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| I envision a wider footprint for the musky range, more lakes with muskies stocked, and much more musky fishing pressure in the well known areas. As always, it will be even more important to venture out, and find your own Lake Xs.
Some great places that decline are sometimes forgotten by most when in fact they rebound and continue pumping out quiet giants! |
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | I'd suspect Musky fisheries as a widespread whole to remain much like the Green Bay Packers over the past couple decades, quite consistant with a shot at putting up the big one most years...
Now, technology on the other hand, might continue to be more like the Bears over the past couple decades. Certain flashes in the pan that might last a season or so, only to be forgotten about the following year.....
Kidding aside, I also think sonar technology has things in store that will really blow our minds in coming years. Also a real niche for truly improved reels in the Musky sector, and I'll be the first to admit I haven't seen 'it' yet.
In my opinion, when dealing with places like Mil lacs and Vermillion, I don't think the fisheries themselves are on any type of unhealthy 'decline' or down turn nor will be soon. Fishing on any newly created water can be exciting and 'easy' for awhile. After a spell, the pressure comes and fish become(arguably)not quite as simple to catch as they once were. Lakes like these, if size limit managed, not raped, and population maintained, should remain some of the best lakes in the U.S. due to the size, forage base, and history of success. They also had the good fortune of getting higher size limits imposed as a protection, not a repair.
Other also had a great point regarding other 'forgotten' waters. As one who likes to chase the bite around, I have seen/heard of waters coming into their own right under my nose while searching out the 'hot lake' elsewhere. As mentioned, traditional MN lakes including Leech, along with several historically good WI lakes and flowages(if, again, managed/utilized properly), and other Great-Lakes associated up and comers(provided vhs doesn't put a halt to development) will pick up the slack as interest in the species increases along with higher costs of making the long journeys elsewhere.
Looking at how pressure has increased along with a measurable increase in Musky fishing success and positive culture shift all over the range, over the years, I consider my glass half full.
Edited by Reef Hawg 1/23/2008 10:55 AM
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I never said I condone the killing of muskies.
I just won't belittle someone who kill one legally.
The fight for C&R shouldn't be against the individual, but the mentality of it.
JS |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | 5 years ...
- i will be 5 years older
- more people will move toward "vintage" components of the hobby ie: row-trolling
- there will be more restrictions and regulations on waters due to VHS and other similar things
- the cost of launch and load will increase to support the needs stated above through various programs
- there will continue to be less public resort access to waters due to tax and property development
- a "family" vacation will change as a direct result
- the anti's will rule with logic
- the boarders will continue to dream
- the anti's will be on the boards
- the boarders will be on the boards
- there will still be boards
- slamr will become a salmon charter guide ... and become an anti
- vilas and oneida county lakes will continue to have less pressure much thanks to green bay and minnesota
- bigger will not be better and we'll go back to double 10's
- the Packers will still be competitive in the league
- the Vikes will still suck
- while the Bears continue to search for a quarterback
Edited by jonnysled 1/23/2008 12:31 PM
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | jonnysled - 1/23/2008 12:29 PM
- the Vikes will still suck
- while the Bears continue to search for a quarterback
That's funny stuff! |
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Posts: 355
Location: Wausau, Wisconsin | Maybe we'll take a step backwards? With the current economy, I could easily see tournament trails struggle to maintain participation or sponsorship, destination guides and resorts suffering while "close to home" metro lakes seeing increases in pressure. I could see the average size outboard sale decline for the first time in awhile and see a resurgence of quality, fuel friendly boats like Esox Mags see increases while some of the 300hp super tubs slip slightly.
While this is difficult for some southern anglers, I think we'll also see an increase in new lake musky introduction, expanding our base and increasing participation.
I think the bottom line is the sport will be what you want it to be. It's the beauty of fishing. I'm hoping the sport is a friendly and enjoyable atomsphere where we all share the common goal of expansion through youth recruitment and conservation. This may be the best musky fishing has ever been. I think it is important to share and conserve that. |
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| jonnysled - 1/23/2008 12:29 PM
5 years ...
- i will be 5 years older
- more people will move toward "vintage" components of the hobby ie: row-trolling
- there will be more restrictions and regulations on waters due to VHS and other similar things
- the cost of launch and load will increase to support the needs stated above through various programs
- there will continue to be less public resort access to waters due to tax and property development
- a "family" vacation will change as a direct result
- the anti's will rule with logic
- the boarders will continue to dream
- the anti's will be on the boards
- the boarders will be on the boards
- there will still be boards
- slamr will become a salmon charter guide ... and become an anti
- vilas and oneida county lakes will continue to have less pressure much thanks to green bay and minnesota
- bigger will not be better and we'll go back to double 10's
- the Packers will still be competitive in the league
- the Vikes will still suck
- while the Bears continue to search for a quarterback
I agree with everything he said! |
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Posts: 2865
Location: Brookfield, WI | I predict genetically altered super muskies will be stocked in select lakes. They will reach sizes of 8 feet and 200 pounds after developing a taste for human flesh as a result of increasingly more common Esox superiorlungus and jet ski collisions.
This gives new meaning to the statement, "no bait is too big."
Kevin
Out of the Packer funk. How about that stock market? |
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Posts: 785
| If we can genetically create 200 lb muskies that commonly feed on jet skiiers than the future looks bright indeed... I can't wait  |
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Posts: 1310
Location: Washington, PA | I"m not sure. But I think I will still be fishing.
Seriously, I think it just get's better for me. PA has finally jumped on the band wagon, and has revamped the management program. Also, I don't know why I think this, but Northern Wisconsin makes a big comeback. Just an opinion.
Edited by tomyv 1/24/2008 8:34 AM
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Posts: 32885
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Sled,
Why wouldn't those 'Pro' Muskie rule with logic? |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | Steve ... i've watched these boards now for 4 or 5 years and the same arguments recycle themselves over and over and over again as i'm sure you see. i'm having fun with Andrew's moniker of the "anti" ... mostly from the perspective that suggests that most will never understand when and where the common sense and simple logic get lost whilst arguing on some of the subjects ... i applaud the efforts of educating, take my hat off to those who can continue to muster the energy to apply the same ... but support the anti's who sometimes play with cynicism to get their points across ... there has become a pc list of rules to type by and it oft waters down the message that could be sent for sake of protecting the innocent ... and much gets lost to those who are looking to find ...
i love my powerdrive ... lol |
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| didn't someones "bulletproof" maxxum break on Eagle and if it weren't for someone in camp having a backup would have been stuck with a rental boat for the week? watch what you say there Sledster!
I think fish will keep getting thumped in 5 yrs and we'll still be arguing about it on here.
Girth measurements will still be exxaggerated by most. MN's state record will be shattered.
Electronics still won't help some people catch fish. Sled will finally have sold his saltwater boat and is now row trolling North Twin following Gelb around in the bitter days of November mumbling something about a fish that flopped out of the boat... |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | The only reason people have the "right" to keep a big fish is because the regulations book says you can. But if we change the regulations... |
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| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7WJeqxuOfQ
when you get a minute (or 9 1/2) to view this link, you may come away with a different prespective.
more then ever we need to protect our resources. if you put any merit in this video (which I have) it may change your thinking.
for the record, I married a woman from Mexico 1 1/2 years ago who entered the country legally. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | Hoop ... Thanks! ... that was one of the most worthwhile videos i've seen. outstanding presentation of the reality that so many refuse to see.
and bn ... it was an "examplllllllleeeeeeee" .... |
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Posts: 8779
| Hoop
9 minutes of education that would do Americans a WORLD of good right there! |
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Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | What I see happening is more techniques being established to catch open-water fish. Due to increased pressure on all of our lakes, many will find patterns over open water never before discovered and will capitalize on it by keeping it quiet.
Funding will continue to decline due to politicians/special interest groups sticking their noses into areas where it doesn't belong, which will have negative impact on various natural resource institutions. We will see some sort of increase in license cost to help maintain what we have currently.
The increases in technology will have little impact as compared to today. The use of video equipment like Aqua Vu will become standard issue for many rigs to help determine bottom composition, weed type, forage type, etc.
I think we will see an increase in stocking to help offset demand on a limited resource, and with the up and coming generations, we may see a plateau or potentially a decline in the number of people fishing due to the "I don't want to work for it" mentality. Currently, we have a generation of teenagers stuck on ipods, video games, etc, and would rather enjoy those things that have a quick payoff rather than enjoy the quietness of the lake.
With the decline in the stable family structure happening more and more each day, the young generations will lack the chance to go fishing because of lack of anyone to take them.
Some good...some bad...and although many things change, others stay the same...
Steve |
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| Hoop / Johnny
Common sense approach to a controversial issue. Could America find leaders with common sense approaches to all the major issues?
We need to find a Roy Beck type leader by November!
Don |
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Posts: 1887
Location: syracuse indiana | well i see the sport growing like wildfire. heck the webster lake musky club ch49 has our first of 3 booths yesterday and today at the hammond outdoor show and along with us thewe was another club and 2 different muskyguides that had booths there chae dolson and mike hulbert and lakeshore lures wer there and stealth tackle. and the show is not a really big one. but there were musky things everywhere. and alot of guys that we talked to has seen or been watching the muskyhunter tv show and they do not do it and are verry interested in it.so i wouold say it is growing. heck we have so many guides here in indiana now i dont have enough fingers to count them all.. anyway i see its growing like mad.....bill |
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Posts: 1887
Location: syracuse indiana | and as a note . thorne brotheres are gonna be at the indianapolis show this year.. i threw that in there for anybody that will be going . bring your money for them....bill |
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Posts: 83
| everyone will see the light and stop fishing for muskies and go scuba diving instead.
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Glad to see I'm in somthing before it becomes popular!
These are probably the golden days of Musky fishing. I figure the high entry cost, and fuel costs are going to cause a leveling off, or maybe a gradual decline. Many are predicting a recession. My guess is a lot more people will be fishing from canoes and jonboats, or doing a lot more stream fishing for trout and salmon. You can invest $ 750 in a float or fly rod, waders, and tackle, and be adequately outfitted. A little gas miser can get you to some fairly good water.
Musky fishing will always have a solid core of die hards. there is really no other freshwater fishing situation that gets your heart pounding like a follow, so some new people will always be drawn in. It's all about the rush. You can see it in someones eyes when they talk about an encounter with a musky. For some , there is nothing else swimming that matters.
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Posts: 512
| With the continuing changes in the American economy which include debt, fuel prices, etc., lakes will continue to become the playgrounds for the wealthy. Here in my native NY and the Finger Lakes, you can really see a difference between now vs. my time as a boy.
When I was young, working class people had places on the lakes and they would spend the summers there, etc. Today, it's million-dollar homes that are going up and the lakes are increasingly the place for the older, retired and wealthy.
You also see a lot of rentals in the summer months now with an increasing interest in water sports such as jet skis, tubing and water skiing as opposed to fishing / wildlife-centric activities.
The greater expense will continue to put the hurt on the common man; the blue collar worker which will simply mean less fishing and less fisherman.
That's my prediction.
Maybe someone can write a computer program with a rod and reel so I can fish "virtually". Maybe someone can hook up a webcam, a rod and a computer so I can catch carp from my couch Hopefully, the subscription fees won't be too high. |
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Location: Athens, Ohio | Ifgas prices keep climbing, I see the sport gravitating to row trolling and electric motors. m |
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Posts: 255
Location: MadCity Wisconsin | Great topic Magruter. I see more lakes stocked for muskie in the next five years as muskie fishing continues to grow. We are seeing this already.
Sidescan sonar technology will really take off, the bass guys are jumping on this now. Increased use of Aqua video and mini cameras to document catches and watch the action as it unfolds both underwater and above water.
Increased use of retro style row trolling boats as gas prices continue to climb. More and more muskie anglers who have the skill are buidling their own boats and really getting a charge out of the process, catching muskies and getting physically fit at the same time. Not that this will replace gas powered motors. Two stroke engines will be the exception not the rule.
Big fight looming.......Antis, Greens and Enviro nuts will insist on banning gas powered motors from small lakes or limiting speed mph on many lakes. All in the name of environment, ecology and energy conservation. |
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| If you really think people should not be able to keep a trophy fish, then a "conservation" type license should be available at a very discounted rate. No sense in paying full price if you are just leasing fish. It would probably solve many of your tourist fish issues and the such. However to deny rights of a fully purchased license really doesn't do anyone any good....Ben |
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| I agree with Doug. Nothing could be better for guys on the Shield then high gas prices. The problem is all the knuckle heads from WI, and Il come to MN.
Good thing for the MN guys is they can drive to Canada and it's not that bad. |
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Posts: 3147
| I predict the rebirth of the 16ft 25hp combo able to be towed behind a 4cyl
I predict the entire male population of wisc will be guiding on the noth end of Mile Lacs,,Id say were about half way there now  |
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| Very good topic. My prediction is all types of fishing will decrease significantly. With the economy spirally out of control....fishing money will now be used for every day needs (food). Metro lakes may see a spike right away this year, but will cool off very fast once everyone realizes there is a boat on every spot. Seems like a few guys catch a few muskies and everyone turns into a guide... only the real top notch, well known guides will survive with the extreme gas prices and cost of living along with having to increase there prices. |
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Posts: 531
Location: Hugo, MN | I don't see much changing in five years. I think back five years, and what has changed? Some new equipment, a few new bait trends, and gas prices have gone up. I fish more now than five years ago. I catch more fish now than five years ago. I don't think I can point to any one significant thing that has changed besides fuel prices. Seems like a lot of worry and panic over what will probably impact the average musky nut under $500 this season, spread out over six months here in MN. If you figure a $1 increase per gallon over last summer, do you think you burned more than 500 gal. of boat gas? I didn't, and I fished A LOT last year. I agree that the one day trips to Vermillion and Mille Lacs from the cities have become impractical, but I'm not going to stop going up north for the weekend over a $20-$30 increase round trip. I only take a few trips each year anyway, with one big one to Canada in July, so not a big deal for me.
MN muskie opener in two and a half weeks. Let's try some deep breathing and we'll all get through this. |
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