Haha, how true! 

All kidding aside, I think it’s interesting to contemplate the rationale behind why there was a trolling ban enacted to begin with… was it a perceived fear of trolling being too effective and decimating the fisheries, or was it protection of one's own home waters back in the day similar to the outlawing the Suick? 

Why the fear of the fisheries suffering when the ban is lifted when trolling seems to be okay nearly everywhere on the planet except a few isolated pockets in Wisconsin. Seriously, how is it that these areas have had such an advanced understanding of how detrimental trolling is to their “unique” fisheries than anywhere else? 

Regarding the muskie first part of the equation; I can completely understand wanting to maintain a “casting only tradition”, or to help keep the FIBS off their home waters, but would also like to see some people just pony up to the real reason they are opposed to trolling, and not cite some perceived harm to their fishery when there is virtually no difference in pressure when you compare two guys trolling 6 artificial lures, versus two guys casting while soaking 4 suckers. 

From my seat here, I think that claiming to be concerned about the fishery from trolling pressure alone while condoning multiple rods for sucker fishing is very close to talking out both sides of your mouth. 

I think it's an even sillier argument that a boat trolling at 3-4 miles an hour will somehow disturb the “peace and tranquility” more than the jet and water skiers (okay except maybe Todd’s rig), or that the evil trolls will spread their pestilence in the form of an invasive species.

Regarding the thought that a pontoon boat with a bunch of kids and 20 rods will be a problem, it would take such a high level of sophistication to run multiple rods off a boat loaded with kids like that… well, it is hardly worth mentioning. Hypothetical; what's the difference between using the same kids to run multiple suckers off that same boat with the current rules?   

What about the muskie guides in the restricted areas, trolling would open up new opportunities, while attracting new business to the area. Nuts and bolts; there is certainly a segment of the population (mostly FIBS) who are interested in hiring a guide in Wisconsin, but do not want to cast all day. That potential business is simply being lost to other areas, and it's not just the guides loss either, it's a trickle-down deal with the local resorts, restaurants, etc. and vice versa.  

Like Pete said; there might be an increase in trolling initially, but wouldn't this also be a shot in the arm to the local economies? Some of you may not be “starving to death”, but I’d guess there are others who are hanging on by a couple threads about this time of the year, and a deposit would be very welcome.

Johnnie, I take it you have fished “barking dog lake” on a quiet day in October before as well… pretty funny stuff. 

Sled, don't be “silly”, everybody knows that TG gets preferential treatment… maybe someday (if I behave?) I'll get a police escort to the lake like him?   

Todd, I saw a little riverboat for sale today with a Briggs & Stratton engine mounted on the back… it even had the high dollar adapter muffler that makes it sound just like a Husaqvara. I'll drop you a PM so no one else on here can beat you to it, but you better act quick because a rig that sweet is not going to last. 

Steve, this might start the real controversy; hammer handle northern pike taste better than walleye or panfish.