with panfish (not too long ago WI limits were 50 panfish). Those were the same guys that would say "the bites really slowed down the last couple days"... when asked how they were doing, almost like there was no acknowledgment to the 250+ panfish they'd already pulled out of the same area and as if it was an endless resource. Luckily this doesn't happen as often anymore, as like I said with the increased pressure we'd see a lot of lakes in some real trouble now.

Responsible catch and keep is possible, but requires everyone to self regulate, and that is hard for some people. As a whole the fishing community respects the variety of freshwater fishing resources we have in our country, and want to continue to pass that opportunity down to the next generation of fisherman and women. Usually for a meal of panfish, my wife and I will keep five or six fish and fry them up that night. Rarely do we put fish in the freezer anymore, as it's more fun to have to go and and catch it fresh if that's what we want for a meal.

I respect anyone's right to keep what they're going to eat, but will never agree with the crowd that hordes and stockpiles freezers of fish where most will burn and go to waste.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 22, 2020, 12:00 PM
I sometimes wonder (a lot actually) why the management in charge does not do their jobs.
IMO lack of fish and game shortages (due to large bag limits) cannot be blamed on the sportsman.
The sportsman follows guide lines with faith that limits are set by management.

Don't blame the people paying to hunt and fish. Blame the people in charge of the management.

While I see what you are saying and agree, I lay the blame at the feet of those who's job it is to regulate and ensure abundant wildlife.

Exactly!!!

And we should hold them accountable to do their job well.

I am beginning to get the feel that there are "Ice Fishing Vigilantes" for whom obeying the law is not enough and feel it is their job to enforce their "Mob Rule" and their own home-made personal standards on everybody else before they are content.

Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: panfishman13 on Dec 22, 2020, 12:03 PM
I practice selective harvest, only keeping mid-sized fish big enough to get some meat off of, but not the biggest of the bunch.

Thing is, I only have myself to feed at home, and I seldom do big fish fries anymore, so anytime I keep anything, it’s maybe 3 or 4 bluegills or one trout or bass. My freezer stays full from duck and deer season, so I only bring home enough fish to make a meal that week. As a bonus, I never have to package and freeze them.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DucksAndDogs on Dec 22, 2020, 12:29 PM
I sometimes wonder (a lot actually) why the management in charge does not do their jobs.
IMO lack of fish and game shortages (due to large bag limits) cannot be blamed on the sportsman.
The sportsman follows guide lines with faith that limits are set by management.

Don't blame the people paying to hunt and fish. Blame the people in charge of the management.

While I see what you are saying and agree, I lay the blame at the feet of those who's job it is to regulate and ensure abundant wildlife.

First of all, I don’t think anyone would be complaining about the lack of fish and game shortages.

That said, the biologists and managers are doing what they can with what they’ve got.  There’s no perfect way to manage the populations and keep everyone happy at the same time.  In addition to sampling efforts that have a margin of error, they can only estimate the level of take season over season.  There are so many variables involved that blaming them for a lack of fish/game is a bit misguided. 

If they came out and closed a season on a species in order to manage the population, I’d imagine there’d be some barking about that, too.  It doesn’t go both ways.  Too many people want to blame biologists and managers for lower numbers while also keeping everything they catch.  These are usually the same type of people who aren’t honest on harvest reports for fear of having bag limits lowered, not realizing that the dishonesty is counter-productive.

Kinda foolish to point the blaming finger at them while also taking everything you can.  It’s a bit absurd to think that fish and game populations can be managed effectively without conservation-minded sportsmen contributing a little, as well.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: kasilofchrisn on Dec 22, 2020, 12:41 PM
First of all, I don’t think anyone would be complaining about the lack of fish and game shortages.

That said, the biologists and managers are doing what they can with what they’ve got.  There’s no perfect way to manage the populations and keep everyone happy at the same time.  In addition to sampling efforts that have a margin of error, they can only estimate the level of take season over season.  There are so many variables involved that blaming them for a lack of fish/game is a bit misguided. 

If they came out and closed a season on a species in order to manage the population, I’d imagine there’d be some barking about that, too.  It doesn’t go both ways.  Too many people want to blame biologists and managers for lower numbers while also keeping everything they catch.  These are usually the same type of people who aren’t honest on harvest reports for fear of having bag limits lowered, not realizing that the dishonesty is counter-productive.

Kinda foolish to point the blaming finger at them while also taking everything you can.  It’s a bit absurd to think that fish and game populations can be managed effectively without conservation-minded sportsmen contributing a little, as well.
You've got some good points for sure.
Yes I've heard of people lying on harvest reports or creel surveys.
They think they are helping and/or keeping others from knowing their productive fishing areas.
When in reality all they've done is skew the numbers and make management more difficult.
Besides these are fish we are talking about. It not like they line up to be counted every year.
There's just so many things that go into their decision making and every lake is a bit different.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 22, 2020, 02:27 PM
First of all, I don’t think anyone would be complaining about the lack of fish and game shortages.

I guess that depends on where you are. In some states no problems and in others, nothing but complaints.

Quote
That said, the biologists and managers are doing what they can with what they’ve got.  There’s no perfect way to manage the populations and keep everyone happy at the same time.  In addition to sampling efforts that have a margin of error, they can only estimate the level of take season over season.  There are so many variables involved that blaming them for a lack of fish/game is a bit misguided. 

I certainly dont agree. Dont agree at all actually.
The way states estimate deer numbers is not even a matter of guessing. Many professional game managers have written a ton on this fact.
The manner in which the count is taken can be done much better and the fact that it isn't, is no fault of mine or yours.
The blame lays directly at the departments feet.
There are many nations who do wildlife management far better than any state in the union and it's nothing to do with anything other than the fact that we citizens just accept that it is what it is.

Quote
If they came out and closed a season on a species in order to manage the population, I’d imagine there’d be some barking about that, too.  It doesn’t go both ways.  Too many people want to blame biologists and managers for lower numbers while also keeping everything they catch.  These are usually the same type of people who aren’t honest on harvest reports for fear of having bag limits lowered, not realizing that the dishonesty is counter-productive.

Management isn't based on a popularity contest for most loved or respected. Management is based strictly on carrying capacity and regeneration of numbers. This is the problem.... We worry about what people want instead of what people need.
This is how A.P.R restrictions came about. Worrying about how large a bucks horns are instead of how many bucks there are or how many doe there are, for that matter.

The setting of state wide limits when populations vary greatly from county to county...Be it fin or fur.
You cannot manage a lake or a woodlot by guessing and hoping. You may get lucky for periods of time but absolute success will never be a thing.

Quote
Kinda foolish to point the blaming finger at them while also taking everything you can.  It’s a bit absurd to think that fish and game populations can be managed effectively without conservation-minded sportsmen contributing a little, as well.

Well... If thats what you believe than you might as well accept defeat, as you are expecting management to occur based on the good character of those who use the woods and waters around you.
I have fished waters where a trout hasn't been seen in 20 years but still, there are limits for that body of water that exceed the number of trout in it.
Were a few out of town persons to fish it and get lucky on one camping trip, they would clean out the pond without even knowing that they had done so.
How can you blame those campers when it was the state that insured that this could be the end result?

Before you say that this is a stupid example... I saw it happen in Maine on Doe pond. One guy caught and kept the only trout native to that pond, even though it originally had hundreds of native trout in it. The state ignored doe pond and eventually, it was fished out 6 at a time by mostly out of staters who were quests of the local bear guide in that area.

Snook were nearly fished to extinction while the state stood by and kept catch numbers the same for decades, before moving to protect the species. Snook (at one time) were more numerous than any other fish in the Sebastian inlet area.
The passenger pigeon isnt the only example of "experts" not having a clue and in 2020...(when we can send a probe to a black hole) it's got nothing to do with inability. It's strictly a matter of want and expectations of the paying public as to getting it done right.

JMO
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 22, 2020, 02:35 PM
You've got some good points for sure.
Yes I've heard of people lying on harvest reports or creel surveys.
They think they are helping and/or keeping others from knowing their productive fishing areas.
When in reality all they've done is skew the numbers and make management more difficult.
Besides these are fish we are talking about. It not like they line up to be counted every year.
There's just so many things that go into their decision making and every lake is a bit different.

The highlighted is why each body of water in a region should be under the regulation of the region in which it exists. Same for game.
Who knows better what is going on than the person in the area. State wide regs are a joke.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 22, 2020, 03:03 PM
The highlighted is why each body of water in a region should be under the regulation of the region in which it exists. Same for game.
Who knows better what is going on than the person in the area. State wide regs are a joke.

Strong argument for sure.  Would be interesting if those with property on the lake had a vote or say in the regulations. 

That happened at our cabin in Northern Minnesota. I was president of the Lake Assn. and the DNR was invited to our annual meeting and asked our opinions on slot limits, etc. They changed the rules for our lake the following year to reflect those opinions. Could happen elsewhere.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 22, 2020, 03:05 PM
Strong argument for sure.  Would be interesting if those with property on the lake had a vote or say in the regulations. 

That happened at our cabin in Northern Minnesota. I was president of the Lake Assn. and the DNR was invited to our annual meeting and asked our opinions on slot limits, etc. They changed the rules for our lake the following year to reflect those opinions. Could happen elsewhere.

Good thinking.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: jimhaney08 on Dec 22, 2020, 03:32 PM
Everyone will be different on this.  We live in different states and fish different lakes for different reasons.

Personally, I keep panfish when ice fishing or in late fall after my bass fishing tournaments are over.  I will keep numbers of fish as it takes a lot to have a fish fry a few times a year for the 5 or 6 people in my family.  Last year I kept nothing because we didn't have safe ice. 

The one thing I would like to see people do more of is release trophy sized fish.  We fish a lake a lot that has a good population of 7"-9" crappies.  My buddies about sh*t when I threw a 12" back down the hole!  Those are the genetics that are good to put back to spawn again.  Did the same with a 7 pound walleye this fall. 

I suggest keeping the medium sized and letting the big ones go, but that's my personal philosophy.  Not everyone will see it that way, and that's okay too.  Just keep it within the law/regulations.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 22, 2020, 03:39 PM
Pretty much the way I see it for myself. Trophies go back and under size go back.
I can (have often) eat 30 or 40 10" blue gills at one sitting so they are coming home with me, no matter how many :D

Everyone will be different on this.  We live in different states and fish different lakes for different reasons.

Personally, I keep panfish when ice fishing or in late fall after my bass fishing tournaments are over.  I will keep numbers of fish as it takes a lot to have a fish fry a few times a year for the 5 or 6 people in my family.  Last year I kept nothing because we didn't have safe ice. 

The one thing I would like to see people do more of is release trophy sized fish.  We fish a lake a lot that has a good population of 7"-9" crappies.  My buddies about sh*t when I threw a 12" back down the hole!  Those are the genetics that are good to put back to spawn again.  Did the same with a 7 pound walleye this fall. 

I suggest keeping the medium sized and letting the big ones go, but that's my personal philosophy.  Not everyone will see it that way, and that's okay too.  Just keep it within the law/regulations.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: kasilofchrisn on Dec 22, 2020, 05:15 PM
The highlighted is why each body of water in a region should be under the regulation of the region in which it exists. Same for game.
Who knows better what is going on than the person in the area. State wide regs are a joke.
Well here in Alaska it is managed that way we have very few statewide regs.
In fact I would guess the only statewide regs are the general ones like no using poisons or that you can't keep snagged fish in freshwater.
There are 3 major fishing areas and each is managed separately then broken down into smaller areas.
Many lakes and rivers have regulations specific to them.
Like where I normally fish it's two ice rods no hook restrictions and bait is allowed.
But at the cabin it's one rod single hook and no bait in the summer. Limits are different as well.
But some fisheries particularly the trophy lakes are still hurting because of fishing pressure from regular anglers and the increasing number of guided anglers.
And the rivers and saltwater also have commercial fishing and subsistence fishing pressure as well.
They do a decent job here but it's a difficult one for sure.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: kasilofchrisn on Dec 22, 2020, 07:47 PM
You want to know what is real madness? Using smelt for bait. I will bet you ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS you will never catch anything using smelt that will taste better than the smelt itself. MADNESS I TELL YOU!

Good thing you don't live close to me or you'd be out that thousand dollars easily!
I've caught lots of pike, Halibut, and Tanner crabs using smelt(we call em hooligans here in Alaska).
I doubt many people would choose smelt over a beer battered halibut and fresh crab dinner.
I don't eat smelt but love some fried pike too.
I understand it's a situation of to each their own though.
If you like them then keep eating them but understand they do make a good bait at times.
And here we catch em by the bucketful. There are no limits and usually plenty of them every spring.
I've had years where we easily caught 30+ gallons that were gifted to elders, used for bait, eaten by friends and family etc.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DucksAndDogs on Dec 22, 2020, 08:28 PM
I guess that depends on where you are. In some states no problems and in others, nothing but complaints.

I certainly dont agree. Dont agree at all actually.
The way states estimate deer numbers is not even a matter of guessing. Many professional game managers have written a ton on this fact.
The manner in which the count is taken can be done much better and the fact that it isn't, is no fault of mine or yours.
The blame lays directly at the departments feet.
There are many nations who do wildlife management far better than any state in the union and it's nothing to do with anything other than the fact that we citizens just accept that it is what it is.

Management isn't based on a popularity contest for most loved or respected. Management is based strictly on carrying capacity and regeneration of numbers. This is the problem.... We worry about what people want instead of what people need.
This is how A.P.R restrictions came about. Worrying about how large a bucks horns are instead of how many bucks there are or how many doe there are, for that matter.

The setting of state wide limits when populations vary greatly from county to county...Be it fin or fur.
You cannot manage a lake or a woodlot by guessing and hoping. You may get lucky for periods of time but absolute success will never be a thing.

Well... If thats what you believe than you might as well accept defeat, as you are expecting management to occur based on the good character of those who use the woods and waters around you.
I have fished waters where a trout hasn't been seen in 20 years but still, there are limits for that body of water that exceed the number of trout in it.
Were a few out of town persons to fish it and get lucky on one camping trip, they would clean out the pond without even knowing that they had done so.
How can you blame those campers when it was the state that insured that this could be the end result?

Before you say that this is a stupid example... I saw it happen in Maine on Doe pond. One guy caught and kept the only trout native to that pond, even though it originally had hundreds of native trout in it. The state ignored doe pond and eventually, it was fished out 6 at a time by mostly out of staters who were quests of the local bear guide in that area.

Snook were nearly fished to extinction while the state stood by and kept catch numbers the same for decades, before moving to protect the species. Snook (at one time) were more numerous than any other fish in the Sebastian inlet area.
The passenger pigeon isnt the only example of "experts" not having a clue and in 2020...(when we can send a probe to a black hole) it's got nothing to do with inability. It's strictly a matter of want and expectations of the paying public as to getting it done right.

JMO

I can all but guarantee you there aren’t folks complaining about lack of shortages.

I maintain your concern is misguided.

The issue is that what you’re proposing is nearly impossible to implement and enforce.  You’re suggesting each and every lake and pond in a state is both managed and has it’s own set of regulations?  Really?  Do you realize Alaska has over 300,000 lakes?  Minnesota touts their 10,000.  How in the world do you propose using state of the art sampling and management techniques in states with that much habitat?  How is this funded?  Who enforces this?  I get that the grass is always greener, but you’re suggesting that fish and game managers should be perfect and that’s simply impossible.

Also, there are so many more variables to management than “carrying capacity and regeneration of numbers.”  Are you proposing managers should use MSY or OSY?  Are you suggesting that other variables shouldn’t be modeled?  Are you saying that a Fisheries Biologist can simply sample a body of water, determine a carrying capacity, determine fecundity, and simply apply a daily limit?  How many anglers is that based on?  What weather pattern is that based on?  What food availability is that based on?  At what point on the growth curve should they base their projection?  What information do they use for the amount of angler harvest?  What information do they use for predation?  Do they apply a buffer?

My point is that it rolls off your tongue like this is a simple concept and should be effortlessly perfect.

But the thing is, you’re talking in circles.  You started out by saying you trust your biologists and managers to set the take accordingly, therefore happily taking whatever you want, and now you’re running them down and saying they have no idea what they’re doing, are ill-equipped, and routinely put out bad data.  If this is your position, why don’t you take it upon yourself to do what’s best for the local populations and not take as much?  You’ve mentioned biologists missing the mark to an extent that resulted in a pond being completely fished clean of a species, and then tout taking as many Bluegills as you can.

Which is it?  Do you trust the biologists or are they routinely inaccurate and incapable?  And therefore, are you a conservation-minded sportsman or are you out to take what you can in spite of what may or may not be best for the resource?

I’m just asking because some of these scenarios seem to be mutually exclusive.

Obviously I’m playing devil’s advocate for the sake of conversation, but I just think our wildlife biologists become scapegoats because most people have no idea what their jobs entail and aren’t happy with declining numbers. 

“I’ll shoot hens because fish and game allows me to.  But I wish those guys would get their act together because duck numbers are dropping...”
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Blackfish17 on Dec 23, 2020, 12:47 AM
I'm mainly a C&R guy. I just love the thrill of catching fish. I'll occasionally keep a couple of walleye for dinner but that's about it. I figure if I was really doin it for the food id just save the money spent on the pop up, auger, bait, rods etc and go buy some fresh fish from the grocery.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 23, 2020, 05:12 AM


Obviously I’m playing devil’s advocate for the sake of conversation, but I just think our wildlife biologists become scapegoats because most people have no idea what their jobs entail and aren’t happy with declining numbers. 

“I’ll shoot hens because fish and game allows me to.  But I wish those guys would get their act together because duck numbers are dropping...”

Well... I will agree with you on the count that people can be their own worst enemies.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DowneastPescador on Dec 23, 2020, 05:51 AM
It’s such a tough question for me because it all depends on the water I’m fishing. If it’s full of brookies, which many wild trout ponds are they tend to be on the smaller side. I will keep my limit to eat, in hopes of ever so slightly reducing the population so some bigger fish can grow. If it’s a pond with big fish I never keep them, plus big fish taste bad. If it’s a pond with some big some little I usually won’t keep unless I poorly hook a trout or I catch a few small ones under 10 inches and I’m hungry.
Warm water fishing is a different story. Many of my favorite waters for stocked and some wild trout are full of yellow perch and pickerel. On those waters every fish I catch that’s not a trout is going up on the ice. The high mercury content in these ponds means I’m not eating them. They are for the eagles.
I understand that pure c and r can hurt fisheries because the population gets too high and the fish stunt. Conversely, over harvest in small ponds can wipe out the brood trout quickly. If you catch a big brookie, salmon, or togue, let it go.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Kevin23 on Dec 23, 2020, 03:15 PM
I watch a lot of ice fishing videos on Youtube and I see a LOT of catch and release videos.
Jen and I are always sitting there asking each other why. I mean... It wouldn't even occur to us, unless they were not keepers or were breeders.

But all the time, we are seeing eaters being tossed all day long and none kept too many time.
We just dont get it.

Anyone here that can explain this to me, I would listen with an open mind but I honestly just dont get it.

If I kept every "keepable" fish I caught, I would be eating fish every day just to keep fishing and not be over the limit. In reality I probably keep 5% of the fish I catch, if that. Just cant eat that many and don't see a reason to "fill the freezer". Fish bite all year, if I want fresh fish I'll go fishing.

Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Kopower on Dec 23, 2020, 10:45 PM
I'm mainly a catch and release angler. I'm in it for the thrill of catching fish, not harvesting. However, once or twice a year when I go on extended walleye fishing trips, I will bring a few fish home for myself and parents. I just like knowing that the fish I release will hopefully continue to grow, pass on their genetics and maintain a good fishery. I have no problem with people that keep what they catch. However, I'm not a fan of seeing big gills, walleye's and 14" plus crappies being constantly harvested. But, as long as you're following the rules, I can just disagree and mind my own bobber.

On a side note, just my personal opinion, but I hate seeing huge fish killed just to be put on the wall. I feel like taking pictures and measurements and having a replica made is the better route to go. Again, just like to see the big boys live another day, and possibly give someone else the thrill of the fight.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 24, 2020, 04:02 AM
I'm mainly a C&R guy. I just love the thrill of catching fish. I'll occasionally keep a couple of walleye for dinner but that's about it. I figure if I was really doin it for the food id just save the money spent on the pop up, auger, bait, rods etc and go buy some fresh fish from the grocery.

I hear you but (for me) a walk past the local fish department in our grocery store convinces me that this is not so. Walleye at $14 a pound equals 30# to pay for the new auger. 10# pays for the pop up ice shelter. 13# pays for the heater, chairs and tow sled. 10# pays for my traps and 20# pays for the wife's poles and jigs maybe.
Thats less than 100# of fish paying for things that will last 10 years or more, which means 10# of fish a year pays for everything required...and things that are not even necessary.

Thats less than a pound a week (1 meal) to justify the offset. ;)
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 24, 2020, 06:39 AM
I hear you but (for me) a walk past the local fish department in our grocery store convinces me that this is not so. Walleye at $14 a pound equals 30# to pay for the new auger. 10# pays for the pop up ice shelter. 13# pays for the heater, chairs and tow sled. 10# pays for my traps and 20# pays for the wife's poles and jigs maybe.
Thats less than 100# of fish paying for things that will last 10 years or more, which means 10# of fish a year pays for everything required...and things that are not even necessary.

Thats less than a pound a week (1 meal) to justify the offset. ;)

That is only if you are catching walleyes and not perch and panfish. There are less expensive fish in the local fish dept.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: river_scum on Dec 24, 2020, 06:44 AM
if i am fishing I am keeping 75% of the time.  time and money spent mite as well get something for it.  if I don't need them I give them to people that don't or cant fish.  I used to have several older folks I supplied but they have dropped off over the years.  plenty of people to share fillets with still though.  trophy predator's go back 99% of the time.


I understand catch n release but feel its place is on private waters.  too many people over harvesting around here to do any good. I would just be putting them back for them to hoover up. lol
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Kevin23 on Dec 24, 2020, 11:15 AM
if i am fishing I am keeping 75% of the time.  time and money spent mite as well get something for it.  if I don't need them I give them to people that don't or cant fish.  I used to have several older folks I supplied but they have dropped off over the years.  plenty of people to share fillets with still though.  trophy predator's go back 99% of the time.


I understand catch n release but feel its place is on private waters.  too many people over harvesting around here to do any good. I would just be putting them back for them to hoover up. lol

As long as everyone has that attitude, you'll always have overharvesting. Think of the toilet paper shortage, everyone thought they better take it even if they didnt need it and eventually nobody had any. If everyone released the fish they didnt need, and stopped keeping fish for other people, everyone would have better fishing all around! Be the start of the solution, not the progression of the problem. But its your right to keep them, so carry on!

BTW my group, we keep fish on private water and release on public because private can withstand selective harvest. Public is where the fish need to be protected from the keep-em-alls.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 24, 2020, 01:43 PM
That is only if you are catching walleyes and not perch and panfish. There are less expensive fish in the local fish dept.

Of course you are correct but even at $7. a pound, thats now only 2 meals a weeks to make up the same cost/reward scenario.
One guy I was fishing beside (years ago) pointed out that he loved blue gills and they dont sell blue gills at the supermarket.
Some fish may not even be available and therefore... The costs may be much higher, in terms of value to the individual. ;)
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 24, 2020, 01:50 PM
As long as everyone has that attitude, you'll always have overharvesting. Think of the toilet paper shortage, everyone thought they better take it even if they didnt need it and eventually nobody had any. If everyone released the fish they didnt need, and stopped keeping fish for other people, everyone would have better fishing all around! Be the start of the solution, not the progression of the problem. But its your right to keep them, so carry on!

BTW my group, we keep fish on private water and release on public because private can withstand selective harvest. Public is where the fish need to be protected from the keep-em-alls.

Again.... It is the job of management to set proper limits. If limits are set to maintain a healthy population, then keeping a limit would not be an issue.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: HWeber on Dec 24, 2020, 02:24 PM
Relying on the government/management has never ended bad before...  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: BLUJBURD on Dec 24, 2020, 03:08 PM
So many opinions. I catch and keep, and catch and release. I'd really like to catch bigger fish, yet the means to that are often unpopular. The same could be said with bucks. I can't say to a man with five mouths to feed that his bag limit should lower, because I only have two, and I want larger fish. I believe these are the conversations that should be had collectively in town halls, and forums with our local fisheries departments. We know it boils down to funding. Particular factions may not believe it's money well spent in data acquisition for every lakes management. So then it's, let's decide which ones are. Compromise is always difficult.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 24, 2020, 03:16 PM
Relying on the government/management has never ended bad before...  ;D ;D

Touche
 ;D
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: river_scum on Dec 25, 2020, 04:22 AM
As long as everyone has that attitude, you'll always have overharvesting. Think of the toilet paper shortage, everyone thought they better take it even if they didnt need it and eventually nobody had any. If everyone released the fish they didnt need, and stopped keeping fish for other people, everyone would have better fishing all around! Be the start of the solution, not the progression of the problem. But its your right to keep them, so carry on!

BTW my group, we keep fish on private water and release on public because private can withstand selective harvest. Public is where the fish need to be protected from the keep-em-alls.

I take it your putting me in the same group a the over harvesters?  lol whatever  like said there are limits set by the state.  I don't break fish and game laws so im not sure why the classification?  probably a good thing its not known how many fish I fillet every year then. (legally)  ;D 

i could be misinterpreting it though? if not, enlighten me change my mind and turn me to the "good side". lol

Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DBV on Dec 25, 2020, 05:48 AM
I keep enough to eat and have a couple meals in the freezer and let everything else go.  I think you have to catch and release or there will be nothing left for our future. 

Love doing that ice fishing and having people ask me why letting them go.  Same with walleye fishing - so funny. 

No one needs freezers full of fish and giving fish to everyone they know.  Horrible for future generations.  Plus, fish tastes so much better fresh!  :)
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 25, 2020, 06:09 AM
I keep enough to eat and have a couple meals in the freezer and let everything else go.  I think you have to catch and release or there will be nothing left for our future. 

Love doing that ice fishing and having people ask me why letting them go.  Same with walleye fishing - so funny. 

No one needs freezers full of fish and giving fish to everyone they know.  Horrible for future generations.  Plus, fish tastes so much better fresh!  :)




I do need a freezer full of fish. I have a family of 6 to feed. Then again they go out and help catch them so. But we really only ice fish so we fill freezer for a few short months.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 25, 2020, 06:36 AM
I keep enough to eat and have a couple meals in the freezer and let everything else go.  I think you have to catch and release or there will be nothing left for our future. 

Love doing that ice fishing and having people ask me why letting them go.  Same with walleye fishing - so funny. 

No one needs freezers full of fish and giving fish to everyone they know.  Horrible for future generations. Plus, fish tastes so much better fresh!  :)

I am not disagreeing but let me play Devils advocate  >:D

Selective harvest / catch and release is a modern concept in the big picture. Maybe 30 years ago it caught on and I didnt see it taking off till maybe 20 years ago.
With that said...

Before then, there were far more sportsmen doing far more fishing than is the case today.Back in the day (before C&R) people would keep everything and limits were certainly liberal where I grew up.

If it is a fact that there will be no future without C&R.... We would already be there, due to the fact that there was never a C&R mindset just 60 years ago.

My belief and what I have seen is that the health of a body of water will dictate the amount of pressure it gets and when conditions are poor, pressure will drop and numbers will regain. So in the big picture.... while bodies of water can see periods of gain and decline in fish populations, they cannot (generally) be fished out and therefore, they will rebound.
The opportunity for the individual (during rebound) is/can be greater as fish numbers/sizes increase without the high fishing pressure and competition. This affords a "next generation" to have opportunity even greater than the previous.

Another reason for not limiting catch (staying within the law) is the results that come from under fishing, which is the same basic effect that is achieved through catch and release. The end result (we have all seen it) is a stunted growth of all fish within the body of water due to their food chain being depleted by overly large hatches.... which eventually leads to the elimination of the slower maturing fish in that body of water, leaving only fast growing dinks.

Finally, there are bodies of water that cannot be effected with a rod and reel. Waters so large (such as the Mississippi) that area's just cannot be approached by the average person. Area's that have no access or hard access are effectively nurseries for the surround waters. I live very near such a body of water where 1/3 of the lake cannot be accessed but is the best area of the lake.
This lake has extreme pressure (bordering on insane) and yet, fish numbers and sizes continue to increase. Selective harvest on this particular lake is basically worthless to the health of the lake itself.
While this nursery area comes about due to management (prohibited access) there are many waters which have the same situation going on without specific restrictions, due to their size or difficulty of access.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Doeslayer on Dec 25, 2020, 07:26 AM
Depends on species and body of water for me.... I love to eat fish... So if i cstch a walleye or a few perch or crappie they are coming home with me.... Bluegills i like to eat but i find on some lakes they have grubs in the meat which grosses me out.... So it varies.... I dont eat largemouth though i have and it isnt much different from any other fried fish... I eat catfish caught in the northern lower peninsula but not too msny from down around home.... Pike i dont bother to eat cuz they are a pain to clean... I like to go sucker fishing in the spring but thats just to enjoy the outdoors a little.... And because catching a double on a crappie rig is one of the funnest things out there lol... But all the suckers go back....so yea..... Just depends i guess.... I will say im not one of those guys that lets the great big ones go... Tell me how bad it is i dont care... If i catch a big ol wally shes mine for keeps!
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: kasilofchrisn on Dec 25, 2020, 08:34 AM
I am not disagreeing but let me play Devils advocate  >:D

Selective harvest / catch and release is a modern concept in the big picture. Maybe 30 years ago it caught on and I didnt see it taking off till maybe 20 years ago.
With that said...

Before then, there were far more sportsmen doing far more fishing than is the case today.Back in the day (before C&R) people would keep everything and limits were certainly liberal where I grew up.

If it is a fact that there will be no future without C&R.... We would already be there, due to the fact that there was never a C&R mindset just 60 years ago.

My belief and what I have seen is that the health of a body of water will dictate the amount of pressure it gets and when conditions are poor, pressure will drop and numbers will regain. So in the big picture.... while bodies of water can see periods of gain and decline in fish populations, they cannot (generally) be fished out and therefore, they will rebound.
The opportunity for the individual (during rebound) is/can be greater as fish numbers/sizes increase without the high fishing pressure and competition. This affords a "next generation" to have opportunity even greater than the previous.

Another reason for not limiting catch (staying within the law) is the results that come from under fishing, which is the same basic effect that is achieved through catch and release. The end result (we have all seen it) is a stunted growth of all fish within the body of water due to their food chain being depleted by overly large hatches.... which eventually leads to the elimination of the slower maturing fish in that body of water, leaving only fast growing dinks.


Finally, there are bodies of water that cannot be effected with a rod and reel. Waters so large (such as the Mississippi) that area's just cannot be approached by the average person. Area's that have no access or hard access are effectively nurseries for the surround waters. I live very near such a body of water where 1/3 of the lake cannot be accessed but is the best area of the lake.
This lake has extreme pressure (bordering on insane) and yet, fish numbers and sizes continue to increase. Selective harvest on this particular lake is basically worthless to the health of the lake itself.
While this nursery area comes about due to management (prohibited access) there are many waters which have the same situation going on without specific restrictions, due to their size or difficulty of access.

I'll have to disagree with some of your thoughts there.
First I see more ice anglers today than I did years ago.
Why? Well modern technology of course.
We now have the gear to stay warmer and dryer. The clothes and the heated shacks.
30+ years ago we didn't have nearly as many guys with 4 wheelers and snowmobiles.
Power augers were not as prevalent neither were electronics.
I catch way more fish now days compared to when I was a kid because of all of those things.
I move more when I'm not catching because moving is much easier. Both in the transportation and the hole drilling.
And we all know how electronics help us catch more fish.
And I'll stay out longer because I'm not so cold or hungry(buddy heater cooking).
Hence I may catch a limits worth ,kept or c&r, and still keep fishing because it's fun.
I'm willing to bet it takes fewer angler hours to catch a limit today vs 30 years ago or further back.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 25, 2020, 08:40 AM
But there were more fish back then...could even things out a bit.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 25, 2020, 09:57 AM
But there were more fish back then...could even things out a bit.

Were there? I am asking seriously.
In the late 1800's and early 1900's there were commercial fishermen providing fish to the country without regulation (for the most part) and that fishing practice simply destroyed waters and rivers by the time real regulation came into existence.
I personally have not seen anything more than a rise and fall in numbers of fish in certain bodies of water and changes in fish in a given lake, due to ecological changes which have nothing at all to do with man. Simple Eutrophication.

Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Handy on Dec 25, 2020, 10:11 AM
For me this is a very easy answer, I can't clean them. I have tried and I get queezy doing it so if I keep anything I have to take them to my dad or brother. I only keep them IF they are in the mood to clean fish.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 25, 2020, 10:24 AM
For me this is a very easy answer, I can't clean them. I have tried and I get queezy doing it so if I keep anything I have to take them to my dad or brother. I only keep them IF they are in the mood to clean fish.

Now THIS is interesting!
I get that some people have a simple guttural reaction to any number of things but I have never heard of your condition before.
I take it eating fish isn't the issue here?  Just the processing...Yes?
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 25, 2020, 10:35 AM
Now THIS is interesting!
I get that some people have a simple guttural reaction to any number of things but I have never heard of your condition before.
I take it eating fish isn't the issue here?  Just the processing...Yes?


Then you have people like me and my kids and they want to play in the fish guts. They also can't wait to see the dead deer every year
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 25, 2020, 10:43 AM

Then you have people like me and my kids and they want to play in the fish guts. They also can't wait to see the dead deer every year

 :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 25, 2020, 10:44 AM
Were there? I am asking seriously.
In the late 1800's and early 1900's there were commercial fishermen providing fish to the country without regulation (for the most part) and that fishing practice simply destroyed waters and rivers by the time real regulation came into existence.
I personally have not seen anything more than a rise and fall in numbers of fish in certain bodies of water and changes in fish in a given lake, due to ecological changes which have nothing at all to do with man. Simple Eutrophication.

In the lakes I fish in (Northern Minnesota) there were certainly more fish in the 1800s and 1900s.  Commercial fishing may have impacted Lake Superior, but not nearly as much as the Lamprey Eel (invasive).

Even more than that for many epic lakes in Central Minnesota like Mille Lacs, Leech and Red Lakes, the current commercial netting by the Native American Tribes has reduced the current fish populations here to levels far below the early 1900s.

Perhaps your place is different or special, but where I fish your facts would not hold.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: kayl on Dec 25, 2020, 11:03 AM
I fish because I love to fish. Keeping a few fish now and again is just a perk a couple of times a season.

The only fish that I keep 100% of legal ones I catch are salmon when I'm kayak fishing for them on Lake Michigan.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: fishinator on Dec 25, 2020, 11:07 AM
Someone may have mentioned this already,  but to answer the OP question,  I think the reason you see so much catch and release on youtube is because a lot of those guys make youtube videos for a living. All they do is fish. I keep a lot of fish but if I got to fish every day I'm sure I would release a lot more.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DucksAndDogs on Dec 25, 2020, 12:38 PM
I am not disagreeing but let me play Devils advocate  >:D

Selective harvest / catch and release is a modern concept in the big picture. Maybe 30 years ago it caught on and I didnt see it taking off till maybe 20 years ago.
With that said...

Before then, there were far more sportsmen doing far more fishing than is the case today.Back in the day (before C&R) people would keep everything and limits were certainly liberal where I grew up.

If it is a fact that there will be no future without C&R.... We would already be there, due to the fact that there was never a C&R mindset just 60 years ago.

My belief and what I have seen is that the health of a body of water will dictate the amount of pressure it gets and when conditions are poor, pressure will drop and numbers will regain. So in the big picture.... while bodies of water can see periods of gain and decline in fish populations, they cannot (generally) be fished out and therefore, they will rebound.
The opportunity for the individual (during rebound) is/can be greater as fish numbers/sizes increase without the high fishing pressure and competition. This affords a "next generation" to have opportunity even greater than the previous.

Another reason for not limiting catch (staying within the law) is the results that come from under fishing, which is the same basic effect that is achieved through catch and release. The end result (we have all seen it) is a stunted growth of all fish within the body of water due to their food chain being depleted by overly large hatches.... which eventually leads to the elimination of the slower maturing fish in that body of water, leaving only fast growing dinks.

Finally, there are bodies of water that cannot be effected with a rod and reel. Waters so large (such as the Mississippi) that area's just cannot be approached by the average person. Area's that have no access or hard access are effectively nurseries for the surround waters. I live very near such a body of water where 1/3 of the lake cannot be accessed but is the best area of the lake.
This lake has extreme pressure (bordering on insane) and yet, fish numbers and sizes continue to increase. Selective harvest on this particular lake is basically worthless to the health of the lake itself.
While this nursery area comes about due to management (prohibited access) there are many waters which have the same situation going on without specific restrictions, due to their size or difficulty of access.



There were not far more sportsmen catching/keeping far more fish.  The data is there.  Review it.

I wonder how the Atlantic Cod population feels about selective harvest?
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 25, 2020, 12:42 PM
Someone may have mentioned this already,  but to answer the OP question,  I think the reason you see so much catch and release on youtube is because a lot of those guys make youtube videos for a living. All they do is fish. I keep a lot of fish but if I got to fish every day I'm sure I would release a lot more.

Totally get that.
That said...
I watch (subscribe) to a lot of people and a large majority keep maybe 1 fish for every 3-5 videos or none at all.
I am not hating on them... I just cant believe they are that burnt out on fish, as pertains to eating them.
If I didnt keep something to eat (every time) I would just quit. I like fishing but I fish for more than enjoyment.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 25, 2020, 12:45 PM


There were not far more sportsmen catching/keeping far more fish.  The data is there.  Review it.

I wonder how the Atlantic Cod population feels about selective harvest?

I have done the reviews  LOL
A simple review of the great depression can point straight away to over fishing, in light of the alternative to starvation.  ;)
Thats just one example.


Atlantic Cod issues are based on commercial fishing. Not what we are speaking of. Not what I am speaking of in this thread.

Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: zcm_82 on Dec 25, 2020, 12:57 PM
Totally get that.
That said...
I watch (subscribe) to a lot of people and a large majority keep maybe 1 fish for every 3-5 videos or none at all.
I am not hating on them... I just cant believe they are that burnt out on fish, as pertains to eating them.
If I didnt keep something to eat (every time) I would just quit. I like fishing but I fish for more than enjoyment.

Not everyone likes eating fish that much. I generally spend 50-80 days year on the boat, depending on weather and other things, but might keep 3-4 fish all year. It's purely recreational for a lot of people these days.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 25, 2020, 01:02 PM
Not everyone likes eating fish that much. I generally spend 50-80 days year on the boat, depending on weather and other things, but might keep 3-4 fish all year. It's purely recreational for a lot of people these days.

I dont get that but I dont have to, is my opinion ;)
This is what I was asking in the O.P.

Best to you :)  Catch 'em up!
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Stickhick86 on Dec 25, 2020, 01:04 PM
Well sometimes I am lazy and just don't want to clean the fish when I get home.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: zcm_82 on Dec 25, 2020, 01:08 PM
I dont get that but I dont have to, is my opinion ;)
This is what I was asking in the O.P.

Best to you :)  Catch 'em up!
Hoping so. This wasnt a very good year, at all. We are into a drought pretty badly around here. I mostly river fish for rough fish, and the water was so low I couldn't even float my jon off the trailer at any of the local boat ramps for a good part of the season this year.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 25, 2020, 01:12 PM
Hoping so. This wasnt a very good year, at all. We are into a drought pretty badly around here. I mostly river fish for rough fish, and the water was so low I couldn't even float my jon off the trailer at any of the local boat ramps for a good part of the season this year.

We had that (drought) a few years back. I am with you when it comes to catfishing.
I love to target big flatheads and I wont keep any of them. It's just a cool sport for me.
If "rough fish" (that you mention) includes cats, I would be right there with you :)
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: zcm_82 on Dec 25, 2020, 01:14 PM
I catfish once in a while, but most of the time I'm after carp, buffalo, suckers, and redhorse. I go after bass or bowfin once in a while, too, depending on which river I'm fishing.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 25, 2020, 01:28 PM
If I could fish everyday I would and I would keep my limit everyday if I could. I would eat fish and venison 365 days a year
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 25, 2020, 01:39 PM
If your could fish everyday I would and I would keep my limit everyday if I could. I would eat fish and venison 365 days a year
[/b]

Maybe I dont get it because I (like you) think the natural meats are the best meats.
Jen and I pretty much dont buy any meat unless it is chicken or shrimp and not too often those two.
I appreciate funding my life style and what keeps me alive. I dont appreciate paying over and again what I am totally capable of providing for myself.
I dont go to restaurants or eat fast food, making my catches and kills all the more important and enjoyable.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: kasilofchrisn on Dec 25, 2020, 01:48 PM
I love eating fish.
And catching them is a ton of fun.
But having worked on a commercial fishing boat I'll say this.
I've eaten fish three meals a day. I've eaten fish seven days a week.
But I will not eat fish three times a day seven days a week.
I love fish but one can only eat so much and you become tired of it.
I think most people would too if they ate it every day.
And I'm talking fresh from the ocean fish everyday at that.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 25, 2020, 02:21 PM
[/b]

Maybe I dont get it because I (like you) think the natural meats are the best meats.
Jen and I pretty much dont buy any meat unless it is chicken or shrimp and not too often those two.
I appreciate funding my life style and what keeps me alive. I dont appreciate paying over and again what I am totally capable of providing for myself.
I dont go to restaurants or eat fast food, making my catches and kills all the more important and enjoyable.
 


I agree
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Doeslayer on Dec 25, 2020, 04:23 PM
If I could fish everyday I would and I would keep my limit everyday if I could. I would eat fish and venison 365 days a year
This x25.... I do eat venison all year we dont eat much beef... But the fish part is a lot harder lol
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: zcm_82 on Dec 25, 2020, 04:47 PM
[/b]

Maybe I dont get it because I (like you) think the natural meats are the best meats.
Jen and I pretty much dont buy any meat unless it is chicken or shrimp and not too often those two.
I appreciate funding my life style and what keeps me alive. I dont appreciate paying over and again what I am totally capable of providing for myself.
I dont go to restaurants or eat fast food, making my catches and kills all the more important and enjoyable.

We just don't eat that much meat, either, which could be part of it. Mostly buy chicken or pork, a bit of beef to grill. I get a deer once every so many years, or a pop a few squirrel, rabbit, or pheasant, but overall meat really isn't our dietary centerpiece.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DucksAndDogs on Dec 25, 2020, 05:02 PM
I have done the reviews  LOL
A simple review of the great depression can point straight away to over fishing, in light of the alternative to starvation.  ;)
Thats just one example.


Atlantic Cod issues are based on commercial fishing. Not what we are speaking of. Not what I am speaking of in this thread.

The principle is the same.  A fishery was overfished almost to the point of extinction and a management plan is bringing them back.

There were not far more fishermen.  Management plans restored those fisheries.  Restriction of take restored those fisheries.  How is C&R not an extension of restriction of take?

I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with taking fish.  Perhaps that’s the disconnect.  I’m saying to do so under the idea that the fisheries managers have given you limits under which you can operate however you’d like while simultaneously saying the managers routinely put out bogus data is hypocritical, at best.  I’m saying that you want to discuss how fisheries were essentially destroyed and management plans brought them back while also saying C&R is garbage and has no impact.

You’re basically spinning up each of your replies to fit a specific narrative that doesn’t remain intact throughout the thread.

If their data and management plans are bogus, why not take it upon yourself to do your part?  If the management plans don’t work, how do you explain the examples where they have?  If C&R mimics nature where only “fast-growing dinks” end up becoming prevalent, how do you explain monster fish caught up here in bodies of water that rarely see fishermen?  If harvesting fish from fisheries has no impact on populations, why do limits change/adjust?  Why is that take used as a management tool if it has no measurable impact?

I’m just trying to figure out your position on all of this.  You’re clearly in favor of taking fish, which is totally fine.  But it’s like you’re almost opposed to C&R.  But the confounding thing, in my opinion anyways, is that you’re alright with taking fish because the biologists or managers who set limits have allowed you to do so and you trust their work (when it pertains to you taking fish).  Yet you also say they’re incapable and routinely put out bad information using inadequate methods to get their data.  So I’m just having a hard time connecting the dots between how you condone taking limits of fish on every outing when you’ve stated the mechanisms that set those limits are erroneous, in your opinion.

Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: sdbigeye on Dec 25, 2020, 05:09 PM
I c/r because I can. pisses a lot of my friends off, but I just tell them I catch more than they do.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Handy on Dec 25, 2020, 05:25 PM
Now THIS is interesting!
I get that some people have a simple guttural reaction to any number of things but I have never heard of your condition before.
I take it eating fish isn't the issue here?  Just the processing...Yes?
Yes, I was not raised in a hunting/fishing family, I found fishing on my own. My dad hunted and fished when younger but when kids happened it all stopped. I enjoy eating fish I just can't watch it even though I have tried to do it. I have friends that hunt and I can't watch them clean deer/pheasant either. I know where my food comes from I just have an issue actually seeing it. I'm sure that as I practice cleaning my own fish it will subside, but I'm not there right now. Most fish I catch are released as in my mind I get to catch them again another day. My pet lake has been ruined by people that were caught(by authorities) keeping everything they caught. I have no issue with people keeping fish to eat, some fish to eat some fish to enjoy the catching.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 25, 2020, 06:00 PM
We just don't eat that much meat, either, which could be part of it. Mostly buy chicken or pork, a bit of beef to grill. I get a deer once every so many years, or a pop a few squirrel, rabbit, or pheasant, but overall meat really isn't our dietary centerpiece.


What is your center piece then? I guess I don't understand not eatting meat everyday
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 25, 2020, 06:26 PM

What is your center piece then? I guess I don't understand not eatting meat everyday

There are some very nice pasta dishes using cheese and vegetables that are great and meatless. Also, some mushroom or other Risottos are very nice as a meatless main dish.  Ratatouille and Eggplant Parmesan also work well.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 25, 2020, 06:31 PM
There are some very nice pasta dishes using cheese and vegetables that are great and meatless. Also, some mushroom or other Risottos are very nice as a meatless main dish.  Ratatouille and Eggplant Parmesan also work well.


Yes but almost everyday? I mean my wife makes stuff with veggies alot califlower zucchini ect but I know I couldn't go without meat even 3 nights a week. Im not knocking anyone just curious
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 25, 2020, 06:44 PM

I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with taking fish.  Perhaps that’s the disconnect.  I’m saying to do so under the idea that the fisheries managers have given you limits under which you can operate however you’d like, while simultaneously saying the managers routinely put out bogus data is hypocritical, at best.  I’m saying that you want to discuss how fisheries were essentially destroyed and management plans brought them back while also saying C&R is garbage and has no impact.

I am saying that despite pressures exceeding anything you have ever seen or heard of, the fisheries survived. Management increased numbers in a shorter period of time by limiting takes and methods of taking fish. But.... even without management, the fish were going to exist and rebound as pressure relented due to waters becoming unpopular (and therefore not being over fished) until restoration became apparent.


Quote
You’re basically spinning up each of your replies to fit a specific narrative that doesn’t remain intact throughout the thread.

You see this because things are rarely black and white or right/wrong. Most points of contention can have facts on both sides, even if they are in contrast to  opposite conclusions.
I can easily argue for either side of the coin, as both sides have merit and can be proven out. This does not mean each side is absolute truth or that either side of the coin is more correct.

I have pointed to a means of hands off management which is absolutely a winning scenario for fish/wildlife numbers.
I have also pointed to a means of hands on, which achieves the same.
I have also pointed out the downside of either style.


Quote
If their data and management plans are bogus, why not take it upon yourself to do your part?

In doing that (taking it into my own hands) I would be as able to break the law as to follow it. In stunted waters I would have to over harvest and in poor waters, I would have to restrict my take and everyone would have to follow accordingly.... which brings it back to management and why we have it and why it doesn't work by guessing. Guessing isn't management. It is simply gambling.

Quote
If the management plans don’t work, how do you explain the examples where they have?  If C&R mimics nature where only “fast-growing dinks” end up becoming prevalent, how do you explain monster fish caught up here in bodies of water that rarely see fishermen?  If harvesting fish from fisheries has no impact on populations, why do limits change/adjust?  Why is that take used as a management tool if it has no measurable impact?

I think you have not been reading my posts close enough OR you have been reading into what I have said OR you are painting with a wide brush.
There is no across the board success or failure. I have said that a few times I believe. Certainly said it once and eluded to it the rest of the times I have brought up examples.
No black & White. No right or wrong, as things are done in the states today. That is to say... most states leastwise.

Quote
I’m just trying to figure out your position on all of this.  You’re clearly in favor of taking fish, which is totally fine.  But it’s like you’re almost opposed to C&R.  But the confounding thing, in my opinion anyways, is that you’re alright with taking fish because the biologists or managers who set limits have allowed you to do so and you trust their work (when it pertains to you taking fish).  Yet you also say they’re incapable and routinely put out bad information using inadequate methods to get their data.  So I’m just having a hard time connecting the dots between how you condone taking limits of fish on every outing when you’ve stated the mechanisms that set those limits are erroneous, in your opinion.

I started out by saying I return small and trophy and only keep the middle slot fish. I dont see where you are pulling I am against C&R.  ???

The fact of the matter is that most wildlife resource managers are poor performers, who fly by the skin of their teeth. That goes across the board for fin or fur. State wide limits for species proves that out without question.

For example.... You cant be a judge who found 20 innocent people guilty and then point to the other 100 criminals that you also found guilty as proof of a job well done.  ;)
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 25, 2020, 06:49 PM

Yes but almost everyday? I mean my wife makes stuff with veggies alot califlower zucchini ect but I know I couldn't go without meat even 3 nights a week. Im not knocking anyone just curious

My best man is a hunter and eats meat every day (I believe) and his wife is (has been since her teens) a vegetarian.  I have eaten her cooking many times and I dont even think of meat while eating her dishes. She is an amazing cook.
I think that if I could cook as she does, it wouldnt much matter to me if I had meat or not.

That said... I am not a great cook and meat is my best salvation LOL
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 25, 2020, 06:50 PM

Yes but almost everyday? I mean my wife makes stuff with veggies alot califlower zucchini ect but I know I couldn't go without meat even 3 nights a week. Im not knocking anyone just curious

I agree, we probably do meatless 1or 2 nights a week, because my wife likes the meatless item she put on the menu - not because we are trying to go VEGAN or something like that.

That said, when we do have meat, I eat less of it than I used to. Fish would tend to be an exception. I like it and the portions have remained consistent. Usually they are grilled and so they are fairly light on calories.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 25, 2020, 06:52 PM
My best man is a hunter and eats meat every day (I believe) and his wife is (has been since her teens) a vegetarian.  I have eaten her cooking many times and I dont even think of meat while eating her dishes. She is an amazing cook.
I think that if I could cook as she does, it wouldnt much matter to me if I had meat or not.

That said... I am not a great cook and meat is my best salvation LOL


I'm a great cook and I just can't get veggies to taste great enough to eat just veggies everyday.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 25, 2020, 06:54 PM
I agree, we probably do meatless 1or 2 nights a week, because my wife likes the meatless item she put on the menu - not because we are trying to go VEGAN or something like that.

That said, when we do have meat, I eat less of it than I used to. Fish would tend to be an exception. I like it and the portions have remained consistent. Usually they are grilled and so they are fairly light on calories.


We do meatless maybe 1-2 nights month a little more in summer when the garden is going and we are getting stuff everyday. Idk I just can't not have meat and fish in my diet.

Hell for Christmas dinner we had steak and shrimp with a huge baked potato
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 25, 2020, 07:23 PM

We do meatless maybe 1-2 nights month a little more in summer when the garden is going and we are getting stuff everyday. Idk I just can't not have meat and fish in my diet.

Hell for Christmas dinner we had steak and shrimp with a huge baked potato

I hear you. I hunt/fish so I have 3 freezers full by the start of each year and they are empty by the start of deer season each year. Then we start all over.
I really like vegetables but I prefer them to be served with meats. Stir fry is great and corn on the cob with a steak is great. Not often am I ever sitting down to just vegetables.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 25, 2020, 07:28 PM
I hear you. I hunt/fish so I have 3 freezers full by the start of each year and they are empty by the start of deer season each year. Then we start all over.
I really like vegetables but I prefer them to be served with meats. Stir fry is great and corn on the cob with a steak is great. Not often am I ever sitting down to just vegetables.

Same here I have a family of 6 to feed  Wife Myself and 4 kids. We have 3 freezers also fill them during deer season and then ice fishing season and by middle of September every year just a few weeks before deer season wife is always saying venison is getting low. I then go kill 1-3 doe in first week of bow season. I can legally kill 7 deer and then can be given 2 more doe tags from other hunters. I don't usually get the other tags I just help buddies fill them and tell them go ahead take the deer.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DucksAndDogs on Dec 25, 2020, 07:40 PM
The fact of the matter is that most wildlife resource managers are poor performers, who fly by the skin of their teeth.

How can you prove and/or quantify this?
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 25, 2020, 07:55 PM
How can you prove and/or quantify this?

It's my opinion, based on everything I have seen personally and read about, over the years. There is no lack of reading to be had on the subject.
My wife has the educational degree/background which drew my attention toward this. I suppose it's like owning a particular car. There are tens of thousands of the same model on the roads on which you travel but you never take notice of them, until you suddenly own one. I never had an interest until we got together and then suddenly I was knee deep in a subject that is far more vast than I had ever known of previously.

I also believe I can catch more fish with a shiner on my tip up, as opposed to a lure tied to the same line. I haven't written on the subject but I am pretty sure (by observation) I am correct in that opinion as well...But I could be wrong.


Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: zcm_82 on Dec 25, 2020, 09:46 PM
I agree, we probably do meatless 1or 2 nights a week, because my wife likes the meatless item she put on the menu - not because we are trying to go VEGAN or something like that.

That said, when we do have meat, I eat less of it than I used to. Fish would tend to be an exception. I like it and the portions have remained consistent. Usually they are grilled and so they are fairly light on calories.

Basically the same here, kind of a slow shift in diet.  It's just been a thing where it's not necessarily meatless meals that often, but the meat is a small part of the dish. Lots of starches like potatoes, things like cheeses, eggs, rices, beans pastas, that's the bulk of ths meals.


I just never have liked fish much, probably because we ate it constantly when I was a kid. Drove my taste for it right into the dirt. 🤷‍♂️
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Blackfish17 on Dec 26, 2020, 02:46 AM
I hear you but (for me) a walk past the local fish department in our grocery store convinces me that this is not so. Walleye at $14 a pound equals 30# to pay for the new auger. 10# pays for the pop up ice shelter. 13# pays for the heater, chairs and tow sled. 10# pays for my traps and 20# pays for the wife's poles and jigs maybe.
Thats less than 100# of fish paying for things that will last 10 years or more, which means 10# of fish a year pays for everything required...and things that are not even necessary.

Thats less than a pound a week (1 meal) to justify the offset. ;)
Maybe i'll feel better about the money i spend on fishing gear if i start eating some more of them then  ;D Totally makes sense what youre saying but for me unfortunately im not getting out fishing enough (especially in the winter) to be catching enough for a meal a week...school and work make it difficult to find time to go.  I'm definitely not trying to say its not cheaper for everyone to just buy the fish ( I do know some people who save pretty good chunks of fudge fishing and hunting most of their food) but I think it probably would be cheaper for me at the moment to just buy the fish instead of spending the money on gear...doesnt mean ill stop though too much fun to be had lol. And who knows this conversation may prompt me to eat a little more fish that comes out of the hole to save some extra cash.  ;)  tight lines!
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: river_scum on Dec 26, 2020, 06:00 AM
Are you the guys who saw me releasing short bass and said "hey well take those?" and then I said "they aren't even legal" and then the wife said "doesn't matter to us!"?  I don't get it, someone explain please?



explanation: not enough game wardens.  same around here. I see it a lot. 

one of the worst was fishing late ice on public lake.  bite was hot ice was bad.  only 2 guys out there.  we have sub culture around here that takes all they get.  big small they eatum all.  we so happened they were on the spot we were going to fish.(probably a spot they seen others catching from too)  get there and there is dinks all over the ice. crappie gills by the dozens.  they were gathering up by time we walked over there.  they had two buckets full to the top!  and left several dozen on the ice that wouldn't fit!  on the way off the ice you pass a wooded island.  they stopped by the island and pulled out two more buckets full of fish!  when they hit shore a van pulled up and they rammed all in a split.  luckily they left us our two limits to catch still biting. but that is the mentality of some people.  sad isn't it. enough to make a "sportsman" sick. 

so you mite understand how its get them or get ___ed.  thats why we have limits.  IMO nothing wrong with keeping what the law allows unless nothing eats them and are wasted.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: river_scum on Dec 26, 2020, 06:38 AM
been thinking about the TV thing, OP.  its funny how hunting shows seem to be all unethical baiting.  run around on a truck and shoot penned up critters. where and when did that sport go so bad?   they call it poaching around here. ;D  but fishing shows are the total opposite.  I blame bill dance.  ;D he been C&Ring as long as I can remember on TV. yea I know, those were bass and people were making money catching them in tournaments so they should go back. rite? no not rite.  and that's another thread called "why tourney fishermen think they own the lake". lmao  now panfish breed like rabbits so I don't get it either.  unless its a poaching numbers scenario.  maybe they think they are so good that they along could fish out a lake so they need to C&R? lol  I think its what people see all the time on TV and are getting more and more conditioned.  the "let the big fish pass on the genes" don't hold water.  those big fish have passed on their genes many times already so whats the point?  harvest and make room for new I say.  its nature and we are predator's here to control the population. 

also in general humans are getting soft.  society is gradually failing due to lack of common sense and the ability to do what needs done!  look at the idiocy we are dealing with rite now for god sakes! 
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: bigfoot86 on Dec 26, 2020, 07:57 AM
Some people like eating fish and some don't but one common thing we all have is we enjoy catching them, we enjoy the sport and camaraderie.  I'm not a big fan of fish overall... more of a beef, pork and chicken guy.  I'll keep a half a dozen panfish once every year to make my wife and I our once a year fish fry meal.  Other than that the fish go back to swim another day.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Fish Farmer on Dec 26, 2020, 08:26 AM
Some of the fish I like to catch taste like crap or are a hassle to clean so they swim away.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Fish Farmer on Dec 26, 2020, 08:49 AM
I love eating fish.
And catching them is a ton of fun.
But having worked on a commercial fishing boat I'll say this.
I've eaten fish three meals a day. I've eaten fish seven days a week.
But I will not eat fish three times a day seven days a week.
I love fish but one can only eat so much and you become tired of it.
I think most people would too if they ate it every day.
And I'm talking fresh from the ocean fish everyday at that.

I remember my first fisheries job on Lake Powell. The boss told us we could fish between doing surveys.....we had a fishing hotline we updated. The striper population was robust with lots of small to medium stripers. He told us to take all. The limit was 50 fish at the time. We even avoided fishing over the 12" class of stripers, just so we didn't have to clean many. The boss would bring back stripers for us to clean almost every day. I ate striper almost every day and we also had a garden where I mistakenly planted lots of yellow squash.

Striper boils
Deep fried striper
Pan fried striper
Striper tacos
Baked striper
Broiled striper

and yellow squash. Those off striper days were filled with 99 cent frozen pizzas.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 26, 2020, 09:35 AM
Well I guess I only target the tasty fish. I'm after perch walleyes and any pan fish. Rockies in the spring in cold water are great eat as well. But even whenii fish for bullhead and catfish I personally don't care for the taste I either give them away or sell them to the bait shop
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Doeslayer on Dec 26, 2020, 10:28 AM
We eat venison 4 nights a week.... Chicken 2 and seafood 1 so sometimes i can provide dinner 5 nights a week..... That makes me feel a little more useful in the home..... Yea i spend a lot to go hunting but i make sure i have 5 deer in the freezer by seasons end... Which i have not completed this year.... 2020 has been rough in the woods
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: uncleshorty on Dec 26, 2020, 11:27 AM
Why do I catch and release?

First I find it respectful to the sport of fishing and to my prey.

Second, the states where I fish all have warnings about frequency of eating fish, especially large predators because of high mercury levels.

Third FRESH fish always tastes better than frozen fish.  I'm not interested in eating a dog food fed stocked trout that's been sublimating, (freezer burning) for months and months.

Yeah, I catch and release.  Wanna make something out of it?
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 26, 2020, 12:34 PM
I have no issues with calling a warden, what so ever.
More good would be done with a phone call (in this situation) than all the C&R you could do yourself.



explanation: not enough game wardens.  same around here. I see it a lot. 

one of the worst was fishing late ice on public lake.  bite was hot ice was bad.  only 2 guys out there.  we have sub culture around here that takes all they get.  big small they eatum all.  we so happened they were on the spot we were going to fish.(probably a spot they seen others catching from too)  get there and there is dinks all over the ice. crappie gills by the dozens.  they were gathering up by time we walked over there.  they had two buckets full to the top!  and left several dozen on the ice that wouldn't fit!  on the way off the ice you pass a wooded island.  they stopped by the island and pulled out two more buckets full of fish!  when they hit shore a van pulled up and they rammed all in a split.  luckily they left us our two limits to catch still biting. but that is the mentality of some people.  sad isn't it. enough to make a "sportsman" sick. 

so you mite understand how its get them or get ___ed.  thats why we have limits.  IMO nothing wrong with keeping what the law allows unless nothing eats them and are wasted.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 26, 2020, 01:45 PM
Why do I catch and release?

First I find it respectful to the sport of fishing and to my prey.

Second, the states where I fish all have warnings about frequency of eating fish, especially large predators because of high mercury levels.

Third FRESH fish always tastes better than frozen fish.  I'm not interested in eating a dog food fed stocked trout that's been sublimating, (freezer burning) for months and months.

Yeah, I catch and release.  Wanna make something out of it?


To each their own just don't understand C&R. Where I fish we don't have that warning on fish. My fish are n very freezer burnt. Vacuum sealer makes that not happen
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Fish Farmer on Dec 26, 2020, 02:03 PM
I have no issues with calling a warden, what so ever.
More good would be done with a phone call (in this situation) than all the C&R you could do yourself.

You bring up an interesting point with regard to law enforcement and rules on the book. Come hunting season where I'm at, you would be lucky to see a warden checking fishing licenses....fast forward to ice fishing season, they are hitting the ice fishing/derby circuit in force.

If say you add a bunch of slot limits, water bodies with different regs, rivers with C and R in one stretch, but kill stretch one mile downstream, some anglers see that as excessive control of the resource and won't buy a license or go to less restrictive states to fish. In the little state of Vermont we have quite a variation of fishing zones, Lake Champlain, Inland and Connecticut River, you can also add some local waterbody restrictions in a northern section of the state. We even have several restrictive zones on baitfish use due to potential spread of diseases and invasive plants/animals. This all needs to be patrolled by wardens, which can be limiting.

For me I have no problem reading the regs and understanding the laws and what I can fish for, but many of the "just want to go fishing" seem to not be able to decipher new regulations in areas that they may have fished their entire lives. Many times those regs do get changed based on fishery and/or public access or pressure.

We have had several biologist changes in the last few years so there has been many changes in stocking/managing certain waterbodies and different sets of eyes on angling potentials. We are actually having several changes being made in the rule book to make it less restrictive for overall angling in the state and eliminating some waterbody specific regs that don't make sense and will fall under general regs making it easier for fishing overall.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Fish Farmer on Dec 26, 2020, 02:17 PM

To each their own just don't understand C&R. Where I fish we don't have that warning on fish. My fish are n very freezer burnt. Vacuum sealer makes that not happen

I've seen trout/salmon caught and released to be caught again.

One salmon a buddy of mine caught in October(he's allergic to fish), was caught ice fishing in a derby three months later. Misidentified at a brown trout....I think took 2nd place in trout category. If it was in the salmon category it would have also paid out.

I also have seen a steelhead caught THREE times in one fall/winter. Twice in the same river over a months time, then left the river and showed up miles away near another river. Twice it was caught by the same angler.

I like to fish for bowfin....they are very sporting, but not very tasty IMO and a real pain to clean. Have no desire to bring a cooler of ice out fishing for them in the summer, just to fillet them for somebody else.

I like to fly fish for trout in a "secret spot". If I do well I can catch my limit of 6 trout. They are strong wild rainbows which can grow bigger. If I limited out and took them home, they wouldn't be there later. Sure they do eventually die and get replaced by young ones, but I would rather hook a 20" trout on a dry fly than a 12". This river would be considered marginal trout water at best due to warm summer temps, so it is not filled to the brim with runts needing to be harvested.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: zcm_82 on Dec 26, 2020, 02:28 PM
I've seen trout/salmon caught and released to be caught again.

One salmon a buddy of mine caught in October(he's allergic to fish), was caught ice fishing in a derby three months later. Misidentified at a brown trout....I think took 2nd place in trout category. If it was in the salmon category it would have also paid out.

I also have seen a steelhead caught THREE times in one fall/winter. Twice in the same river over a months time, then left the river and showed up miles away near another river. Twice it was caught by the same angler.

I like to fish for bowfin....they are very sporting, but not very tasty IMO and a real pain to clean. Have no desire to bring a cooler of ice out fishing for them in the summer, just to fillet them for somebody else.

I like to fly fish for trout in a "secret spot". If I do well I can catch my limit of 6 trout. They are strong wild rainbows which can grow bigger. If I limited out and took them home, they wouldn't be there later. Sure they do eventually die and get replaced by young ones, but I would rather hook a 20" trout on a dry fly than a 12". This river would be considered marginal trout water at best due to warm summer temps, so it is not filled to the brim with runts needing to be harvested.

I made the mistake of trying to clean a bowfin....once... never again 🤣 Friggin' ribs from gill plate clear down to the dang tail.

Love catching them, though. One of the rivers around here is thick with them in the spring during high water.

I mostly target redhorse, buffalo, and carp with an occasional bowfin/bass trip during open water season. Nice to see someone else giving the underdogs some love.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 26, 2020, 02:40 PM
You bring up an interesting point with regard to law enforcement and rules on the book. Come hunting season where I'm at, you would be lucky to see a warden checking fishing licenses....fast forward to ice fishing season, they are hitting the ice fishing/derby circuit in force.

If say you add a bunch of slot limits, water bodies with different regs, rivers with C and R in one stretch, but kill stretch one mile downstream, some anglers see that as excessive control of the resource and won't buy a license or go to less restrictive states to fish. In the little state of Vermont we have quite a variation of fishing zones, Lake Champlain, Inland and Connecticut River, you can also add some local waterbody restrictions in a northern section of the state. We even have several restrictive zones on baitfish use due to potential spread of diseases and invasive plants/animals. This all needs to be patrolled by wardens, which can be limiting.

For me I have no problem reading the regs and understanding the laws and what I can fish for, but many of the "just want to go fishing" seem to not be able to decipher new regulations in areas that they may have fished their entire lives. Many times those regs do get changed based on fishery and/or public access or pressure.

We have had several biologist changes in the last few years so there has been many changes in stocking/managing certain waterbodies and different sets of eyes on angling potentials. We are actually having several changes being made in the rule book to make it less restrictive for overall angling in the state and eliminating some waterbody specific regs that don't make sense and will fall under general regs making it easier for fishing overall.

Maine waters are like this. The regs in Maine are ridiculous.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Fish Farmer on Dec 26, 2020, 04:42 PM
I made the mistake of trying to clean a bowfin....once... never again 🤣 Friggin' ribs from gill plate clear down to the dang tail.

Love catching them, though. One of the rivers around here is thick with them in the spring during high water.

I mostly target redhorse, buffalo, and carp with an occasional bowfin/bass trip during open water season. Nice to see someone else giving the underdogs some love.

Their flesh is really soft too. I was able to get some beer batter on them. Truthfully it fried up fine and was ok eating, but if they were easier to deal with, they would have gone extinct a long time ago.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Fish Farmer on Dec 26, 2020, 04:51 PM
Maine waters are like this. The regs in Maine are ridiculous.

I hear the fishing is really great though. Many Vermonters that do get the chance to fish Maine want to go back and live there. Vermont has the most liberal bag limit for brook trout....12 fish, that is one thing we are proposing to change to align with the other New England states. 8 fish total whether they are brook, brown, or rainbows. Currently you can have 12 trout, but only 6 can be rainbows or browns, the rest can be brookies. We are also the only state where you can shoot pike in the springtime during the spawn, from deer stands, into the water. That a good old tradition up here!
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 26, 2020, 04:56 PM
I hear the fishing is really great though. Many Vermonters that do get the chance to fish Maine want to go back and live there. Vermont has the most liberal bag limit for brook trout....12 fish, that is one thing we are proposing to change to align with the other New England states. 8 fish total whether they are brook, brown, or rainbows. Currently you can have 12 trout, but only 6 can be rainbows or browns, the rest can be brookies. We are also the only state where you can shoot pike in the springtime during the spawn, from deer stands, into the water. That a good old tradition up here!

Yup... Because waters are actually managed there. No state wide this and that, for the most part.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: DBV on Dec 26, 2020, 05:29 PM
It amazes me when I go ice fishing to a local harbor on Lake Erie and people are keeping buckets of bluegill.  Really, you don’t need that many and by keeping buckets, I guarantee the population will go down.  You can see the issue of overfishing just on Lake Erie itself.  There used to be blue pike, I never have seen one, but overfishing decimated the species. 

When the walleye fishing was down on Lake Erie, people started keeping smallmouth and almost decimated that population, but now it is coming back, as the walleye fishing is fantastic.

Yellow Perch, used to be so easy to catch in Lake Erie and the last three years not as much.  You just can’t keep taking and taking and except the populations to continue.  There needs to be strict limits, but fair and they need to be enforced.  And sorry, you should not be filling your buddy’s freezers too and those people are the ones responsible if we see the fishery go down. 

All of this is common sense.   I love Ontario, Canada’s rules on limits, size limits on panfish, etc.  You go over the limit their and you can get huge fines, boats and everything taken away.  We need more States to do that.  Bluegill’s need limits in Ohio and size limits too. Sorry for the rant, but it is so annoying to see buckets of bluegills just getting taken. 

Respect the resources that we are given for everyone.  :)
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: river_scum on Dec 26, 2020, 06:40 PM
I have no issues with calling a warden, what so ever.
More good would be done with a phone call (in this situation) than all the C&R you could do yourself.

waste of time to call. they don't even do anything when you car or home is broken into for cripes sakes!  they sure cant do anything about that or even attempt to for that matter.  the law is a waste of time. 
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 27, 2020, 05:44 AM
It amazes me when I go ice fishing to a local harbor on Lake Erie and people are keeping buckets of bluegill.  Really, you don’t need that many and by keeping buckets, I guarantee the population will go down.  You can see the issue of overfishing just on Lake Erie itself.  There used to be blue pike, I never have seen one, but overfishing decimated the species. 

I suspect an area that is capable of producing tons of bluegill (as you mention) is not in any danger of being fished out and more than likely, when such numbers are there, it is best practice to thin the herd. Regulation as to take should be instituted when populations are low and not when they are high, given one option in either scenario. JMO

Perfect example is the current walleye population and take numbers in lake Erie. Walleye will go cannibalistic and will have no choice but to do so, as they decimate their food supply. This is management 101 and Ohio is ignoring this fact. With populations at record numbers (for the great lake) limits should have been doubled and maybe tripled.
Instead, limits were kept as low as they were set when numbers were below norms. The result (long term) will be a crash across the board. Walleye/Perch will decline rapidly and for a long time before we see a rebound. Poor management does more harm than than good.

Quote
When the walleye fishing was down on Lake Erie, people started keeping smallmouth and almost decimated that population, but now it is coming back, as the walleye fishing is fantastic.

Salmon populations are through the floor in the same body of water and that fact has nothing to do with over fishing. Facts not withstanding, I heard plenty of people accusing fishermen of being the reason for the decline, until the truth of the matter became evident.
I personally have not met any walleye fisherman who opted to start small mouth fishing. Especially as table fare.
Not like I know everyone but I certainly would question the possibility of fence jumpers being the route cause.
I could be wrong.

Quote
Yellow Perch, used to be so easy to catch in Lake Erie and the last three years not as much.  You just can’t keep taking and taking and except the populations to continue.  There needs to be strict limits, but fair and they need to be enforced.  And sorry, you should not be filling your buddy’s freezers too and those people are the ones responsible if we see the fishery go down. 

Last 3 years has seen a dramatic rise in the perches top predator, the walleye. Walleye numbers (Ohio report) shows the highest population on record.
I suspect that has more to do with it, than fishing pressure.

All of this is common sense.   
Quote
I love Ontario, Canada’s rules on limits, size limits on panfish, etc.  You go over the limit their and you can get huge fines, boats and everything taken away.  We need more States to do that. 

Agreed.

Quote
Bluegill’s need limits in Ohio and size limits too. Sorry for the rant, but it is so annoying to see buckets of bluegills just getting taken. 


I hear you and I agree for the most part but then there are the instances where sunfish become so over populated that they effect other species.
Same goes for Walleye or any other fish, for the most part.

This is why water specific management is the only answer.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 27, 2020, 05:54 AM
waste of time to call. they don't even do anything when you car or home is broken into for cripes sakes!  they sure cant do anything about that or even attempt to for that matter.  the law is a waste of time.

I guess it depends on where you are and who has the job. I hear you.
I moved to Ohio and called the wardens office 2 times for criminal acts. Nothing.

On the other hand, where I hail from a warden is going to appear out of the mist as soon as the call is made. LOL
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Doeslayer on Dec 27, 2020, 01:48 PM
waste of time to call. they don't even do anything when you car or home is broken into for cripes sakes!  they sure cant do anything about that or even attempt to for that matter.  the law is a waste of time.
Boy you must not have dealt with a Michigan dnr officer.... Them boys dont play no games... Ive called the dnr a couple times to get an officer out and they always show up.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Roccus on Dec 27, 2020, 01:55 PM
Small trout and small mouth get released, the trout, because the grow much bigger where I fish, and big ones get the release of life if the white perch are running.. smaliies taste like crap.IMHO, and I get a ton of them as by catch, so I'd exceeded my limit quickly if I kept them..
Crappie and white perch are not as lucky.

As a note, most unwanted fish are unhooked without removing them from the water if pissible.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Gunflint on Dec 27, 2020, 03:00 PM
Boy you must not have dealt with a Michigan dnr officer.... Them boys dont play no games... Ive called the dnr a couple times to get an officer out and they always show up.

My experience in MN is the same. They take their job VERY seriously.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 27, 2020, 03:24 PM
My experience in MN is the same. They take their job VERY seriously.


Nys 2 I called on some guys catching there limit of walleyes 3-4 times a day they showed up and called me back when to let me know what was found 
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: filetandrelease on Dec 27, 2020, 03:36 PM

 I fish several counties and found them to be more than willing to come if called ,
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: river_scum on Dec 27, 2020, 04:09 PM
Boy you must not have dealt with a Michigan dnr officer.... Them boys dont play no games... Ive called the dnr a couple times to get an officer out and they always show up.

no im in Indiana not Michigan.  very limited on officer numbers here.

and call you to tell you what they found? baaaah, that's a joke here.  already been here that's why I have my opinion.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 27, 2020, 04:33 PM
no im in Indiana not Michigan.  very limited on officer numbers here.

and call you to tell you what they found? baaaah, that's a joke here.  already been here that's why I have my opinion.


Yes the NYS officer that checked these guys and called me back to tell me what he found. I don't believe what he told me as I saw with my own eyes what they where bringing in 3-4 times a day.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: river_scum on Dec 28, 2020, 06:55 AM
that is another thing.  I have had law enforcement lie to me a couple time over the years.  so I don't trust any of them anymore.

what is he going to do if they only walk off with a limit every time.  unless he set there and watches them come back numerous times in a day they can never get caught.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 28, 2020, 09:37 AM
wardens will take to the trees during the Maumee walleye runs. They would never get away with that kind of stuff there.

that is another thing.  I have had law enforcement lie to me a couple time over the years.  so I don't trust any of them anymore.

what is he going to do if they only walk off with a limit every time.  unless he set there and watches them come back numerous times in a day they can never get caught.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: got em on Dec 28, 2020, 12:19 PM
I c/r a couple times or more a season while ice fishing in memory of people who have passed away during the previous year . . This year I'll c/r a few days in memory of my Mom who passed this year . . I'll hold up the fish and say this one is for you . . She use to take me when I was young . .  ;)
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: JH57 on Dec 28, 2020, 01:38 PM
Here rivers are not stocked so the fish are wild fish, perhaps not native, but wild. I c&r river caught fish (trout).  Lakes here are stocked, some may have natural reproduction, some do not.  I generally keep what I catch if I'm icefishing.  Some lakes have booming populations of non native fish that are not stocked - I'll keep those if thats what we're targeting (we have lake superior whitefish in a few lakes for example).  We have northern pike now in most of our rivers and lakes in western, MT.  They really don't belong here,  but they are here.  I don't release pike, ever.

Seems that individual bodies of water need specific plans at times.  There are some smaller lakes around with masive overpopulations of yellow perch and not enough fishing or predators to control them.  The bucket brigade has put in pike to 'help' so now we have pike and stunted perch.  Seems there ought to be a way to manage it better, but I don't know how.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 28, 2020, 01:52 PM
wardens will take to the trees during the Maumee walleye runs. They would never get away with that kind of stuff there.


I here you tell you I watched 3 guys being 4 limits each in everyday for 3 days and was told by person's house I was at they do it everyday they get a chance. I don't believe DEC officer did a great job checking their freezer. I believe alot was hidden
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 28, 2020, 04:22 PM
Here rivers are not stocked so the fish are wild fish, perhaps not native, but wild. I c&r river caught fish (trout).  Lakes here are stocked, some may have natural reproduction, some do not.  I generally keep what I catch if I'm icefishing.  Some lakes have booming populations of non native fish that are not stocked - I'll keep those if thats what we're targeting (we have lake superior whitefish in a few lakes for example).  We have northern pike now in most of our rivers and lakes in western, MT.  They really don't belong here,  but they are here.  I don't release pike, ever.

Seems that individual bodies of water need specific plans at times.  There are some smaller lakes around with masive overpopulations of yellow perch and not enough fishing or predators to control them.  The bucket brigade has put in pike to 'help' so now we have pike and stunted perch.  Seems there ought to be a way to manage it better, but I don't know how.

Agree with specific waters regulation.
It isn't rocket science. It's done elsewhere with success each time it's tried to my knowledge. It's up to the state to do the job.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: JH57 on Dec 28, 2020, 04:45 PM
Agree with specific waters regulation.
It isn't rocket science. It's done elsewhere with success each time it's tried to my knowledge. It's up to the state to do the job.

One of the issues is wanton waste laws.  You can go catch a bucket full of 5" perch if you want - but who wants to deal with them?  Its illegal to leave them on the ice (though some do), and its illegal to throw them in the trash.

What's the responsible thing to do with 5" perch? What's the legal thing to do with 5" perch?  Last year someone came up with the idea that they could be donated to a raptor recovery center - but it turns out that's illegal as well and they can't accept them.

In the little lake I'm thinking of some bucket biologist introduced northern pike to solve the problem.  Now the lake that used to be a pretty quiet little lake with some nice trout and a few largemouth bass is full of stunted perch and a few pike.  Yay!  I don't remember if the perch were legally introduced or if that was more help from the bucket brigade. (Looking at stocking history no recorded stocking of perch as far back as about 1960)
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stuckinohio on Dec 29, 2020, 04:32 AM
One of the issues is wanton waste laws.  You can go catch a bucket full of 5" perch if you want - but who wants to deal with them?  Its illegal to leave them on the ice (though some do), and its illegal to throw them in the trash.

What's the responsible thing to do with 5" perch? What's the legal thing to do with 5" perch?  Last year someone came up with the idea that they could be donated to a raptor recovery center - but it turns out that's illegal as well and they can't accept them.

I would say... This is an example of where someone/group needs to lobby for change. I can understand the regulation against selling wildlife taken but the donation of said makes no sense.

Quote
In the little lake I'm thinking of some bucket biologist introduced northern pike to solve the problem.  Now the lake that used to be a pretty quiet little lake with some nice trout and a few largemouth bass is full of stunted perch and a few pike.  Yay!  I don't remember if the perch were legally introduced or if that was more help from the bucket brigade. (Looking at stocking history no recorded stocking of perch as far back as about 1960)

Hard to think of many examples of where this direction ever ended up as a positive. On the other hand, it's real easy to come up with a seemingly limitless list of examples of where the introduction of non-native species went very wrong.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: AdkKen on Nov 24, 2021, 07:06 AM
Buddy of mine did a lot of research over the last few years and found that even though the food savers work that there is a better option. He gets into freezers and stuff too. 

Really smart guy.

 Thought I would share.  Looking to get one of these chamber vacs myself.

Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Hatandboots on Nov 24, 2021, 10:44 AM
What do you guys think about slot sizes and selective harvest? There seems to be some resistance to the idea of C&R, reading old comments. It has always made sense to me that productive breeding fish should be released. I've seen C&R based around letting large fish with the genetics to become large go just because those fish are more likely to create more large fish.

Lake of the woods in Canada has these restrictions:

The Walleye/Sauger aggregate limit is six (no more
than four can be Walleye). Walleye from 19.5
through 28 inches must be immediately released.
Only one Walleye over 28 inches total length may be
possessed.


Lake of the woods is a fantastic fishery and that could be in large part to these restrictions.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Mike84 on Nov 24, 2021, 11:29 AM
Selective harvest is what I subscribe to when I fish.  I at time struggle seeing large lake trout on stringers but understand that they are legally harvested fish.  I just wish that those folks would eat 10 plentiful perch vs a large slow growing lake trout but to each their own. 
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Akhardwater on Nov 24, 2021, 02:30 PM
I don’t agree with slot limits while ice fishing because you have to measure the fish.  When measuring fish ice fishing this usually involves laying the fish on the ice and keeping it out of the water longer than necessary only to find out you have to release it.  I think most of us know what happens when you lay a releasable fish on the ice, you freeze off its slime layer and possibly freeze it’s eyes and fins causing permanent damage or even death of the fish.  Now before everyone jumps my case just remember that fishing in general always has the potential to kill the fish if you C&R but we need to take whatever steps possible to reduce damage to the fish.  There is no perfect equation for C&R we just need to do the best we can and slot limits through the ice in my opinion are not good for C&R.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: HWeber on Nov 24, 2021, 02:43 PM
Not a fan of slots, don't care to be forced to release dead fish. If fish aren't going to make it they should be kept or at least count against your limit imo. Regs in ND are pretty basic with almost no size restrictions and I have no complaints about quality of fishing here. Would rather see limits decreased than add slots.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: HWeber on Nov 24, 2021, 04:00 PM
Interesting article about warm water musky mortality rates https://dailyprogress.com/adventures-afield-research-sheds-light-on-musky-mortality/article_a306ef2c-4bce-11ec-8c3d-478586ab1b58.html
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stout93 on Nov 26, 2021, 01:59 PM
I saw possession limits mentioned a few times. They do vary widely by state so make sure you check it. Not just in what the number is but what actually applies to the limit. In some states, fish you have at your home in your freezer count towards that limit. In others, its only fish you have with you in the field or in transport and fish in your freezer at home do not count. Idaho is that way for example. We have a 3X the daily limit for possession but fish at home in your freezer on your property do not apply to that limit.



What's the use of a limit then? Get your daily limit, take them home, put in freezer, go back out....I don't get it??
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: FreshwaterPhil on Nov 26, 2021, 02:51 PM
Personally, ice fishing is my time to catch keepers for the table. I'm not talking about breeder size game fish, just table sized, as well as bigger panfish like yellow & white perch, crappie, etc.

During the open water season, I mainly fish on the St Lawrence River, too polluted for me to keep any from there, and it's mainly a trophy fishery. So mostly catch and release from April to November.

On ice, I stick mainly to remote / pristine lakes, and fish from under ice in deep lakes taste way better than those caught in weedy / muddy / warmer waters. I'll keep my bag limit per species if fishing is good.

Lucky for us, Quebec is blessed with over 300,000 lakes, and many thousand of rivers. Granted, most are closed to ice fishing, but still, there is no shortage up here.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Hatandboots on Nov 26, 2021, 03:48 PM
Not a fan of slots, don't care to be forced to release dead fish. If fish aren't going to make it they should be kept or at least count against your limit imo. Regs in ND are pretty basic with almost no size restrictions and I have no complaints about quality of fishing here. Would rather see limits decreased than add slots.

What do you mean forced to release dead fish? It's pretty simple here. You catch a walleye that is too large for the table, so you take your picture and put it back. Minimum time out of the water. You really shouldn't have any dead fish? Unless you are fishing in too deep of water to release them.

Here in Sask the fishing is nothing like what it was 50 years ago, or even 25 years ago and it probably isn't much different down there. Stricter limits and slots are essential to safeguard the pops. I agree that limits should be reduced to avoid abuse, but slots on some lakes just improve the quality and number of fish. Not everywhere, but in some fisheries.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Hatandboots on Nov 26, 2021, 03:55 PM
I don’t agree with slot limits while ice fishing because you have to measure the fish.  When measuring fish ice fishing this usually involves laying the fish on the ice and keeping it out of the water longer than necessary only to find out you have to release it.  I think most of us know what happens when you lay a releasable fish on the ice, you freeze off its slime layer and possibly freeze it’s eyes and fins causing permanent damage or even death of the fish.  Now before everyone jumps my case just remember that fishing in general always has the potential to kill the fish if you C&R but we need to take whatever steps possible to reduce damage to the fish.  There is no perfect equation for C&R we just need to do the best we can and slot limits through the ice in my opinion are not good for C&R.

I haven't heard too much about slime freezing. The YouTubers stress that dipping the board in the water helps protect the fish, and then minimum time out of water to protect their eyes and gills. I guess if you are fishing outside the shack and it is very cold then it would make sense to just get em back down asap.
Fishing inside a warm tent protects the fish you pull up too, and gives you more time to measure em.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: capt.crappie on Nov 26, 2021, 05:36 PM
I keep enough for a meal & then I throw them back.  I don't freeze fish. If Im hungry for fish I go catch more. Fish are easy to get anytime of the year. Why freeze them ? frozen fish comes in a yellow box  :o I don't eat trout too fishy 
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: HWeber on Nov 26, 2021, 05:47 PM
Too deep of water, deep hooked fish, poor handling, extreme weather conditions. Plenty of people mean well and release fish only for them to be floating later that day. The musky study is an example of that. (I personally don't musky fish when surface temps are high but some think it's acceptable) From my experience most don't take barotrauma serious and believe any fish that makes it under the ice is going to live. In deep water situations Id much rather keep my couple fish and quit than possibly killing more than my limit. Same goes for deep hooked fish, rather count them against my limit than kill an extra fish.

Fishing in ND is "better than ever" "we're living in the golden years”  according to some involved in our fisheries management. I personally agree with them to an extent.
I have no idea how fishing is in sask but I do know we generally remember the past much better than it truly was. Don't know anyone who takes pictures to help remember the days they got skunked  ;D
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Nov 26, 2021, 07:00 PM
I keep enough for a meal & then I throw them back.  I don't freeze fish. If Im hungry for fish I go catch more. Fish are easy to get anytime of the year. Why freeze them ? frozen fish comes in a yellow box  :o I don't eat trout too fishy


I ice fish every chance I get and limit out quite a bit. I freeze 500-1000 fish every winter gets me through the year until it's time to ice fish again. I work construction so summer time is busy season and I don't get much open water fishing in.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: eyeflyer on Nov 26, 2021, 08:46 PM
I watch a lot of ice fishing videos on Youtube and I see a LOT of catch and release videos.
Jen and I are always sitting there asking each other why. I mean... It wouldn't even occur to us, unless they were not keepers or were breeders.

But all the time, we are seeing eaters being tossed all day long and none kept too many time.
We just dont get it.

Anyone here that can explain this to me, I would listen with an open mind but I honestly just dont get it.

If you have a self sustaining fishery eating a few is fine. Where I am from most fisheries (pike, walleye, perch, whitefish)are declared vulnerable which means they don't have enough breeders to sustain the fishery and you don't get more breeders if you are keeping lots of eaters. Almost all our lakes for walleye are on a draw system, with slot limits and you have to put in for a draw to keep walleye. If drawn it is about 2-3 fish per year out of that lake for the year for that species and you only get 1 (walleye) draw per year. Stillwater trout lakes are stocked and most are managed as "put and take" fisheries and allow a harvest of 5 trout/day any size.  Rivers are not stocked but most have very small if any harvest limits with slot limits. Our govt. for the most part refuses to put money into stocking with the exception of trout fisheries. I have always liked catching fish more than eating them and in our province "catch and release" is the only reason we have a fishery at all.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: NEWLEE on Nov 27, 2021, 01:26 AM
Lakes and rivers should be managed so people can take some fish home to eat. If they can't handle that and are catch and release only I will not be wasting my time there.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: river_scum on Nov 27, 2021, 05:54 AM
If you have a self sustaining fishery eating a few is fine. Where I am from most fisheries (pike, walleye, perch, whitefish)are declared vulnerable which means they don't have enough breeders to sustain the fishery and you don't get more breeders if you are keeping lots of eaters. Almost all our lakes for walleye are on a draw system, with slot limits and you have to put in for a draw to keep walleye. If drawn it is about 2-3 fish per year out of that lake for the year for that species and you only get 1 (walleye) draw per year. Stillwater trout lakes are stocked and most are managed as "put and take" fisheries and allow a harvest of 5 trout/day any size.  Rivers are not stocked but most have very small if any harvest limits with slot limits. Our govt. for the most part refuses to put money into stocking with the exception of trout fisheries. I have always liked catching fish more than eating them and in our province "catch and release" is the only reason we have a fishery at all.

dang that really sounds bad.  what state are you in?  what happened to your lakes around there?  im with newlee, i wouldnt even fish lakes like that.  maybe they should shut them down to fishing for a few years so they can rebound?
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: kayl on Nov 27, 2021, 12:17 PM
Buddy of mine did a lot of research over the last few years and found that even though the food savers work that there is a better option. He gets into freezers and stuff too. 

Really smart guy.

 Thought I would share.  Looking to get one of these chamber vacs myself.



I have an Avid Armor USV32 and it's amazing. We have the occasional bag that loses seal, but it's rare. We love that we can easily vacuum seal soups, gravy, etc. It's expensive, but well worth it. I'm hoping to have the opportunity to use it to process my own deer this year too!
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: eyeflyer on Nov 27, 2021, 01:02 PM
Lakes and rivers should be managed so people can take some fish home to eat. If they can't handle that and are catch and release only I will not be wasting my time there.

I fish over 50 days a year and rarely keep any but I have never wasted time fishing............... ...ever. Some of the best memories I have are when I am fishing with friends and family and deciding not to keep fish doesn't really effect my experience, but each to their own.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: zcm_82 on Nov 27, 2021, 02:24 PM
I fish over 50 days a year and rarely keep any but I have never wasted time fishing............... ...ever. Some of the best memories I have are when I am fishing with friends and family and deciding not to keep fish doesn't really effect my experience, but each to their own.

+1 on this. I fish 50-80 days a year, depending on the weather, and most years I keep somewhere between 2 and about a dozen fish for the entire year, and some years none at all. I never really consider it a waste of time being out, either.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Nov 27, 2021, 02:26 PM
I fish for the joy but most of all to eat.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Akhardwater on Nov 27, 2021, 08:56 PM
  We all need to remember that we all fish for different reasons and there is no right or wrong way to do it as long as you are not breaking the law.  I support anyone who only fishes for food and I support anyone who only fishes for sport because “We” as a fishing community need to stand together so we can defend ourselves against those who want to take away our rights to fish and hunt.  The best weapon the anti’s have against us is to separate us and make us fight amongst ourselves giving them the in they need to slip in some BS reg that works to take away our rights.  Threads like this are dangerous and helps develop opposition amongst us.  It didn’t dawn on me till I went back and reread the thread and noticed all the arguing going on but I think it would be very smart if the OP would delete this thread.  I hope every one has a safe and fun season.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: HWeber on Nov 27, 2021, 09:30 PM
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badger132 on Nov 27, 2021, 10:21 PM
For Youtubers, the video and the revenue it can generate are far more important than the fish. Anything that someone else might object to is going to impact their views and revenue. No one I know likes to see anyone else catch and keep fish except them.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: ICE WANDERER on Nov 28, 2021, 03:32 AM


          I see that this topic has many different responses, Fishing is fun but I do like eating fish. I keep what I am going to eat. There are some people
          that fish for the numbers and they don't eat them all. They go to waste in the freezer. When Perch fishing, we're allowed 50 a day, me I only keep
          about 15 for a meal with family. As for bigger fish Like Lake Trout we're allowed 2 a day with various lengths depending on the body of water. I only
          keep one but might catch and release a dozen or so.

          IW
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: filetandrelease on Nov 28, 2021, 06:58 AM

 Stay within the regs and life is good
  And don’t waste a resource
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: KingPerch on Nov 28, 2021, 07:33 AM
Stay within the regs and life is good
  And don’t waste a resource
x2
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Ice_Fly_Guy on Nov 29, 2021, 04:55 PM
Selective harvest is the way to go, whether you keep 5 or 50.  I don't think anyone has mentioned the situation that occurs when too many of the big bull bluegills are taken out.  Since their genetics are no longer very prevalent, the genetics from the quickly sexually maturing and slow growing bluegills replace the good ones.

Some people may think that the lake/pond is full of dinks from over-population, but in fact, it is full of crap genetics because the greedy folks had to keep the 9"+ gills instead of the 7-8" gills.  The meat from two 7" bluegills is probably close to equal to the meat of one 9" bluegill, maybe a bit more.  And if more people did that, there would be plenty of eater fish AND picture-worthy fish for subsequent years.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Scranton Joe on Nov 29, 2021, 05:51 PM
Selective harvest is the way to go, whether you keep 5 or 50.  I don't think anyone has mentioned the situation that occurs when too many of the big bull bluegills are taken out.  Since their genetics are no longer very prevalent, the genetics from the quickly sexually maturing and slow growing bluegills replace the good ones.

Some people may think that the lake/pond is full of dinks from over-population, but in fact, it is full of crap genetics because the greedy folks had to keep the 9"+ gills instead of the 7-8" gills.  The meat from two 7" bluegills is probably close to equal to the meat of one 9" bluegill, maybe a bit more.  And if more people did that, there would be plenty of eater fish AND picture-worthy fish for subsequent years.

....stop making sense.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Nov 29, 2021, 07:55 PM
Selective harvest is the way to go, whether you keep 5 or 50.  I don't think anyone has mentioned the situation that occurs when too many of the big bull bluegills are taken out.  Since their genetics are no longer very prevalent, the genetics from the quickly sexually maturing and slow growing bluegills replace the good ones.

Some people may think that the lake/pond is full of dinks from over-population, but in fact, it is full of crap genetics because the greedy folks had to keep the 9"+ gills instead of the 7-8" gills.  The meat from two 7" bluegills is probably close to equal to the meat of one 9" bluegill, maybe a bit more.  And if more people did that, there would be plenty of eater fish AND picture-worthy fish for subsequent years.

To each their own. A eater to one person may not be to the other. Or maybe that guy is a weekend warrior so he only gets a couple days a month to fish so keeps anything that will eat. I don't knock which ever way you choose to be. My self if i feel it's and eater I'm keeping it. Unless there is a legal size
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Nov 29, 2021, 07:55 PM
Selective harvest is the way to go, whether you keep 5 or 50.  I don't think anyone has mentioned the situation that occurs when too many of the big bull bluegills are taken out.  Since their genetics are no longer very prevalent, the genetics from the quickly sexually maturing and slow growing bluegills replace the good ones.

Some people may think that the lake/pond is full of dinks from over-population, but in fact, it is full of crap genetics because the greedy folks had to keep the 9"+ gills instead of the 7-8" gills.  The meat from two 7" bluegills is probably close to equal to the meat of one 9" bluegill, maybe a bit more.  And if more people did that, there would be plenty of eater fish AND picture-worthy fish for subsequent years.

To each their own. A eater to one person may not be to the other. Or maybe that guy is a weekend warrior so he only gets a couple days a month to fish so keeps anything that will eat. I don't knock which ever way you choose to be. My self if i feel it's and eater I'm keeping it. Unless there is a legal size
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: AcezHi on Nov 30, 2021, 08:07 AM
In our case here in Maine there are warning from IFW not to eat too many fish as they contain Mercury.
That is the biggest reason we release most everything.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: IceSpartan on Nov 30, 2021, 08:28 AM
I’ve been practicing catch and release for over 20 years now.  It’s my own little attempt to help preserve the fish populations.  I’m 65, and the waters I frequent don’t have nearly the number of fish they did when I was younger.  It’s not even close.  Some bodies of water aren’t even worth fishing anymore.  I don’t begrudge anyone keeping fish they plan to eat.  It’s perfectly legal.  But I do get mad when I see people abusing the creel limits or killing fish they have no intent on eating.  Just my 2 cents. 
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: kasilofchrisn on Nov 30, 2021, 10:45 AM
What's the use of a limit then? Get your daily limit, take them home, put in freezer, go back out....I don't get it??

That's not how it works.
Here in Alaska we have a daily limit.
You cannot exceed the daily limit in any one 24-hour period.
Then we have a possession limit which is two times the daily limit.
That is to allow people to go camping and fishing, for a weekend for instance, then catch and keep fish both days.
Beyond that there is no limit to how many fish you may have at home.
But in order for you to have more than a possession of limit of fish on you you must either have all the information,( name address license number) of the other person who caught it or the fish must be preserved in a manner that makes them fit for consumption after 14 days.
Vacuum sealed and Frozen, smoked, pressure canned, etc.
Virtually everyone in Alaska puts up salmon in the summer when they are running and halibut from the ocean when they are available in the summer.
If they didn't allow that we'd be bearing down on the capital with pitchforks and torches!
But at no time are you allowed to exceed the daily limit or The possession limit.
So no, you cannot run home throw them in your freezer and come back and catch a second limit.
Not legally anyway!
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: slipperybob on Nov 30, 2021, 12:55 PM
How about when the fish are just chemically polluted and too harmful for consumption, you just release them back.  ;)
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: bart on Nov 30, 2021, 02:18 PM
What's the use of a limit then? Get your daily limit, take them home, put in freezer, go back out....I don't get it??



Most of us have a moral compass and are capable of following a simple regulation, such as a daily limit.

On the other hand, psychopaths have the inability to distinguish between right and wrong... some even look for validation from others for their behavior??

Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: stout93 on Nov 30, 2021, 02:26 PM
That's not how it works.
Here in Alaska we have a daily limit.
You cannot exceed the daily limit in any one 24-hour period.
Then we have a possession limit which is two times the daily limit.
That is to allow people to go camping and fishing, for a weekend for instance, then catch and keep fish both days.
Beyond that there is no limit to how many fish you may have at home.
But in order for you to have more than a possession of limit of fish on you you must either have all the information,( name address license number) of the other person who caught it or the fish must be preserved in a manner that makes them fit for consumption after 14 days.
Vacuum sealed and Frozen, smoked, pressure canned, etc.
Virtually everyone in Alaska puts up salmon in the summer when they are running and halibut from the ocean when they are available in the summer.
If they didn't allow that we'd be bearing down on the capital with pitchforks and torches!
But at no time are you allowed to exceed the daily limit or The possession limit.
So no, you cannot run home throw them in your freezer and come back and catch a second limit.
Not legally anyway!

Go back and read the post from the guy from ID. That's exactly how he explained it. Thus the reason why I asked "why even have a daily limit at all..." Listen, I'm not from ID so I don't know if he explained it wrong or if that's really the way it works, I was just calling it out since it sounded ridiculous.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: ice dawg on Nov 30, 2021, 02:35 PM
I have watched our Perch limit drop from 50 to 15 and our Walleye limit drop from 8 to 4. I will tell a friend or two where I find fish, but will never post a location or photo of a location on the internet. I don't like seeing lakes getting overfished. The only thing that saves them is another body of water gets hot and the herd goes there. My son and I were fishing a lake last winter when someone posted that another lake had a hot Perch bite going. We were in his popup on a drop off with submerged trees below us in line with eight large wheel houses. Seven of them left for another location.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: missoulafish on Nov 30, 2021, 03:08 PM
And people still want to argue that hotspotting on social media has no effect...
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: ice dawg on Nov 30, 2021, 03:43 PM
And people still want to argue that hotspotting on social media has no effect...
They will probably stop arguing when it happens to them.  ::)
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: river_scum on Dec 01, 2021, 05:55 AM
They will probably stop arguing when it happens to them.  ::)
sites shoiuld have a banner at the top of page about not posting lake names.  dont seem fishing sites want to acknowledge this detrimental side affect though.   
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: filetandrelease on Dec 01, 2021, 06:18 AM

 I know a guy that had a great day went to another spot and took pics leaving just a little info in the background, and he never even said he caught them there , next 2 day  looked like a convention
Canadarago lake had great perch many 14”+ perch , it was posted went from maybe 30 guys on the lake to 200 , it got cleaned out , it’s been years trying to recover
 
 
 
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: zcm_82 on Dec 01, 2021, 06:30 AM
I know a guy that had a great day went to another spot and took pics leaving just a little info in the background, and he never even said he caught them there , next 2 day  looked like a convention
Canadarago lake had great perch many 14”+ perch , it was posted went from maybe 30 guys on the lake to 200 , it got cleaned out , it’s been years trying to recover

I fished a very small lake (more of a big pond really... 30ish acres) like that when I was still in northern MN. It was not easy to access, especially before the ice was thick enough to support a 4wd vehicle, so it saw very little pressure.

The thing was just chock full of tank crappies. Most days you'd see maybe 5-10 other people out there... then word got out one winter, and by the end of the season, it looked like a friggin carnival out there. Hundreds of hardsides, and portables everywhere... by the end of the next season, it was the dead sea, totally wiped out. 

I haven't been back up there in years, but according to one of my uncles still living in the area, it still hasn't recovered, and we're talking 2002-03 when it got hammered to death.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: KingPerch on Dec 01, 2021, 07:20 AM
I know a guy that had a great day went to another spot and took pics leaving just a little info in the background, and he never even said he caught them there , next 2 day  looked like a convention
Canadarago lake had great perch many 14”+ perch , it was posted went from maybe 30 guys on the lake to 200 , it got cleaned out , it’s been years trying to recover
canadarago got annihilated back then. Most pics I take of fishing are taken at my home, in the garage, on a concrete floor. If guys wanna follow me to drill holes there… knock yourselves out. 😁 😂
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: missoulafish on Dec 01, 2021, 07:48 AM
dont seem fishing sites want to acknowledge this detrimental side affect though.   

Nope, they operate under the guise of "I'm just trying to help" or "isn't that what this site is for"?  (We need a site to wipe out a fishery?)I'm all for helping people catch fish but that can be done without burning entire fisheries. Then when you say anything about taking  care of a resource or suggest people put in even the tiniest bit of effort  you're the d***.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: kasilofchrisn on Dec 01, 2021, 10:46 AM
Nope, they operate under the guise of "I'm just trying to help" or "isn't that what this site is for"?  (We need a site to wipe out a fishery?)I'm all for helping people catch fish but that can be done without burning entire fisheries. Then when you say anything about taking  care of a resource or suggest people put in even the tiniest bit of effort  you're the d***.
Man you sure hit the nail on the head there.
I've been calling it The Google generation for years.
All of these people think that if you want to find something you just Google it.
That works fine for finding a good restaurant or a local bait and tackle shop.
But so many people these days don't realize that's not how it works for finding a fishing spot, hunting spot, berry picking spot, etc.
You have to put in the work and find your own spots.
That and finding my own spots is half the fun for me anyway.
Or people talk about the time they gave up a spot only to find the spot got overrun and was ruined after that.
And people get so mad when you tell them you don't share your spots with strangers.
 Well it's blatantly obvious to me why we don't share those spots!
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: skifisher on Dec 01, 2021, 11:18 AM
Maybe if some folks cooled their ego, stopped taking pics, posting videos, and bragging about their prowess when it comes to fishing, maybe that would help alleviate some of the issues. I’m all about a nice catch, but over-hyping it can only lead to bad things. MYO
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: badbrad2186 on Dec 01, 2021, 11:44 AM
Sodus has been the same way last couple years guys hammering it then complain they can't catch keepers no crap 1000+ guys just fished it for the last 3 years every single weekend I'm hoping it goes back the old ways when I didn't have to get up and start my trek out well before daylight
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: ice dawg on Dec 01, 2021, 12:14 PM
Years ago my son and I were fishing a small lake and by mid afternoon it was being pounded so hard by the traveling circus that we moved to a larger lake to spend the night. We pulled into a bay and set our wheel house up for the night. There was still a steady stream of head lights going by us on the way off the ice at 11:30 pm. The parade started again about 4:30 am and by 10:00 am we couldn't see the south shore of the lake because there were so many ice shacks on the ice. We had about a dozen jumbo Perch which we gave to a couple with young children and we left. The first lake we were on still has very few Perch in it and nothing but dink Walleye. The land owner who owns the land under the second lake sued in court and it is now off limits unless you have landowner permission to fish it. His house is about 50 yards from the edge of the lake and he got tired of people running their augers early in the morning and waking his family. He was also tired of trash blowing into his yard so he made a fence out of pvc pipe and gas line tape to keep people out of that small bay. People tore his little barrier down and went close to his home anyway so he took it to court. There is another small Perch lake that is closed because the landowner went to court due to people leaving trash on the ice and in the water.  Now, many small lakes and sloughs have access allowed by landowners and when they think their property is being abused they can petition to close the access to the water above their land. Packing your trash off the ice with you can make a real difference here.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: missoulafish on Dec 01, 2021, 01:21 PM
Yup, thats another sweet bonus of blowing up spots; no place to park, garbage, theft, irritated neighbors, people running across road ways in the dark getting toasted be vehicles. There's way more reasons to not burn a spot than there ever will be to share a spot in a public forum. The admins of the FB pages need to start set rules about blowing places up but we all know how that will go.... potlicker revolt!
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: filetandrelease on Dec 02, 2021, 11:53 AM

 No FB here I can get in enough trouble on these 2 sites 😉
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Kilsdonk on Dec 07, 2022, 12:43 PM
No FB here I can get in enough trouble on these 2 sites 😉
right?  ;D

Personally I keep most all my fish during the winter. I fillet them on the ice and take them home smoke'em and can'em. During the summers or on the boat I let everything go.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Ice_Fly_Guy on Dec 07, 2022, 02:56 PM
Just because something is legal doesn't mean it's entirely ethical.  I can slam the door on the lady behind me going into the store before she gets to it, which isn't a crime, but it still makes me a d**k.  It's also not required for me to hold the door open for her, but I do that because it seems like the right thing to do.
Title: Re: Catch & Release ... WHO & WHY?
Post by: Ronnie D on Dec 07, 2022, 03:01 PM
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conservation