Belgrades

[thedirtydirtyfisherman]

it has nothing to do with being elitists and everything to do the fact that bass were introduced into many lakes ILLEGALLY.  I understand the financial benefit to the bass tourneys, but being a unique place where landlock salmon and brook trout still thrive, I want all my money going into preserving these resources rather than managing bass where u can catch anywhere in US.  I do realize that in some places the State actually stocked the bass, but everyone makes a mistake.

[GasBlaster]

Ok this s thread has gone way off track !!!!!

I want all my money going into preserving these resources rather than managing bass where u can catch anywhere in US. 

The bass and pike fishery is self sustaining .  All the boat/atv registrations and fishing license money spent by people fishing for them goes to ifw to support your precious loon feeding program  AKA fish stocking program . Without the bass fisherman's money you wouldn't have half as many stocked trout as you do or the fees would be so high that nobody could afford to buy a licence .

[LostOne]

If we were all living here for the financial benefits then none of us would be living here. 

People live in log homes because it feels good, not because they're the most energy efficient.  People drive trucks because they fit their lifestyle, not because they cost less to run.  We go to the woods and hunt whitetails because we love doing it, despite the fact that it's not the easiest thing in the world to do, and we work in mills and factories so that we can continue to do the above mentioned things.

I'd rather have salmon and trout, a log home, a pick up truck, and hunt than have a state with lots of money and be surrounded by people who are always looking for the easy way out.

I totally agree with this statement. Well said Ron!

[LostOne]

This is a quote from Adam Newell and I believe it sums things up pretty good..."Maine's motto is "The Way Life Should Be". So if you are moving into this state because you enjoy our way, PLEASE DO NOT try to change it to the way it was where you lived before!!!" Now, I'm not originally from Maine, but I've lived here for the last 15yrs, and I love it. I would hate to see it change. I've lived in big cities and small towns from Phoenix Arizona, to Floyds Knobs Indiana. I was born in Mass. (I know, I know  ). I've lived in Michigan, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania, but Maine has them all beat if you love the outdoors, and I do mean LOVE, not just if you USE the outdoors...so tread lightly, and give back. Don't abuse this last gem of the lower 48.

[HTguy]

My view is this: if pike and/or bass are well established in a lake or river than people shouldn't try to kill all they can.  But if the pike or bass has just been found I think you Should try to kill all you can (e.g. largemouth bass were just found in Grand Falls flowage and the I think the MDIFW make a special rule say something like there is no limit or season on LM bass and you are encouraged to kill everyone you catch).

[zorchester21]

See i agree with HT if they are well established whats the point? But if you go to your favorite native trout lake and you catch a pike i believe you should kill that pike even if it is a slim chance you will wipe out the population.