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| I just saw this while reading the budget (I know it sounds fun):
MONSTER FISH:
Muskie lovers will get another season to hit the water (if they're willing to pony up for the new boat registration fees). The budget creates an annual catch-and-release muskie season on inland waters north of U.S. Highway 10 that starts on the opening day of the general game-fishing season, generally the first Saturday in May, and ends the day before the established muskie season begins. The current season north of Highway 10 begins on the Saturday nearest Memorial Day and runs until Nov. 30. Bait during the new season is limited to artificial lures with barbless hooks.
http://www.wfrv.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=711ff3c5-c549-...
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Posts: 201
Location: Stevens Point | That will definatley put a twist an my S. Opener plans. |
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Posts: 8788
| Isn't later season opening date supposed to protect the fish from the stresses of being caught during and immediately following the spawn? |
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Posts: 5874
| Not so fast.
The WDNR is currently working to request that Gov Doyle line item veto these items.
29.426 Catch and release bass fishing. No person may use any hook, bait, or lure, other than an artificial lure that has a barbless hook, while fishing during a catch and release bass fishing season established by the department.
29.428 Catch and release muskellunge fishing. (1) The department shall establish a fishing season that authorizes catch and release muskellunge fishing on inland waters north of USH 10 other than the boundary waters between this state and the state of Michigan. The catch and release muskellunge fishing season established under this section shall begin on the first day of the general fishing season established by the department and shall end on the day before the first day of the regular muskellunge fishing season established by the department. (2) No person may use any hook, bait, or lure, other than an artificial lure that has a barbless hook, while fishing during the catch and release muskellunge fishing season established by the department under sub. (1).
If the Gov doesn't use his line item vote to squash these, it will still be years before this actually would happen. Much like the Tournament Regs directive, they'll have to establish committee's, hold hearings, hold public hearings, send proposal to the Conservation Congress, vote at spring hearings, blah, blah, blah. I wouldn't hold your breath that this is iminent.
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Posts: 457
| esoxaddict - 10/24/2007 11:38 AM
Isn't later season opening date supposed to protect the fish from the stresses of being caught during and immediately following the spawn?
I've never seen research to support that claim. As well, many biologists, including some that read this board, have stated that the season opener is little more than tradition, and a way of getting people "hyped up." It's a big to do, so to speak. Getting people all revved up, buying baits, buying their non-res license, it brings a lot of tourism money in.
I'm not claiming that this is the opinion of every biologist, or anyone that would have input on it, but I do know several that have told me as much when I questioned the validity of such claims. (protectiong them from the stresses of spawn....)
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Posts: 8788
| Whoo
The only thing I can see that makes sense is with species like bluegills, who actually guard their beds. In that case, taking that particular fish does have an impact. So in one respect I can see why a closed season is a good idea. But muskies, on lakes where there is little or no recruitment? If the fish is actually spawning, or just recovering it's not going to chase down your bait and eat it anyway. The males might, but then I've never heard of a shortage of male muskies.
The one benefit I see to the difference in season dates is that all the N WI anglers wouldn't otherwise come South to fish. Brings some revenue to the area I suppose.
Edited by esoxaddict 10/24/2007 3:36 PM
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Posts: 5874
| Maybe that's why MN has all the big fish? They don't open the season until the middle of summer! |
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Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI | I spoke with a high up in the WDNR and they are rounding up the wagons to bend the gov's ear to veto that one....
goverment pork can be such a pain sometimes....
Cory |
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Posts: 50
Location: Central Wi. | Good. Any stress what-so-ever put on spawning fish can't be good. |
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| this does not sound good, at all. It really takes away the Musky Fishing from Musky Fishing! |
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Posts: 20227
Location: oswego, il | Iron county lakes are soley dependant on natural reproduction and probably will be for some time. I don't like this proposal at all. |
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Posts: 133
Location: Lake Tomahawk, Musky Central, USA | That's very true.. but YEAH, bigger fish will be caught, but they will be fish that are 10 pounds lighter when most people are used to catching them :/ What's the reasoning behind this? |
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Posts: 457
| I'd really like an "official standpoint" on this from someone who knows. I'm of themindset, and have been for years, that it really doesn't matter when you catch them. Stress is stress, they aren't going to encounter any more or less than they would at spawn than at any other time. I think it is, somewhat, an age old mentality that has been fed to us for so long.
I'm not trying to start an argument, but I have doubts of the validity of any such claim. |
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Posts: 133
Location: Lake Tomahawk, Musky Central, USA | When I compare this issue to, let's say, when we are allowed to take deer, I see no issue. However, I don't think people should be allowed to deliberately fish for musky when they are spawning for it may have a big impact on how our sport is determined later in the season and years to come..yeah Fish aren't deer, but woah!
After thinking about it a little harder instead of letting my fingers do the work:P
Getting a fish to hit while they are in spawn mode would be pretty tough..might be more snagged fish caught than anything.
Edited by Andy 10/24/2007 10:01 PM
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Posts: 714
Location: Rhinelander, WI | From the budget signed today by the Governor:
Veto Messages, B-Environmental and Commercial Resources, Natural Resources,
Item 5, Page 7
Muskellunge Fishing Season and Catch and Release Bass Fishing
Sections 712m and 712r
Section 712m prohibits a person from using any hook, bait or lure, other than an artificial lure that has a barbless hook, while fishing during a catch and release bass fishing season established by the Department of Natural Resources. Section 712r requires the department to establish a fishing season that authorizes catch and release muskellunge fishing on inland waters north of U.S. Highway 10 other than the boundary waters between this state and the state of Michigan. It also prohibits a person from using any hook, bait or lure, other than an artificial lure that has a barbless hook, while fishing during the catch and release muskellunge fishing season established by the department.
"I am partially vetoing sections 712m and 712r because they would apply to more people than those who are only fishing catch and release for bass and muskellunge."
The way I understand this if the Governor had not vetoed this it would have been law immediately. Legislative rule changes do not require public hearings and votes, that’s why we elect them. Administrative rule changes do, that’s the reason for the spring hearings. Please correct me if I am wrong. Either way there will be no change, because of the veto.
Nail A Pig!
Mike
Edited by MRoberts 10/26/2007 1:19 PM
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Posts: 32889
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Outstanding. |
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New WI Budget