Blademan unlogged
06-07-2006, 04:32 PM
I live in NE and recently I learned through word of mouth there are no limits on Pan Fish in IA lakes?? I thought the person telling me was joking!? So, I ask a couple others who I thought were in the "know" and turns out...it's true!! Now Bob...I know your a strong advocate of catch and release as well as not over harvesting lakes. So, how in the world does the DNR justify not having bag limits on pan fish in IA??? I know in particular a guy in IA, fishing at a particular popular lake taking home hundreds of crapies in the 12-14" range. I heard 5 Gal buckets full on a Daily basis for weeks! It just made me sick to my stomach! I'm thinking...I'm calling the DNR ASAP and turning this guy in!! But then came the word that there are no limits in IA. Can someone explain to me how this is good conservation?????
B Jensen
06-08-2006, 09:21 PM
Great point. I was going to address this issue in a future tirade.
It is ridiculous that there are no panfish limits in Iowa.. Bluegills, crappies, perch, should be protected to some extent. Yellow bass need to be caught and kept.
The thought used to be that if we didn't take the panfish, they would over-populate and stunt. Of course this can happen and we need to take some panfish out of the bodies of water. The operative word is "some".
North and South Dakota recently reduced their panfish limits, so did MN in some bodies of water. The result: Bigger panfish and more of them. The effects haven't been seen in some bodies of water yet, but in those lakes that have had the reductions in place for 3-4 years, the results are obvious.
Keeping pails of panfish, especially the bigger ones, is bad for a body of water.
It's too bad Iowa can't get more progressive in our fish regulations. Most of the folks at the DNR do a really good job and, I believe, are sincere in their desire for better fishing. They have a tough job and sometimes things other than what's best for the fish/game get in the way. Regardless, unlimited harvest of panfish is not a good thing.
Best Fishes,
Bob Jensen