New Regs?

[DEADhead]

icehole, if you read an earlier post on this thread, there is a current bill on the floor proposing the conservation licenses.

[fisherdog19]

The DNR does the best they can with the money they have, and some hands tied behind their backs. The bottom line is that the fishing population in our state is almost too large to support all the quality fisheries that WE want so comparing MN to Manitoba is like comparing apples too oranges; very little of the population in MB fishes. The lakes there just don't see the pressure ours do, and most likely never will. If we let just the people trained to manage wildlife and fisheries do their job, it may help but who knows, it's not like we can ask fish how they are doing and what type of help they need. They just want to do what's best, not what's worst so give them a break and let them try to do their job.

[icehole10]

Maybe you need to go back and read my post. I made no comparison to fishing pressure between the two. I was simply voicing my opinion of what I would like to see. Thats what this thread is about isn't it? As far as the DNR you will never hear me complain about the job they do. I fully understand that they do what they can with what they have to work with.

[Dahitman44]

I-Hole --

You are correct -- the point of my thread was to discuss/ hear options when it comes to new regs.

Hitman

[Rodbldr4fun]

For anyone interested in the biology and politics of this, take a look at Shawn Perich's column in the Feb 29 edition of Outdoor News. He discusses Denny Schupp's statements regarding slot limits and bag reductions, For the last 30's years Schupp has been the most knowledgeable walleye fisheries biologist in MN and one of a few in the U.S. Denny tells it like it is scientifically, no matter what. He says reducing limits will not have a positive affect on walleye populations and slot limits can have unintended consequences, especially with the smaller year classes. His belief is that walleye populations are not at risk in MN. As I noted in an earlier post, a long time resident, resorter, and prior commercial fisherman recently said last summer was the best fishing he has experienced on LOW.

[icehole10]

There is a slot on low. 4-5 years ago before the slot. In the winter you could keep up to 12 fish I believe with no more htan 8 being walleyes. Now they have lowered it to 8 with no more than 4 being walleyes.

I went on guided fishing trip on low last september and our guide was saying that the fishing has been getting better and better each year. If thats because of the slot i'm not sure, but I would guess it could only help.

[Ray1]

I agree Icehole. Slots can only make it better no matter what in my opinion. As we know, look at the lakes we fish, some need slots and the others already have slots. Isnt manitoba wonderfull.

[minneman]

 Originally Posted By: Ray1

Isnt manitoba wonderfull.

I totaly agree with you Ray!

[fisherdog19]

My reply was not pointed to anyone directly, just stating my opinion. There has been more than one comment about what Manitoba does in thier conservation efforts, but we will never be in thier situation. I may have been pre-mature in my defense of the DNR, I guess it was preemptive as I assumed unkind comments about what they do would be coming sooner or later

[Scott M]

 Originally Posted By: eskimo9

this is a little off topic but I was just wondering if anyone knows if the proposed slots for maud, eunice, and middle c went through. I would like to see maud get that slot for bass. I think it was something like 14-20" have to go back.

EUNICE LAKE (Becker County) sunfish: Possession limit five. black crappie: Minimum size limit 10". Possession limit five. largemouth and smallmouth bass: All from 12-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession. northern pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. One over 36" allowed in possession.

FLADMARK LAKE (Otter Tail County) sunfish: Possession limit 10. northern pike and bass: Catch-and-release only. crappie: Possession limit five.

LITTLE CORMORANT LAKE (Becker County) sunfish: Possession limit five. black crappie: Minimum size limit 10". Possession limit five. walleye: Minimum size limit 17".

LITTLE TOAD LAKE (Becker County) sunfish: Possession limit 10. northern pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. One over 36" allowed in possession.

MAUD LAKE (Becker County) sunfish: Possession limit five. black crappie: Minimum size limit 10". Possession limit five. largemouth and smallmouth bass: All from 12-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession. northern pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. One over 36" allowed in possession.

MIDDLE LAKE (Otter Tail County) largemouth bass: All from 12-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.

OTTER TAIL RIVER (Otter Tail, Becker, and Wilkin Counties) smallmouth bass: Catch-and-release from Wilkin County Road 19 crossing upstream to the Friberg Dam including all impoundments, and from Otter Tail County Highway 51 upstream to the Hubbel Pond Dam including Mud, Rice, and Town Lakes.

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Don't forget that those sunfish and crappie bag changes have already taken affect this past Saturday (March 1, 2008)