|
|
| Over the past 2 weeks there has been an over abundance of people fishing muskys on several locations of the Wisconsin River.They are rigged with beckmans,big rods and musky baits. When confronted they just say they don`t care or they will do what they want! As a part of a Musky Club who raises and stocks those same fish we are apalled, We (I) have contacted the wardens and if not available they said boat or car(truck) numbers are all that is needed. SO BEWARE ILLEAGAL MUSKY SO CALLED SPORTSMAN, you are giving all of us a bad rep and doing harm to the resource!
P.S-The I am fishing for Pike story will not work either! Hope you all get BUSTED!
P.P.S.S.- MuskieFirst members and staff, I had to write this post as a guest because I can`t logon for over a week because of some error. I have contacted the webmaster several times with no response! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 507
| Handyman, I was just able to log on as you using you user/pass. You username is "The Handyman", are you using that or just "Handyman"? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1764
Location: Ogden, Ut | A basic physical description of the individual (or individuals) is also needed. A citation cannot be written to a boat or truck, etc. The vehicle numbers will, however, allow law enforcement personnel to track down the owner of said vehicle. With the physical description of the individual, the officer can verify that the owner was indeed the perpetrator and then issue the ticket. Most officer now have cell phones and are eager to give out their numbers in order to increase their survelience network throughout their district.
K. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 3913
| We all carry cameras, right? Why not snap a pic of the guys, including the boat ID numbers. Turn it in or not, that ought to shake 'em up a bit. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 373
Location: Huber Heights, Ohio | From a law enforcement stand point, video is the next best thing to the officer seeing the violation. Photo's would be next. Be sure to get the other info also, as in boat registration, physical description of the people, fishing equipment and techniques being used, vehicle description and license plate number etc. The more info you can provide the better, as it makes for faster and easier prosecution. Something people don't realize is, the officer investigating your complaint may have several other investigations going at one time. If you hand the officer a video tape of the violation, I'm sure his intrest will be peaked. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 69
Location: Just above the thermoclime | They're poachers - plain and simple. Take the video camera and try to be discreete about filming them. If/when they do get busted, the will likely take retribution on your rig or vehicle if they see you blatantly taping them. If they're poachin', they'll have no qualms about vandalism. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1769
Location: Algonquin, ILL | Go get em guys, however stay safe and never approach those idiots take your pics and video from a safe distance |
|
| |
|
Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | I fish quite often with Handyman, and have witnessed these same events over time. I can only hope it stops, and the good guys prevail. Fish spawn in predictably areas, and need to be left alone. Handy and i will carry a video camera along on our next few outings just in case! |
|
| |
|
| MuskieFirst, I have the name correct but it still says ERROR and will not let me logon! |
|
| |
|
| I commented on this problem last spring. I was both amazed and ticked off when a so called sportswriter used a picture of a large out of season musky taken in a closed zone, to illustrate a spring fishing article. Why would it surprise anyone when all of a sudden there is an increase in illegal pressure in the spring? People that actually wait until the legal season to fish are the victims in this deal. Instead of having some fresh fish that have not been exposed to baits, they are now fishing for a population already burned, caught and exposed to baits by the unethical cheaters. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 32935
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Ilegally fishing for an out of season fish is exactly that, ILLEGAL. With some luck, the Warden in the area will bust a few of these folks and this practice will stop, fast. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 3913
| You know, it is likely that a few (just a few) of the folks "just fishing for pike" are more ignorant than criminal. I say this will all confidence because I was once one of those fools, some years back, fishing the Menominee River in the Upper Penninsula. I did it for a week or two, posted my behavior on this board, and then was politely straightened out by a few of the M1 regulars. I saw the error of my ways and stopped immediately. But the guys who are described above probably know exactly what they are doing and why it is wrong; they probably prescribe to the "it aitn't wrong 'till I get caught" approach to game laws. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 20261
Location: oswego, il | I have heard of this too. They use gear that's slightly big for pike and walleye, yet small for musky fishing. I have even seen people post on other boards asking how to employ these tactics for musky. I think they know what they are doing, just trying to slither through a loophole in the rules. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 5874
| Call the TIP line. Give the info, and Get Mr. G. Ame Waren after their behinds! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 229
| Is there anyway to petition the state DNR to have a closed northern fishing season on musky waters until the musky opener? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Handyman - Sorry to hear about folks deliberately targeting muskies. However- I seriously don't buy into the theory that everyone who is fishing using heavier tackle, Jerk bait rods, larger lures, Beckman nets are deliberately targeting muskies. The last time I checked the Wisconsin River had more than a few really big northern pike.
I fish Northerns with my muskie equipment, actually my ESOX equipment. Hell, I even use it for big walleye's. Big walleyes fit real nice into a Beckman Husky Musky. Besides how big of a prey can a 40" Northern eat. Last time I checked it was about 1/3 the body length. So now if you see me out on the river and I'm using a 6.3" Zam or a 7.5" Zalt- I get a ticket because of what you think? I don't think so. The fact is both Muskies and Northerns are vulnerable right now so you won't see me out there at all. I'd like to see the big northern pike protected too. Actually big river northerns are more vulnerable under the ice if you know how to find them.
Could a game warden make a case based on your say so? I don't think so. A mediocre lawyer could get them off. So they have to pay some legal fees. What about the poor smuck who was really fishing for northerns? Should every man be charged with rape because he has the necessary equipment to commit the act?
"Down to Earth" has the right idea, close all waters that contain both Northern's & Muskies. I'd like to see the northerns protected also during the spawn.. Why because it's too darn easy to find them and overharvest the biggest fish.
f. ex. There's a couple of Illinois fisherman who hit the local river (Lemonwier). They hit the dam's and bridges in early spring using a run & gun methodology. Six poles with suckers. They are not just fishin a spot but ~ 30 miles of river via truck. 30 minutes max & they move. I know because I followed them. I happened to see them pull up to one of my spot's where I'd raised a pretty nice fish the day before. Were they doing anything illegal? Nope! How many fish do they kill with their gut hook tactics? But I also realise I cannot impose my fishing ethics on them.
"Integrity is like virginity, either you have it, or you don't!" (Henry T. Warner)
Lastly, the last time I checked the WI DNR was also stocking the Wisconsin River. Meaning I don't think the Muskie clubs own the fish. If you want to own the fish- put them in a private lake. Don't get me wrong the Muskie clubs and fisherman like yourself are to be commended for their efforts in helping to create a sustainable fishery. It's just the attitude of- "hey those are my fish" is a trifle elitist and could get someone hurt. I hope you all are very careful.
The Spring hearings are coming up- raise up your voices!
Edited by ESOX Maniac 4/12/2004 12:19 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 484
Location: St. Louis, MO., Marco Is., FL, Nestor Falls, ON | I was going to reply to this yesterday, but family Easter prevented me from posting. I think Al has posted a thoughtful, well reasoned reply. I concur with what he has said. I, too, fish northern in late May and early June on LOTW and release ALL fish caught. I use small baits, but that is mostly what I use all season anyway. I do not feel it is unethical and it is certainly not illegal. I do ocassionally catch a musky while fishing for northern. I appreciate the catch and return it promptly to the water. The cold water in spring certainly makes successful release of fish an easier thing. Don't lump all "esox" spring time fishermen into one pile. Be careful not to falsely accuse someone of poaching when he may legally be fishing for open season fish. We don't want to see "water rage" join "road rage" as a national trend. There are some really thin skinned people out there with a violent temper. Politely asking a few questions of the fishermen should separate the offenders from those just enjoying the legal fishing. |
|
| |
|
| Al W. - hopefully i'll run into you at the meeting tonight at Juneau Co. courthouse...
look for the ESOX hat. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 355
Location: Wausau, Wisconsin | Take away my spring pike fishing? No. I'm sorry I'd rather fish pike in the spring than lowsy 12" walleyes. There is alot more wrong going on by the 1,000's of egg carrying females being harvested than me enjoying the use of a baitcaster. If I hook a 45" pike on the river in the spring (which wouldn't be the first time) what kind of net do you expect me to put it in??????? You curse pike everytime you hook one musky fishing and then you try to limit my ability to catch them? Sounds like and activist group called PETA. Yes, there are people who purposely fish for muskies wrongfully. But you cannot axe me and others for pike fishing. It is simply unfair. I can't help it that muskies like 5" twistertails, spinnerbaits, mepps, spoons and sucker minnows in the spring. Not my fault. It's not my fault they like shiners on tip ups on the winter. Are we going to close ice pike fishing? I don't think that would be beneficial to our musky populations. I feel our efforts towards conservation could be directed in a much more positive manner. I take my fishing seriously. My time on the water is the closest thing to heaven on earth. Please do not bother me with vulgarity and anger when you see me pike fishing. It is not what we are about.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | I know it's pointless for me to post this since we in Indiana don't have a "closed" musky season but I think outdoorsmen had better err on the side of personal safety and not let our "idealistic" behinds get kicked by a handful of ignorant morons. Besides, don't you see the irony of most legislation that attempts to "protect" the resource? If someone catches a musky through the ice and releases it immediately why is that any different than the avid pike anglers using their musky tackle during "open" pike season and immediately releasing the bonus musky that may happen along? I just don't get your thinking when I read some of these posts. CPR is the badge of honor that the modern Muskyphile wears. And, if I lived in a state with a closed musky season but pike was open and a CO (or another angler) tried to accuse me of targeting musky and I lost my gear and license my lawyer would be in touch post-haste. Take a deep breath and be careful about your battles gentlemen. If these people (mentioned above) are truly obsessed with musky fishing out-of-season then chances are good they won't be very rational about your "passionate" position regarding poaching. I'd bet they WILL kick your a$$. I'd rather fish another day...thank you! (let the DNR do their job- if they choose to)
Food for thought.......
Edited by stephendawg 4/12/2004 10:23 PM
|
|
| |
|
| is it possible to both care about the "welfare of Wisconsin River toothy critters" and believe that fishing for pike before May 1 is a good practice?
perhaps saying something like, "i encourage you to consider the benefits of this" instead of "if you are a true sportsman" might encourage more dialogue rather than defensiveness.
just something to consider before this heads south to the banished-bin... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 21
Location: Metro, MN | Pike, perch, sheephead, trout...any fish caught is a good fish if you are a fishface fishing freak. Bring on the 6" crappie, or the 300 pound shark.
FISH ON!! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Handyman- This is a great topic, I know you have the best interest of the fishery at heart. I just don't want to see anyone hurt over this, like it was said before- there are some pretty thin skinned folks out there, and if they figure out who's responsible for them being accosted by the Game Warden, they may look for revenge. Never mind they created the situation themselves. However, I'm also concerned about the legitimate Northern Plike fisherman, he has a legal right to pursue his passion without harrasment.
Your text carries the connotation that you/muskie club own the fish. "As a part of a Musky Club who raises and stocks those same fish we are apalled". Be careful of what you say it can be taken out of context.
It would seem this is a very difficult enforcement issue. Unless they are incredibly stupid the vast majority violator's are going to claim they're fishing for Northern Pike.
However, even though I'd personally vote to close the northern season during spawn, some others might object. Maybe I should just go along with them & go jump in the truck & hit the river. With the current drought here in central Wisconsin-water levels are down ~ 3 feet, it's unlikely that we will have a sucessful spawn of either species this year....
Maybe the muskie spawn period needs to be CPR only. Because that's what's happening anyway. What about the walleye guy that catches a muskie, and releases it. Is he any more legal than a guy fishing northern pike who does the same thing? How do you determine a guy is deliberately targeting spawning muskies.
Maybe the spawning area's should be closed to all fishing? I think that's a much more viable proposition for all to be able to accept. It would also make it a lot easier for enforcement. How about closed spawning areas and mandatory C&R on all other sections of the water? Perhaps it should go as far as not allowing the fish to be photographed and they must be immediately released without undue delay.
Lambeau- I was out of town (Chicago) yesterday afternoon. Got back late last nite. Glad to hear the Juneau County attendees supported better management of the resources.
Edited by ESOX Maniac 4/13/2004 9:03 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 354
| I like to fish pike in the Sturgeon Bay ship canal. April is a great month for this type of fishing. I like to keep 20-24" pike to eat. They taste great, some say as good as walleye.
Some pike move up into spawning areas even under the ice in late spring. When should
the protected ban on harvesting pike begin? The ice fisherman should have a shot at them but the guy in his boat in April shouldn't? Isn't there already laws on the books protecting muskies before the season opener? Does this really stink that these guys are specifically targeting muskies with musky gear? Yes it does! I find that traditional fishing gear with spoons, husky jerks, and sucker minows work best for spring pike. How many pike a year
do I catch and keep? 3 or 4. Are there muskies in the Sturgeon Bay ship canal? Yes, but
I haven't caught one and wouldn't keep it if I did. It is illegal! I love musky fishing way
too much to ever risk something so silly. Does my big net for pike make me a violater?
Does it really suck that these guys are skirting the rules and attempting to get away with
poaching? Damn right it does! I hope you guys can catch them keeping muskies and
make them pay but be careful and good luck.
bill c. aka the greenduck |
|
| |
|
Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | Maniac,Not really trying to answer for Handyman, but as an officer of the club he is talking about, I will. The stretches of river he is talking about have never been stocked by the DNR with muskies. Now I'm sure some get into these stretches from above, but it has been a joy watching the population grow in some of these smaller stretches with the help of our stocking. Do we own them? Heck no, and I donb't think he meant we do. We love the stories and photos we see of others who catch muskies here. We do however have the right, and responsibility to keep vigil as sportsmen for illegal activities. Tattling to the DNR is not his intent I'm sure, but letting people know that their actions are not very impressive either by telling them, or posting here is quite alright in my book. Now, Handyman and myself both love to fish for pike as well, and probably spend as much time fishing for them as anyone on this board. We target them through the ice, then with dead bait and smaller husky jerks at ice out through spring. If you spend any amount of time fishing rivers(in your defense maybe you don't), the pike and muskies use two very separate types of areas right now(with a few exception of course). The muskies are stacked right up with the walleyes on current breaks in the rocks, ledges, and eddies on the stretches of river being mentioned here. The pike are hanging around their spawning sites away from any current, and on softer bottom flats. The people we see who are in question, are using musky gear(which yes, doubles nicely for pike gear) large suicks and Reef Hawgs, large bulldawgs, and 8 and 10" jakes, figure 8's to top it off. It is insulting to our intelligence to make us believe it is otherwise. I have seen this, and wonder, "hmmm can't remember the last pike I caught on that current swept rock point in the spring with water temps at 41 on a 9" suick." That said, we see plenty of guys fishing pike, and have no problem with it. When we see what is obviously something else, it makes one wonder aloud sometimes. The DNR in fact does enforce this law, and does it quite a bit in the northern counties before season opens up there. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1046
| Thanx ReefHawg and Greenduck,
You guys are much better at your wording then I!! Lets be real, this stuff is happening way, way to much. Sad but true! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 3913
| What a great discussion. A hot topic with great input from various viewpoints. I applaud our civility (clap clap clap).
EssoxManiac is a good bud whose intrgrity shall not be questioned. His positions on a particular topic might be, but not his sincere dedication to high angling ethics, ethics sharded by most of us who hunt the beast.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 355
Location: Wausau, Wisconsin | My concern is the following...Muskies are caught sometimes while ice fishing. Close ice fishing? Muskies are caught sometimes during pike fishing. Close pike fishing? Muskies are fragile during the spawn. Close year round musky fishing nationwide? Muskies are fragile during high water temperatures. Close musky fishing during summer? Trolling is an efficiant way of covering water. Ban trolling? Muskies like live bait presentations in the fall. Ban suckerfishing? Muskies eat all of my walleyes. Ban walleye fishing in case a musky eats one when your reeling it in? Tournaments put pressure on waters. Ban Tournaments? Oh hey, tourists add pressure to our waters. Ban tourism? The more we learn, the better we are at catching fish. Ban musky magazines, videos, and web pages? PEOPLE PLEASE! I'm sorry, you may think I"M getting extreme but look, which of these topics hasn't been said at one point or another on sites like this. I think things have been taken a bit far. I'm sorry, but if Kentucky can fish all year, I want to as well. If Kentucky doesn't have a problem with high water temperatures, then I'm not worried about it cause hey, a muskies peak feeding temperature is 77 degrees...Maybe they get stomach cramps, we should put them on a diet so they are healthier. How you can continue to TAKE AWAY musky fishing is beyond me. I can catch a fish anywhere anytime without any concern with mortaility. If I accidentally catch a musky while pike fishing it will live. It's time to let there be a balance and make big fish that we can catch all the time!!!!! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | <p>WHoa there crank! I don't think any of those other 'can of worms' were opened here on this thread. We are simply stating our displeasure with obcious pre-season musky fishing around here. If you check your facts, you will know that on many(most) of the southern fisheries that the season is open all year, natural reproduction is nill. There, then is no reason to have a closed season. I know the river(in central WI here) here does not exhibit alot of natural reproduction, but it has some, so lets allow them every opportunity to complete their actions. I'm not a big fan of watching these people target spawning female muskies where the season is closed for a reason. Accidents are accidents, and I too catch muskies while walleye fishing, panfishing, pike fishing, and ice fishing. In fact it is fun when it happens on light tackle. Nothing is overboard, or off the 'deep' end as you suggest when calling for sportsmanlike conduct on musky waters where closed. Good luck in 04!</p> |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2378
| I may be way off base here, but in those Southern states where natural reproduction does not occur the fish still go through the motions right? Arent all fish more fragile while spawning? Dont we stand more of a chance of killing these fish then just like in the summer when the waters are so hot? Maybe we shouldnt be targeting those fish then, like some of the southern guys move north in the summer?
Like I said I dont know, its just a thought. |
|
| |
|
| Reef Hawg,
I will never disagree with you! Your points are always well educated and true. Your concern is always with the fish and I applaued you for it. I spoke with Marathon Co. wardens today on the subject. He simply smiled and told me he better not see me throwing suicks (unfair) magnum bulldawgs (fair) and 10" believers. When I told him I liked to use my musky gear for pike fishing he simply told me to give the poor fish a chance and not to be as hard on them as I am my boat. Nice reply and very well put. My only concern was getting crap from people if I'm using my heavy bass gear and big bass spinnerbaits and #5 mepps. Going pike fishing on Lake Wausau on Wednesday and invite anyone to watch with the binos unless my girlfriend goes, quit lookin at her shes mine.  Just kidding!!!!!!!!! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | <p>No doubt crank. I also don't care for 'fishing police' as many people try to be. As a pike fisherman, I too use those tactics you described. Good luck Wed....oops, that was yesterday. How'd you do??? Handy and I smoked a mixed bag today, and lost a nice greenie that decided to take my baby husky jerk.</p> |
|
| |
|
| Fishing was good n' cold! Managed to catch a half dozen pike, a couple of largies, one 17" walleye and one 35ish ski up to the boat, did not remove from water, just photoed at boatside and popped the hooks out with the pliers. All on 3/8oz white spinnerbaits with dual gold willow blades. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 32935
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I can't wait to pop some pike this weekend. WIll be on water that is not known for, but has a few BIG muskies, but tossing small spinnerbaits, so not too much concern. |
|
| |
ILLEGAL MUSKY FISHING!!!!!