Out of season keepers.
Top H2O
Posted 4/23/2010 11:09 PM (#437122)
Subject: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 4080


Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion
Hi,
With the warm Temps in Mn., Wi. I have noticed that there are alot of boats fishing up here in N. Mn. I sure hope that people arn't trying for Muskies.......

I'm working near Vermilion and have a few workers that work for me, telling me that some guys are taking Walleyes out of the lake, even though the season doesn't open for a few weeks........................... This Just isn't Right........ Soooo.....
I hope us Muskie nuts don't target out of season Muskies at this point............ What are your thoughts, concerning this problem ??
I personally will call the DNR if I see this kind of thing happening.... It bugs the snot out of me when people don't follow the Rules.

Jerome
sworrall
Posted 4/23/2010 11:16 PM (#437123 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 32958


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Gotta turn 'em in Jerome.
Jsondag
Posted 4/23/2010 11:19 PM (#437126 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 692


Location: Pelican Rapids, MN
I called the MN DNR TIP line the other day as some chucklehead was targeting spawning muskies off a public fishing dock. I saw him beach about a 40 incher right before I called. I thought maybe it was an accidental catch until I saw the 6 inch crankbait he was using.
JKahler
Posted 4/23/2010 11:29 PM (#437128 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 1309


Location: WI
I would be scared of losing my fishing privelages. I took the boat out today and made sure there wasn't anything in it that could possibly get me into trouble. I'd call those people in if I saw that.
Flambeauski
Posted 4/24/2010 6:04 AM (#437140 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 4342


Location: Smith Creek
No sympathy for poachers.
Even if the Warden doesn't get the induvidual, they need to be aware it's taking place.

Edited by Flambeauski 4/24/2010 6:05 AM
PSYS
Posted 4/24/2010 7:21 AM (#437147 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 1030


Location: APPLETON, WI
Call the DNR immediately!! Get them as much information as possible...
Slow Rollin
Posted 4/24/2010 7:59 AM (#437154 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 619


turn em in asap without a doubt. rules and regulations are there for a reason, i hope all are caught if they are doing it. i think it happens alot more than people know. i heard last year in the metro of multiple reports of guys out tossing suicks and topwaters.
muskyhunter24
Posted 4/24/2010 10:28 AM (#437180 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 413


Location: Madison WI
Call the DNR, already seen at least 3 people try to fish for muskies inside the refuge area or just outside of it here in madison. Most people I see fishing out of season either A. dont have a license or B. bought a license and didn't bother reading the regs. The other situation I come across is people just fishing for gamefish in general right next to an area that has 30-60 muskies swimming around. Thank god season opens in less then 7 days.

Edited by muskyhunter24 4/24/2010 10:32 AM
Kwestlund
Posted 4/24/2010 12:02 PM (#437186 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 113


Location: Northwest Wisconsin
Tempting as it is with the warm weather and ice going out so fast its not worth it to lose my license. I wouldn't hesitate to call the DNR.
esoxfly
Posted 4/24/2010 12:21 PM (#437187 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 1663


Location: Kodiak, AK
This is rampant pretty much everywhere you go. We even have "gentlemen" on our local LSC forum that proclaim, regarding open seasons, it's none of other people's business how or when they fish. It's guys like that why I have the DNR TIP line in my phone's contacts....
Guest
Posted 4/24/2010 12:36 PM (#437191 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.


Not much different then drinking under age, speeding or not cheating on income tax
esoxaddict
Posted 4/24/2010 1:11 PM (#437195 - in reply to #437191)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 8866


Guest - 4/24/2010 12:36 PM

Not much different then drinking under age, speeding or not cheating on income tax


Except that I'd bet most people here speed on a regular basis, and most of us probably drank under age. But I doubt you'll find many here who fishes out of season.

Down here we have a similar problem - unlicensed anglers taking undersized fish, anything they catch in fact. I've got the DNR on speed dial. I call every time I see it, and I'd suggest you do the same.
Guest
Posted 4/24/2010 1:49 PM (#437202 - in reply to #437195)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.


So if you and a bunch of others also break some laws it is ok but since you don't break a law no one else should
Baby Mallard
Posted 4/24/2010 1:55 PM (#437204 - in reply to #437202)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.





It comes down to ethics.  If you are targeting fish before season you are not considered an ethical sportsman.  Do you get satisfaction catching fish before season?  I know I wouldn't.  Not to mention that the fish are beat up from the spawn, that should be reason enough to leave them alone.

Edited by Baby Mallard 4/24/2010 2:38 PM
sworrall
Posted 4/24/2010 2:44 PM (#437208 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 32958


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
It comes down to enforcement, too. If I see someone speeding dangerously, I'll call 'em in. If I see someone taking fish or game out of season, I'll call 'em in. Hopefully, the enforcement folks will be available.
Jsondag
Posted 4/24/2010 4:48 PM (#437214 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 692


Location: Pelican Rapids, MN
Hey Mallard, be careful of the word "ethics" Last time I used it, I had to site the definition to ease the panties of the nay sayers.

As for poachers, some people just don't care - and that's too bad.
woodieb8
Posted 4/24/2010 5:08 PM (#437217 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 1530


like esoxfly stated. theres always a few that interpet the rules to their own liking. get video if possible guys, boat numbers, licence plates. then call the dnr.
Silver Scale
Posted 4/24/2010 5:23 PM (#437221 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 198


We need to get as much info as possilbe and then call the DNR CO. Find out who the CO is in your area and put them in your cell phone. You probably won't see them on the lake as with the extreme fire danger they are too busy with fire related things. Muskies are spawning right now in N Minn so are very vulnerable.
fish4musky1
Posted 4/24/2010 5:56 PM (#437225 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Location: Northern Wisconsin
I would also call the DNR. I did it once and got a message machine.. not sure if anything happened.



Edited by fish4musky1 4/24/2010 6:15 PM
mnmusky101
Posted 4/25/2010 12:42 PM (#437379 - in reply to #437204)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 169


Location: Houlton, WI
Baby Mallard - 4/24/2010 1:55 PM

It comes down to ethics.  If you are targeting fish before season you are not considered an ethical sportsman.  Do you get satisfaction catching fish before season?  I know I wouldn't.  Not to mention that the fish are beat up from the spawn, that should be reason enough to leave them alone.

I agree completely. What if you caught your personal best. I couldnt live with myself to have caught a big fish illegally. Plus you couldnt brag about it.
happy hooker
Posted 4/26/2010 10:17 AM (#437562 - in reply to #437379)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 3165


The DNR will come if you call TIP,,,at least in the metro they do,,,last year I saw a guy catch a 24 incher off a public dock 3 weeks before the season,,then put it in a metal minnow basket with water so it was coiled like a python in a basket,,He called his sister who lived two suburbs away to come take a picture because he wanted this special camera,,, I thought I gave him enough grace period after about half an hour so I called tip and they were there within 45 minutes,,,The good part is the musky swam away strong which I wouldnt have thought.
solson20
Posted 4/26/2010 2:14 PM (#437615 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 7


Location: pewaukee, wi
Tip line is saved in my phone.

I also attented a dnr meeting at Smokey's Muskie Shop a few weeks ago. They set up a river watch program for the pewaukee river. A lot of muskies jump down the dam and cant get back up. With the VHS Law, the fish cant be transported back becase its a different body of water. Already called in 3 people this year.

It is very cool to see the same people down by the river every day who are protecting these awesome fish.


Shawn
Ryan Marlowe
Posted 4/26/2010 2:16 PM (#437618 - in reply to #437202)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 143


Location: Lake of The Woods
Guest - 4/24/2010 1:49 PM

So if you and a bunch of others also break some laws it is ok but since you don't break a law no one else should


What about j-walking?? We all do!!
ToothyCritter
Posted 4/26/2010 2:51 PM (#437624 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 667


Location: Roscoe IL
I took the family to Tomahawk Wisconsin during their spring break to fish for Walleye and perch in the areas that were open. I was surprised and very happy to see the DNR checking everyone at the ramp and also along the shore, myself included TWICE that week.. They went through everything and checked the rods to see what we had tied on the line. Yes, we could see some guy's throwing large spinnerbaits on heavy tackle, but since I had two little kid's and my wife in the boat I didn't want to chase them down and complain. I didn't have to, the DNR watched them with Binocs and met them at the boat ramp. The boy's learned why we don't break the law in our boat and what happens if you do. Little turds still wanted to fish for Bass and I drove 10mph over the limit home..

Just thought I would let everyone know that some do not get away with breaking the law and the DNR is trying, at least in some areas.
Moltisanti
Posted 4/26/2010 3:08 PM (#437627 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 639


Location: Hudson, WI
I took my neighbor's dad out last year. We raised a bunch of fish, lost a few and he was hooked on the sport. I thought I had explained well enough how catch and release has resulted in the best years of musky fishing we had ever seen. Later in the year he stopped by my house to show me his first muskie. A dead 37" from the St. Croix...nice...
happy hooker
Posted 4/26/2010 3:44 PM (#437634 - in reply to #437624)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 3165


apart from the impact on the fish,,,this is the same has 'butting" in line

last year on opening day we had 45 plus follows with a couple of fish hooked,,,,the very next day,same lake 17 follows,,,no weather change or phases in fact it should have been better yet because it was continued stable weather,,but thats how fast the fish 'wised up' after one day and we never saw that many fish on that lake in a day the rest of the season alot of years the most fish I raise in a day is on opening weekend,,People who go out and target muskies before the season are wanting their crack at unpressured fish before everybody else has the same fair chase.
How do you react when someone tries to get in line a head of you at the grocery store,ticket window,or the entrance ramp to the freeway,,,this is just plain old fashioned 'me first and I want all the cookies in the jar'
North of 8
Posted 4/26/2010 6:50 PM (#437660 - in reply to #437634)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




With as few wardens as there are and how much water they have to cover, I am surprised at how well they do at catching violators. Now me, I would never violate, even if I didn't have an ethical problem with it. Back in the early 80's I had moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. First day of grouse season, I went into the woods. I had got maybe 50 feet into the woods when a green truck pulled up. It was a warden whose territory covered several counties of some of the least populated area in the Midwest. I wasn't doing anything wrong, had a nice chat with him, found out about some nearby areas that had been logged and had good aspen growth but it reminded me that I better follow the law, because with my luck I will always have a law enforcement officer right there!
Lens Creep
Posted 4/26/2010 7:26 PM (#437671 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 123


A guy I know used to fish crappies early in the season. He'd use these Roadrunner jigs in a larger size and was really targeting largemouth. One day he was fishing on a lake near Alexandria, MN. when he hooked into a giant largemouth. This is a guy who ran tournaments and has fished on tv, so he knows full well how much a bass weighs. After battling this one in he realized he had the MN State Record fish in his lap. It was 9lbs minimum if not closer to 10. He paused for a moment, unhooked the fish, gently released it back into the water and has never targeted bass before season since. As hard as it was for him to put that fish back, he didn't think he'd be able to ever do it a second time.
sbro73
Posted 4/26/2010 8:49 PM (#437691 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 82


Location: Minneapolis,Mn
Book'em Danno!!! TIP is there for a reason!
Obfuscate Musky
Posted 4/27/2010 9:32 AM (#437788 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 654


Location: MPLS, MN
They should really open Hybrid only lakes on Pike opener so the Musky guys fish there instead of "pike" fishing on normal musky water.

Edited by Obfuscate Musky 4/27/2010 9:33 AM
Chris Munchow
Posted 4/27/2010 4:56 PM (#437911 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 129


Location: North Metro - Twin Cities

I'm amazed at how often anglers ask me the question "Why can't I fish bass or muskies off season, I'm letting them go anyways?" and when I inform them that it's illegal they seem flabbergasted.  I think the DNR's should increase education on the rules agianst targeting out of season species. We know plenty of anglers willingly break these rules but I think many anglers are simply unaware or uneducated

 I do like the idea of opening "Hybrid" lakes at the walleye/pike opener here in MN but I'm afraid it would be too confusing.

Lens Creep
Posted 4/27/2010 9:58 PM (#438008 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 123


I was President of the Roughrider Bass Club out of Fargo in the early 90's. The DNR came to speak at one of our meetings once and asked us if we'd like a catch & release only bass season between the Walleye opener and when the regular bass season opened 2 weeks later. We almost unanimously voted against it because the MN DNR doesn't stock bass like they do walleye and it would interfere with the spawn. I'm glad they never approved anything like that.
J.Sloan
Posted 4/28/2010 6:03 AM (#438031 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Location: Lake Tomahawk, WI
I know of 2 incidents this winter where icefishing violations were witnessed and reported. The first incident was a group of anglers leaving tip-ups in overnight in front of their cabin. A local guide told the anglers this was illegal, they laughed about it, and were reported. The warden said he couldn't get there for 2 days, by which time the guys were headed back south. The other occasion was reported by another local guide, the warden said he was over his fuel allowance for the month and couldn't go out and nab some guys who had been witnessed over-bagging walleyes. I guess with the cutbacks across the board and the CO's spread thin as it is, this type of thing can and does happen, which is a shame.

JS
ShutUpNFish
Posted 4/28/2010 6:51 AM (#438035 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 1202


Location: Money, PA
Thats why there should be NO closed season....manage the fishery properly, promote catch and release and/or catch and release ONLY and let people fish how they want - when they want. Hammer away!
Mr Musky
Posted 4/28/2010 11:00 AM (#438091 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 999


Lots of people speed trolling green bay for walleyes this time of year as well.
FlyFish4Esox
Posted 4/28/2010 11:07 AM (#438094 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 37


Location: Rhinelander, WI
For anyone who has the itch to fish muskies and can't wait until the WI musky opener.. Escanaba Lake in Vilas County is legally open to musky fishing - it's one lake the DNR uses for research and has no closed season for any species and the only size limit in place right now applies to walleyes (28" min., 1 fish daily bag).

Edited by FlyFish4Esox 4/28/2010 11:09 AM
Slow Rollin
Posted 4/28/2010 11:19 AM (#438096 - in reply to #438035)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 619


ShutUpNFish - 4/28/2010 6:51 AM

Thats why there should be NO closed season....manage the fishery properly, promote catch and release and/or catch and release ONLY and let people fish how they want - when they want. Hammer away!


yeah, half the fish in the MN metro area already have half a jaw, missing eyes, missing body parts, cut hooks hanging in their face, and i caught one last yr that had a cowbell wedged on the side of its face, the fish need a break from the abuse, over time the more they are handled the more that will die.
JBush
Posted 4/28/2010 12:32 PM (#438110 - in reply to #438096)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 311


Location: Ontario
Sloan nailed it for up here anyway. There are cases where fuel costs don't even allow for regular or semi-regular patrols by boat or by snowmachine. One of the offshoots of this is that if you do get stopped, expect to be checked thoroughly and don't expect any breaks if you're on the borderline for anything, in particular if the patrollers don't recognize your boat and/or are stopping you for the first time. They have to raise revenue with less and less in the way of money and resources. Fewer stops mean each stop should theoretically yeild more revenue. I wouldn't go as far as saying calling in a poacher is a waste of time but I think that the response time or lack of response in reality is pretty underwhelming. I get stopped maybe once a year by the same big police boat that covers a huge chunk of coastline. He travels with an MNR guy onboard. The first time I showed safety gear, liscenses etc. Every other time since he never takes the boat out of gear, asks if there's booze on board and how the fishing is and takes off. The equation is pretty simple..more and more people around every year it seems and less and less enforcement. Short, all-out blitzes greatly outweigh a sustained effort/response over the entire season. They nab more guys in a blitz wknd or two than they do all summer combined. Gotta send a message and hit hard in spurts. They just don't have the resources for sustained pressure. If I'm 80 miles by truck from the nearest detachment and another 20 miles out by boat and I see a guy in May with a muskie on a stringer, calling it in won't do a thing. It's too bad, because lots of people know this and use it. I ran into two meatsticks at the ramp last wknd pre-fishing for a pike tournament a week before the pike season here even opens. Nothing on baord except two 7' trigger sticks with leaders. They saw my boat (rigged up for trout, 8-10' rods, linecounters, boards, Dipseys, long spinning gear) and asked me if I'd been out prefishing too, for the same friggin tournament. How dumb can you be? Not much the police or MNR can do there. Tournament Director has an email address, though.

Edited by JBush 4/28/2010 12:34 PM
Slim
Posted 4/28/2010 12:59 PM (#438117 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 59


Just the other night a boat of crappie fisherman landed a muskie on crappie gear. They played the fish out and it was exhausted by the time they landed it to begin with. Then they took 5 or 6 pictures with the fish, handing it to each of the anglers and dropping it on the floor of the boat. When they tried to release the fish it was already dead. Its amazing to me how ignorant people can be. They even measured it also. It was a beautiful 50 inch fish.. I was thinking to myself if it is even legal to net a muskie out of season?

-Joe
Herb_b
Posted 4/28/2010 4:53 PM (#438185 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 829


Location: Maple Grove, MN
In MN, the law says they must release the fish "immediately". If this was in MN, they were in violation of the law. If this was on some lakes such as in Iowa where there is no season, then they were OK legally.
Slim
Posted 4/29/2010 9:31 AM (#438283 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 59


This was in MN
Herb_b
Posted 4/29/2010 12:46 PM (#438315 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 829


Location: Maple Grove, MN
Did you report it? By law, they had to return the fish to the water "immediately". A long picture session is not "immediate". By law, they kept that fish even if they did put it back in the water after they were done with it.

If you haven't done so already, I would recommend calling it in. Tell them everything you know about the incident.

The best thing is to call it in when the people have the fish. And, if possible, take pictures of them with the fish so you have some proof.
Baby Mallard
Posted 4/29/2010 1:01 PM (#438320 - in reply to #438315)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





One thing to consider when you see someone fighting an accidental muskie, is to offer help.  We all know that if you don't have the experience handling a muskie that things probably aren't going to go very well.  Last year I saw a boat of walleye fishermen fighting a very large muskie.  I noticed they had a net that would not work very well for a fish of this size and that they also had one of those dreaded gaffs.  I went up to them and asked if they wanted some help landing it since I had a muskie sized net.  They accepted my offer and actually just grabbed my muskie net out of my boat since I was in my boat solo.  I also offered to take a picture of their fish and that I would mail a photo to them because they mentioned they did not have a camera. The guy actually messed up the net job and the fish got away, but it was better than risking them using a gaff or their walleye sized net.  Also show people respect in these incidents, if they don't want your help then accept it.  Being respectful will show that not all muskie guys are bad dudes.

Edited by Baby Mallard 4/29/2010 1:04 PM
muskie-addict
Posted 4/29/2010 2:24 PM (#438341 - in reply to #438320)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 272


Prolly a little more black and white in other places, but here in Green Bay, the walleye run and a no-closed-season season on northern pike all occur during prime time and in a prime place for an honest angler, or one with other intentions, to catch a muskie.

So what do we do here? Ban leadhead jigs, shad raps and husky jerks? How about crawler harnesses? Bass season opens this weekend.....more options.

Where's the line? Who decides? What if I'm legitimately walleye fishing and someone sees me happen to catch 3 or 4 muskies.....which has happened....?

Its a tough situation, and one that has too much gray area....so much, that any rule that people have talked about could NOT be written in such a way as to NOT infringe on honest people with good intentions. Incidental muskies will happen where there are muskies. Its just gunna happen. Period. About all you can do is educate others and self police those being blatant.

If I hooked a pig, heck yeah I'd take a photo. Done it. Quickly. What if one of you saw me and sat in judgement and decided to call the warden???

-Eric
twells
Posted 4/29/2010 3:10 PM (#438348 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 393


Location: Hopefully on the water
As Muskie-adict said it does happen a lot in the Green bay area. I have heard of 3 fish over 50 caught this spring by walleye guys pulling harnesses. It does happen and as was stated before if we as Muskie Fisherman can offer help or we should. Now I am not saying that I am in favor of this happening but it does.

This whole talking the last 2 weeks has got me to thinking about the ethic, what's right, it can be done because we can raises a question to me. The scenario is it is opening weekend of Muskie season (where ever you fish) and the fish are in spawning heavily, full swing. Do you still fish those fish because it is opening weekend and you legally can or do you pass and fish for something else and leave these fish alone. I am even going to say that it is all the lakes in your area that they are spawning. Are any of us any better (if we choose to fish them) than someone doing something else that is hurting the fishery in another way.

I will admitt that I have caught spawning fish during early season (yes season was open). At first my thought was it will be alright since i figured I know how to handle the fish. This was many years ago and at this point I personally would rethink about it and go fishing for something else at this stage in my life. Yes it would really stink because we wait all winter, buy all this new gear and all jacked up to go but do we want to act as we preach or do otherwise.

With WI opener this weekend try and be nice to people out on the water. call people in that are blatantly breaking the law and offer a hand to someone if you get a chance. Next time it might be you needing help. Good luck to everyone this weekend.
Herb_b
Posted 4/29/2010 3:37 PM (#438356 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 829


Location: Maple Grove, MN
I have also helped quite a number of people land Muskies when they had no net and needed help. I have always carried a Polaroid camera so they could have their picture. A bummer is that Polaroid film is no longer available. Once my last pack runs out, my fancy Polaroid camera becomes a door stop.

The problem with what these particular crappie fishermen did was they did not release the fish right away. Taking a quick picture and then releasing the fish would be expected and it seems unlikely a warden would have trouble with that. But passing the fish around, dropping it again and again, and keeping the fish out of water for an extended period of time is a much different story. It sounds like the crappie fishermen we're discussing went far beyond an "immediate" release. Whether they did so because they didn't know better, didn't care, or were intentionally trying to harm the fish does not matter. The only thing that matters is whether or not they released the fish "immediately" (or anywhere near immediately). And because they didn't do that, they were in violation of the law.

However, I have seen other crappie fishermen just cut the line when accidently hooking a Muskie. One boat did so because they simply weren't prepared for a such a big fish. They felt that fighting the fish might hurt it a lot more than having a little jig in its jaw. Not all crappie fishermen are the same.

I don't see any problem with accidently hooking an out of season species - as long as one is not targetting them. Its what one does after that fish is hooked that matters.

My opinion.
Southshore
Posted 4/30/2010 7:40 AM (#438441 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 218


I like the question offered by twells. Since muskies are still in spawning when the season opens tomorrow should one fish for them? It is hard for me to justify fishing for spawning fish just because the season is open if I claim I am worried about the trauma done to the fish and the concern about the success of the spawn. If I claim it is the law so one should not fish before the season opens; then I can understand fishing spawning fish tomorrow.
muskie-addict
Posted 4/30/2010 8:01 AM (#438443 - in reply to #438441)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 272


I like the idea of not molesting fish during the spawn, but they're just not that interested anyway, so I'm not totally sure it matters. Its almost like the trance sturgeon go into when they're spawning, except muskies seem quite a bit spookier.

Aside from molesting fish, I don't think you're affecting the spawn very much by fishing when fish are paired up and actually spawning........because you're just not going to get that many biters.

Not saying its right, not condoning it, just saying I don't think you're going to have that much success.

The good bites I've had on Memorial weekend up in Vilas County show photos of skinny fish that look like they went through the meat grinder. They're done, the ones that bit, anyway.

-Eric

Slim
Posted 4/30/2010 10:39 AM (#438467 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 59


I know enough about the people who caught that fish and I have a buddy fishing in another boat that was there that night too.
Herb_b
Posted 4/30/2010 1:28 PM (#438494 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 829


Location: Maple Grove, MN
Slim,

Then I think you should report them and let the DNR handle it. At the very least, the DNR can give the Crappie fishermen a call and they may act differently in the future. By doing so, you may help save another Muskie in the future. By doing nothing, you may only be encouraging these people to do the same thing again.

Its up to you, but I would report them.
guest
Posted 4/30/2010 2:09 PM (#438498 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.


If you see someone breaking a law or laws, Get as much info as you can and then just call them in.
Done deal!
Some people will always break laws, no matter what laws they are.
Sad but true.
esoxaddict
Posted 4/30/2010 4:02 PM (#438510 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 8866


Some guys are going to fish the opener no matter what, and it's perfectly legal to do so. I'm not going to tell anyone they shouldn't fish if there is some question as to whether the fish are done spawning. I probably wouldn't fish, partly to protect the spawners, but mostly because of what muskie-addict eluded to. I seem to catch up North around the opener is small skinny males who are all beat to hell. Add in the fact that the weather is typically around 42 degrees and raining with 20 - 30 MPH winds, and I'm just not all that interested in fishing the opener anyway. Maybe I'm getting old, but if I'm going to drive up to Vilas to fish in that sort of weather, I'm doing it in November when my odds of catching a big heavy fish go way up.

muskyhunter24
Posted 4/30/2010 5:39 PM (#438522 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 413


Location: Madison WI
Depending on where your opener is most of the fish may already be spawned out due to the high temps in april, also I don't know how many of you have actually tried catch spawning fish, I have and they are the most finicky fish I have ever seen when they are spawning, I have watched spawning fish run for the hills when a sucker enters the water or a bait for that matter, as long as you fish "ethically" you will find out soon enough whether they are going to eat or not. In the last couple of years most of the fish I have seen that are still spawning and wont eat are only caught when somone decides to put a lure in front of there face and wait until they open their mouth and then the angler lets the lure drift in and sets the hook. I will be fishing opener and I will be right where the muskies spawn in my area, maybe they will eat maybe they won't.
jay lip ripper
Posted 4/30/2010 7:41 PM (#438531 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 392


Location: lake x...where the hell is it?
i have called the dnr tip line twice this year and it takes them 1,2,3 hours to show up and the person is gone. what good does that do? i tell people that what they are doing is illegal and to stop or i will call the police and dnr. it works ALOT better then calling anyone. waiting on the dnr will get fish killed.

and whats it matter if we fish for spawing fish if they cant reporduce, acording to the wi dnr?

Edited by jay lip ripper 4/30/2010 7:45 PM
Top H2O
Posted 4/30/2010 8:35 PM (#438538 - in reply to #437788)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 4080


Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion
OK, So I'm B.S.ing, with some guys at work (Iron Range, N.Mn.) today and every one of them has this theroy that the Muskies are eating all of "THEIR "Walleyes,.......... But they go on to say that they are also "killing the Eyes" and taking them like crazy !
I say its not even open season yet.......Their responce was....". so what , they have to catch me first, plus the Natives get to fish, why shouldn't I be able to take some home?"

I ask them if that is right, and they tell me that they need to eat....... Whatever.

Jerome
MuskyKarma
Posted 4/30/2010 8:56 PM (#438542 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 162


Location: Metro, MN
In your guys' opinion, what are legitimate baits to throw for a pike opener on the st croix river? I really only fish for ski's and pike and occasionally bass during the summer. Walleyes just arent my thing.

But a friend and I are looking to target some pike on the river this weekend in a few spots where we have done well putting a few 40's in the boat the past 2 years
Just looking to see what would be seen as acceptable types of lures to throw. We have a few very small bucktails, the new medium small chatterbaits, and some small cranks. Or all in all is that just not a good idea?
sworrall
Posted 4/30/2010 9:03 PM (#438546 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 32958


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
I'm fishing Pike this weekend, and will until Muskie opens. I'll catch a bunch of Pike, and probably no Muskies. Little spinnerbaits and Beetle Spins and baby creatures will be on the Menu.
ShutUpNFish
Posted 5/6/2010 9:58 AM (#439423 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 1202


Location: Money, PA
How about just banning the sport all together??? That would seem to be the most viable solution which would make most elitist/extremist/purists happy!
guest
Posted 5/6/2010 12:26 PM (#439443 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: RE: Out of season keepers.


Immediately released or returned to the water– Fish must not be
retained longer than is needed at the site of capture to unhook, identify,
measure, and photograph. Placing the fish in any type of container or on a
stringer is not immediately released. Any fish not immediately released is
considered to be “reduced to possession.”

The above is taken from the 2010 MN fishing regulations. People measuring and photographing fish caught out of season are well within their rights!
Pointerpride102
Posted 5/6/2010 12:38 PM (#439446 - in reply to #439423)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 16632


Location: The desert
ShutUpNFish - 5/6/2010 9:58 AM

How about just banning the sport all together??? That would seem to be the most viable solution which would make most elitist/extremist/purists happy!


And we have a winner.....
Slow Rollin
Posted 5/6/2010 12:49 PM (#439447 - in reply to #439446)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 619


Pointerpride102 - 5/6/2010 12:38 PM

ShutUpNFish - 5/6/2010 9:58 AM

How about just banning the sport all together??? That would seem to be the most viable solution which would make most elitist/extremist/purists happy!


And we have a winner.....


i vote for that one too
happy hooker
Posted 5/6/2010 3:18 PM (#439456 - in reply to #439447)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.




Posts: 3165


I vote for that too!!!!
we can all go back to leading normal lives
J.Sloan
Posted 5/6/2010 4:56 PM (#439475 - in reply to #439423)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Location: Lake Tomahawk, WI
ShutUpNFish - 5/6/2010 9:58 AM

How about just banning the sport all together??? That would seem to be the most viable solution which would make most elitist/extremist/purists happy!


Word.

JS
Herb_b
Posted 5/6/2010 5:51 PM (#439484 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 829


Location: Maple Grove, MN
Guest,

The key is "Fish must not be retained longer than is needed". Long picture sessions are "longer" than what is needed. It is one thing to take a quick picture and let it go. It is quite another to take excessively long picture sessions. Convincing a game warden or judge that one needed a 10 minute picture session would be a long shot at best.

Yes, a quick picture is no problem. But it cannot be longer than what is needed.
Pointerpride102
Posted 5/6/2010 6:16 PM (#439492 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 16632


Location: The desert
Are you guys as serious on the water as you are on these boards? Being in the boat with some of you must be as tense as a moose's butt in fly season. Sheesh.
Herb_b
Posted 5/6/2010 10:02 PM (#439543 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 829


Location: Maple Grove, MN
I think there is a lot of bent up castiing waiting to be unloaded. I think people naturally get a little more excitable as the season draws near. That might be why many get a little irritated when some are trying to skirt the rules and jump the gun.

I know I'll feel better after that first hour of casting.

Muskie season in MN is only a month away.

Edited by Herb_b 5/6/2010 10:04 PM
Kuhly
Posted 5/7/2010 10:50 AM (#439604 - in reply to #437122)
Subject: Re: Out of season keepers.





Posts: 96


Location: Eau Claire
+ one for pointerpride. To Twells question, I don't appreciate being harassed or bothered when I'm spawning so why would I bother another? They are in the process of producing me more to catch in the future and possibly a absolute giant. I'll go fish for something else.