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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I paraphrased... |
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Location: 0 | Im not sure how it is on your bodies of water, but on mine going out on a week day is the best way to avoid the crowds. Its like the difference between day and night from the weekends. |
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Posts: 199
Location: Nebraska | Another perspective. I wish I had your problems. I'd love to be muskie fishing this weekend, getting front ended and elbowed off of a spot.
Unfortunately I live in Nebraska, far from the nearest muskie water. I do enjoy a 10 day trip to Minaki each September. Already looking forward to next year. I wish I could do more.
So, for those who feel crowded, realize how good you actually have it.
Edited by Stein 10/11/2011 9:14 PM
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | If I can't remember it then it didn't happen Ranger 
XXOO even though the mysterious "Evil Treat" must have been at the helm that day.
Seriously, connecting to the "other 90%" of muskie anglers is something that everyone who works towards the resource is the $10,000 question. What gets a lot of people like John and myself frustrated is when the same 20-40 people in the state of MN do all the work, meanwhile there are literally a couple hundred thousand people in MN that fish muskies and probably x2 that many that are on M1st that SEEM either ambivalent or good guy about things they can be helping with.
Lately we have been getting much better about getting the word out about the issues of the day and quite frankly my hope has been renewed to a degree with the number of people willing to send a 30 second email. Is it anywhere close to the kind of support that I personally feel we should be getting? No. Is it better then where we were 5 years ago and trending the right way? Absolutely!
At the end of the day, if you like what we have or want to make it better then any support you can give will be appreciated. There are tons of ways to give back, many of which can be found on this website. The tournament and club announcement sections is a great place to start. Banquets, tournaments, get togethers, youth events, etc are posted there regularly. Also you will often times see the call to send an email or phone call posted on the main page here. Take the 30 seconds to send the email. If the event sounds like fun, attend. If you have more time, fire, money that you'd like to contribute you can contact a local MI chapter or if nothing else drop me a line and I can get you pointed in the right direction. Things either get better or worse but rarely stay the same in this world. |
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| Thanks for switching the koolaid for me today Treats lol
With all honesty the club aspect of Muskies inc is the thing that I appreciate the least and honestly membership means little or nothing too me in any group. Membership in anything gets you only what you expect, its involvement that will change your prospects and your expectations then possibly grow into membership.
If you are involved and love what you have or want to make it better going the road alone is an impossible fight, involvement will gain you allies and open doors.
You the Muskie anglers can have it all, you can open up the door to new lakes and better management of our fish.
Get active, I'm not saying devote your life to it but fight for the future of the sport and for these fish we love and hate. Any Muskies inc Chapter will welcome you efforts, but that's not whats important. Gill Hamm, Frank Schneider Jr., and Hugh Becker all knew what was important, the fish; the group made it known to the rest of the world that they mattered, those numbers can be felt in many ways forging change.
Get involved, its more important to have the opportunity to catch the fish than it is to actually catch one..Get involved and if you like the effort and the people then worry about joining. |
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| The Dogs Of Consumerism say themselves are not the issue, lack of involvment is now their tissue.
They shout to the tranquility of the water, your numbers are not enough, when they continue to profit all the while they rebuff.
Muskies, Inc is the answer they say, donate your money and time and everything will be OK.
More lakes, more muskies, more opportunity for all, just what the Dogs of Consumerism want with more and more new shopping malls.
Forget the nonsense that anything new, whether it be water's tranquility or more seedlings being stocked, will relieve the demise of existing waters from those Dogs of Consumerism's flock.
A decade of time or more will be needed before becoming a desire, while during that time even more decide to be money guns for hire.
The Dogs Of Consumerism surplus will surpass, any Muskies, Inc belongings whether now, the future or even in times past.
One car does in fact lead a race and the Dogs Of Consumerism does in fact set the pace.
The true answer for everyone to see are the Dogs Of Consumerism taking a big step back and not continue an image of just me, me, me.
Their Bait and Switch game seems to still be their venue regardless of the reality a growing majority of us believes to continue.
The demise of our fisheries is advancing forward yearly; the quality of this sport is becoming a check out line from what it once was held to heart, so dearly.
The Dogs Of Consumerism's are the reflection in your mirror and it's still your sight resounding afterwards when crying in your beer.
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Posts: 1224
Location: Okoboji | Guest - 10/12/2011 6:42 AM
The Dogs Of Consumerism say themselves are not the issue, lack of involvment is now their tissue.
They shout to the tranquility of the water, your numbers are not enough, when they continue to profit all the while they rebuff.
Muskies, Inc is the answer they say, donate your money and time and everything will be OK.
More lakes, more muskies, more opportunity for all, just what the Dogs of Consumerism want with more and more new shopping malls.
Forget the nonsense that anything new, whether it be water's tranquility or more seedlings being stocked, will relieve the demise of existing waters from those Dogs of Consumerism's flock.
A decade of time or more will be needed before becoming a desire, while during that time even more decide to be money guns for hire.
The Dogs Of Consumerism surplus will surpass, any Muskies, Inc belongings whether now, the future or even in times past.
One car does in fact lead a race and the Dogs Of Consumerism does in fact set the pace.
The true answer for everyone to see are the Dogs Of Consumerism taking a big step back and not continue an image of just me, me, me.
Their Bait and Switch game seems to still be their venue regardless of the reality a growing majority of us believes to continue.
The demise of our fisheries is advancing forward yearly; the quality of this sport is becoming a check out line from what it once was held to heart, so dearly.
The Dogs Of Consumerism's are the reflection in your mirror and it's still your sight resounding afterwards when crying in your beer.
what planet are you from man?!?! can i take a hit off that fish call??? |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Bartender, give me a double of whatever Guest is drinking... |
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| Dogs of Consumerisim ???
are we taliking about muskies,the AKC,or the rising cost of Bulldawgs!!!! |
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Posts: 1224
Location: Okoboji | High-Class Slim came floatin' in,
cutting in the weed line.
Just gettin' right on Saturday night,
ridin' with some friends of mine.
They invited me to throw topwaters
And then I took my first long look
at the muskies hitting on high.
In the back of Jimmy's ranger
stood a justincase welded into shape by Slim,
made out of plexiglass.
"How fine," they cried, "now with baits inside,
strapped in there safe and sound."
I thought, "My oh my, how the muskies would bite
if those things ever hit the water."
Slim was so pleased when I had eased
into his trap of consumerism.
He had slammed the door, but he said no more
and I thought I'd breathed my last breath.
We was out in the sticks down Highway 371 and the crowd was just about right.
The speed was too, so out I flew,
like a stick of rollin' dynamite.
When it hit the water you could hear the sound
and see the wakes a country mile.
End over end it began to spin
but the bait started runnin' wild.
But it was too late as I met my fate
and the bait started gettin' hot.
But through the sound and the wake I knew how the claim
of the Master of Baits was got.
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| So maybe I'm a guide. Do I promote my guide business, publish my big fish pictures, and talk up the waters where I fish? Or do I stare at an empty calendar and wish I could make the payments on my boat and my truck?
Smart or stupid?
Maybe I have a resort. Do I promote muskie fishing and the lakes in my area? Do I work to grow the sport so I can pay the mortgage on my resort? Or do I keep my mouth shut and stare at an empty resort?
Smart or stupid?
Maybe I am a lure maker. Do I hype those lures, give them to guides, tell them to talk them up, try to get them into stores, and make sure every fish caught on them is on every website? Or do I just sit back and hope my inventory sells itself?
Smart or Stupid?
Walk around an expo some day - it's apparent that muskie anglers will go to any lengths to catch a fish. Their money is going in somebody's pocket other than their own. You can sit back and complain about it, or you can figure out how to have the pocket be yours.
Smart or Stupid?
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Is it smart or stupid for all of the above people to do whatever they can to perpetuate the sport that they make a living off of??
All of the above, and many do, should do whatever they can to get the people they make a living off of realize that the fishery needs attention and needs to grow or it will not sustain itself.
What happens when the fishery goes downhill, how many lures will be sold, resorts will be full or guide trips be booked?
The future depends on us to keep the fishery viable and to keep those in the "business" in business.
Do we want a short term fishery and fishing business or a long term one?
JS |
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Lots of talk about doing something, darned little as to what that might be.
You want more muskie waters in MN. Apparently the majority/DNR? rest of the public doesn't. What can a guy from WI do to help? What can a MN guide or just plain fisherman do to help? Where would the dollars go if someone decided to help with their wallet?
Why is this situation different than managing any other fish in MN? Aren't many of the walleye lakes under special regs now because of past overharvest? Why can't the DNR be trusted to get the job done since other than introduction and the Metro, there's apparently not much need for stocking? Or is the NR so poor the fish are not doing well as a population and stocking is needed?
If the need and goals are clarified, perhaps more participation would be the natural result? |
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| Guest - 10/12/2011 11:49 AM
Is it smart or stupid for all of the above people to do whatever they can to perpetuate the sport that they make a living off of??
All of the above, and many do, should do whatever they can to get the people they make a living off of realize that the fishery needs attention and needs to grow or it will not sustain itself.
What happens when the fishery goes downhill, how many lures will be sold, resorts will be full or guide trips be booked?
The future depends on us to keep the fishery viable and to keep those in the "business" in business.
Do we want a short term fishery and fishing business or a long term one?
JS
If the past is any indication of the future, when the fishing gets tougher, people will probably buy just as many lures, if not more, trying to find the magic lure that's going to make 50" muskies jump in the boat. And those who are unable to find success will likely turn to guides to help them "crack the code". Will people still fill the resorts? Considering that they have, and continue to do so, regardless of their success at actually catching quantities of big fish? I suspect the resorts will do just fine. And worst case, if the fishing in MN declines to the point where it's just not worth dragging the boat 6 hours away and blowing $1,000 for a weekend chasing fish? They will fish in their home states instead. As a result, the pressure will subside, the fisheries will recover, and you'll have nothing to worry about. People will continue to chase the "hot bite", wherever that is. And whatever shape the fisheries are in at any given point, there will always be a flood of new anglers, who don't know what it used to be like, who don't know any different, who will fish and continue to fish in MN, because the lake ecosystems are such that they will support better populations of fish than anywhere else across the muskies range, with the possible exception of Canada and a few lakes in WI.
As for your other point? As with most things, it's all about food on the table and money in the bank. If there becomes a point where the folks in muskie fishing aren't struggling at the end of the month, (you're not going to get rich running a guide business or a resort) they might start looking to the future with some vigor. But for now, there is low hanging fruit, and it's ripe and nobody is hungry.
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| Interesting and fun discussion. My observations as a 60 year old who has been fishing for muskies all his life in Minnesota and Wisconsin:
1. The desire for the "good old days" is a romantic notion and problem with all aspects of our lives - not just musky fishing
2. These are the best days right now. We have dedicated magazines, TV shows and can spend time year round on forums talking about musky fishing.
3. We have incredible options (whether we use all of them or not) for new poles, reels, fishing line, lures and technology to support our fishing.
4. The problem with the fact that only 10% give back is nothing new. That has been the case forever in all aspects of our lives.
Lets appreciate what we have now.
RG |
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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | This is probably the coolest discussion I've read in a long time on this forum. I think as Steve referenced earlier, perhaps if specifics were listed - more individuals would be inclined to assist in whatever way they can.
I know I get involved with the local DNR conservation meetings as a trapper and fisherman. I vote regularly on issues I'm passionate about as well as the obvious catch 'n release for the musky I love to hunt. I purchase licenses every year and attend a couple of different musky shows in the state, as well. Aside from that, I'll be the first to admit that I guess I'm ignorant as far as what more I can do to assist the sport. |
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Lots of specifics offered already;
Attend public meetings. Contact govt. with letters and e-mails when needed.
Join Muskies Inc. There are tens of thousands of dollars going towards stocking and research projects in MN/WI and elsehere.
The latest lake in MN to come of age has been stocked with 100% MI dollars.
The increased size limits in MN are due to the MI and the MMA getting involved.
The most important gene study done in MN was done with MI and local volunteers.
1st WI MI chapter and others in WI are helping fund stockings with MN fish to further researching whether it's a good fit for WI or not.
Promote C&R and safe fish handling to help ensure numbers of fish are always there.
Pretty easy ways to help out.
JS |
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An example of a business that looks after the resource as much as promotes it.;
On Leech lake I know of a few resorts that now have quality release tools and real muskie nets that they give to guests to use. They ask them if they are planning on fishing for muskies and then make sure they are prepared for it.
It's a small investment in helping ensure that fish that are caught will get caught another day.
In Canada they take it to a more extreme level. Many fly-in camps do not allow any fish to be killed. More and more are also requiring barbless hooks and no live bait.
I think the idea that people will just keep fishing and spending money on lures whether the fishery is in good shape or not is ridiculous.
Apparently others in the business are seeing that keeping the fishery in top condition is a good business plan as well.
Ask the resorts on Leech that barely made it through the late 90's and early 2000's when the walleye fishery tanked about that.
JS
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Posts: 829
Location: Maple Grove, MN | I am not so convinced the fishing has gone downhill so much. As far as my boat is concerned, we caught more fish this year on Leech and Mille Lacs than we ever have. The numbers on other lakes has not gone down either. Time on the water was the main thing in short supply and that had nothing to do with the fishery.
I do agree that fishing pressure has increased overall, but adjusting to it and being successful is still possible. Its not like there are so many boats on every lake that one simply cannot do anything different. My observations are that fishing pressure may actually be decreasing on many lakes as more and more fisherman flock to the "hot" lakes. One key to avoiding the crowds is simply avoiding the "hot" lakes. I actually have begun to head more to the "slow" lakes. The fish are still there and still eat. The fact is, being one of a few boats on a "slow" lake may give one a much better chance than being one of many boats on a "hot" lake. 
About involvement, I agree that more specifics would be very helpful for most. Many people are extremely busy and have a hard time with scheduling. Many of us are so booked with our kids athletics, school, church and family that just getting on the water for a few hours can be difficult. Combine that with the time required to research what is going on with the Muskie front and any involvement simply becomes a non-starter. Its not that people don't care or want to get involved, it is just difficult for them.
There are many ways one can get involved with the sport though. Just taking beginners fishing and showing them how to properly release fish is a good thing. Being open when people have questions at any retail outlet is also a form of involvement. It only takes a minute to politely explain the basics of proper release and Muskie tackle. A lot of people simply don't know and are very open to advice from experienced fishermen (or women).
That said, this discussion has motivated me to get more involved in MI.
Life is busy and then you die. Do what you can while you're here, eh?
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Posts: 619
| Hammskie - 10/7/2011 3:48 PM
Slow Rollin - 10/7/2011 3:34 PM
The pressure is unreal.. there are alot of really good fisherman out there now that are pretty skilled.. if a fish is going to bite they will catch it and not leave many crumbs behind...in MN i would say in most lakes the populations have gone down pretty significantly on alot of lakes do to pressure..every year its getting harder an harder to catch fish.
I suggest trying to suck less, as a temporary solution to this problem.
Huh, anytime - any place - lets do a heads up competition...put a few hundred bucks on the line and so who takes it This weekend? |
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| I love fishing when nobody is around. I pray for Labor day to come so 80% of the yahoos put their boats away for the year. There is nothing, and I mean nothing better than pulling up to a boat launch on a Sunday in Wisconsin in the fall with the Packers about to play. The place is dead! That's when I get my soul back.
I'm sorry but I hate people. I admit it!
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Posts: 209
| sworrall - 10/11/2011 8:57 AM
If you fish for muskies, you are part of the 'problem'. You represent part of the crowd. Who the hell are you to decide who should or should not be welcome to fish? You bought your boat, and the rest of your gear, so seriously...shut up about consumerism being the problem...without it the fisheries would not exist as they do. On one hand you beg us to participate, and on the other curse our participation.
Truer words could not have been spoken.
Not to mention there's always the muskie fisherman that feels the need to take the best possible pictures and measure every fish so he can boast the size of what he caught. Then he wants to show off his skills and knowledge, so he says exactly what he did and how he did it and where and what time. It's also necessary to talk about how well his new equipment handled during the fight, so the brand and model of rod, reel, line, and lure must be included in the story.
By this point, he's surely gotten the listener's attention, and said listener has a good idea of how to catch one himself. Oh? There's a sporting goods store down the road and Lake X is only a twenty minute drive away? Well this listener better not get any funny ideas, that's HIS spot.... |
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Posts: 797
Location: North Central IL USA | Lib - 10/13/2011 4:26 PM
I'm sorry but I hate people. I admit it!
Yikes! Are you a serial killer?? |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Yeah, he hates Cheerios, too. |
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Location: WI | Lib - 10/13/2011 4:26 PM
I love fishing when nobody is around. I pray for Labor day to come so 80% of the yahoos put their boats away for the year. There is nothing, and I mean nothing better than pulling up to a boat launch on a Sunday in Wisconsin in the fall with the Packers about to play. The place is dead! That's when I get my soul back.
I'm sorry but I hate people. I admit it!
I'm like that also. I like being alone. Pretty easy in most places to find that even in the summer, just wake up earlier or hit small no name lakes.
Edited by JKahler 10/13/2011 11:23 PM
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| Lib - 10/13/2011 4:26 PM
I love fishing when nobody is around. I pray for Labor day to come so 80% of the yahoos put their boats away for the year. There is nothing, and I mean nothing better than pulling up to a boat launch on a Sunday in Wisconsin in the fall with the Packers about to play. The place is dead! That's when I get my soul back.
I'm sorry but I hate people. I admit it!
Most of us do, AJ. We may not realize it, but our favorite places are out on the boat on a quiet lake, out in the woods in a tree stand, places where we are the only person there. And we like to chase a fish with the lowest population desnity, that we might not even catch that day, and might not even SEE. Not exactly a social crowd by nature. At least not until we're off the water.
It's like I tell my girlfriend when she says "you're just not a people person": I like people! I just like them better when they are somewhere else and I don't have to deal with them! |
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| The Dogs of Consumerism now have their overcrowding and fishery demise feedback's; the voice of nature's tranquility will never become silent to their continued setbacks.
Glensheen's full moon lake sheen shines so bright, we of nature's northern lights will always continue this fight.
For those Dogs of Consumerism who fully know the consequences of their over selling, judgment day is here and is ever so compelling.
Those of nature's tranquility do really wonder, how the Dogs of Consumerism sleep well at night and live with their blunders.
The question isn't if anymore, but when and how severe, the continued fishery decline to total destruction is ever so near.
What took nearly two decades to complete, the Dogs Of Consumerism, in less than a fourth, will be responsible for this defeat.
New names, new faces, the Dogs Of Consumerism birth to the Expo seminar floor, new faces, new interests - new victims sit with galore.
Because now nature’s tranquility walks past with just a passing glance, having been there, done that, with no more second chance.
To wit my words of reality's truth have been conveyed, nature's mirror of tranquility’s reflection will never by swayed.
Whether the Dogs Of Consumerism judged us generally or individually "Dead" wrong, the army of nature's tranquility is becoming more and more strong.
As it's not a question of being wrong or right, it's how those of us within nature's tranquility feel each and every night.
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| Travis, is that you?
The sad thing is this guy actually took the time to write all that hokus pokus.
Good effort but, poet, you are not.
Edited by Anonymous 10/14/2011 1:34 PM
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Posts: 639
Location: Hudson, WI | Thanks, Guest. That was very insightful. Which brings me to my next point. Don't smoke crack. |
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Posts: 444
| Never do a drug named after part of your ass... |
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