Catch and Release, what a joke!

[Amazing]

Took a stroll through the photo section and for all the times I have seen and heard people on here preach about catch and release, looks like you decided to renig on those beliefs a time or two! Now I really don't care, but just thought it was funny since most of the fish in the pics were dead on a lawn or in a a cooler!! Goes to show, its easy for people to talk on a chat board, but EVERYONE likes to keep a couple for the skillet.

[bigfish1965]

My only kept fish in my album was a 15 pounder that didn't rescusitate. There's no problem with people keeping fish if they want to eat them. It is just good science to release all the big ones whenever you can and eat the smaller ones.

[sevenmmm]

Like everyone practices what they preach!

[Mexico]

Guess whenever I've read threads regarding catch and release, I've seen a 50/50 on whether to keep or not.

Myself, I like to preach catch and release, but mostly as a do as I say not as I do. Do I release a lot of fish, yes. Do I keep my limit from time to time, yes. Is one right or wrong, no. Both sides have legitimate cases and unless you can prove someone that swears they never keep fish for themselves had some in their own box, I'd make sure you have your facts straight before pointing the finger.

As a guide, I try to encourage release, but many times the clients want to take their fish and as long as it is within their legal limit, then it is all fine by me. I won't let people keep fish that I feel are not going to be good eating, Stripers over 10 pounds or Walleye over 20"s, those go back or I let them know they will be cleaning the fish, not me. ;) I've yet to have one client want to keep a fish I thought should be released.

Regards,

[ChadM]

Dear Amazing,

Very few anglers practice only Catch & Release. Most do something called Selective Harvest. Selective Harvest is where people keep some fish to eat but release most of the spawning fish. There is no harm in this and actually on some lakes fish need to be removed, ie..Lake Oahe.

[FreeByrd]

On Lake Erie I release a lot of fish - most everything under 18 inches - preferably under 20.
Steve

[Limiterr]

I'm an ethical fisherman and practice selective harvest. I release tons every year and also keep lots every year...most in the 14 to 17in range. Injured larger ones that will not survive are also harvested. The limit here in NW Ontario is four and it is a real bad day when we do not have a limit of eaters. I consider myself blessed to fish in this country around 100 days per year.

[SUPERTROLLER]

You must be having a rough day. I have a feeling that you're spoiling for an arguement and you're trying to lure an unsuspecting newcomer into it. I'll try to smooth things over before you rip someone a new one. "Please Mr. Freebyrd,,, tell us why you only like to keep fish that are OVER 20 inches in length."

P.S. Maybe this will keep bob(oh) from getting all worked up again. LOL.

[FreeByrd]

>You must be having a rough day. I have a feeling that you're
>spoiling for an arguement and you're trying to lure an
>unsuspecting newcomer into it. I'll try to smooth things over
>before you rip someone a new one. "Please Mr. Freebyrd,,, tell
>us why you only like to keep fish that are OVER 20 inches in
>length."
>
>P.S. Maybe this will keep bob(oh) from getting all worked up
>again. LOL.

Couple reasons:
1) More meat on the bigger ones.
2) Most likely a walleye under 18 inches has never spawned - or maybe only once. I like to let them do their thing at least once or preferably multiple times before filleting them.
3) I own several big coolers - don't need to fit my limit into a bucket.
4) I'm fishing on LAKE ERIE
Steve

[vetspet.ind]

thats why i like to catch panfish...crappie,gills, perch....and salmon...the salmon die in 3-4 yrs and do not reproduce naturally so i have zero guilt feelings eating what i catch...steve heckler...and love every bite...crappie this wk were wonderful

[bigfish1965]

Steve(freeByrd);

I know that the rationale of the past was to do what you are doing. Throw the little ones back so they can grow up.
But, the times have changed and we are smarter now. Countless studies have shown that this practise is damaging to a fishery. Bigger fish represent a solid genetic specimin. The bigger fish are also much better at creating the necessary number of eggs to help ensure a successful spawn.Releasing the small fish puts back a fish that is more than likely not going to reach 27 inches due to predation or other natural death.A fish already of large size has shown its ability to fend off predators and disease. It is proven to be an efficient hunter and aggressive eater. These are the genetic traits we need to retain. While it is true that Erie holds more fish than we could likely ever harvest, the numbers are what makes them easier to catch. The competition for food between them keeps the genetic strain viable.
Smaller fish just taste better too.

[JLDII]

Obviously, Freebyrd has no understanding of why Michigan, Ont., and Ohio have changed their regulations and season openers for this year.

I believe it was Teddy Roosevelt who once said, "any sportsman who is not also a conservationalist, is nothing more than a fool!".

There is another famous saying, I can't remember who first said it, but it was something like this,...."meat hog!".

[Trophy]

I release most of what I catch. Who wants to eat Sheephead for god sake???. Nothing wrong with catching, and keeping whats legal.

[Terroreyes]

I can't believe this keeps getting debated over and over. We're fisherman for god's sake. Since the beginning of time, people have been fishing for food. If it's legal, it's legal. PERIOD!!!
[br][div align="center"][br][center][br][font color="#3300CC";font face="Roman"; size="+1"][br][br]Terroryes

[Trophy]

Terroreyes, steady big fella. Spring is near, it will only get better.

[JLDII]

Most of the 12 Desiples were fishermen too!!

[sevenmmm]

Well, he's got a point about fishing Lake Erie. Got to get those big girls out of the water to save the little ones from being eaten!



http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/fishing/freport/erieprospects04.htm

[CJHughes]

I would agree with Freebryd ,let them spawn at least once in their life .

[ezmarc]

Gee Steve, You're usually more "Politically Correct" than this but I agree completely with what you are saying as long as it just pertains to Erie.

If a Lake Erie fish reaches 18"'s it has already overcome tremendous odds and has probably already added it's fry to the stock at least 1 time. It's fair game after that in my book and I think the new regulations reflect that.

These bipolar discussions sure do help make the winter go by don't they and where is Bob(Oh) anyway?!

[toughgeyes]

the thing you have to realize about erie is that the population is so dense and the area so vast that if everone kept all the big ones they caught it would not even begin to make one difference. Quotas set by the state are only in tact for political correctness and to lower commercial harvest. For those who says lake erie has less fish, maybe but that is the ebb and flow of life and in no way related to keeping large fish. If its legal, do whatever you want.
BTW- Freebyrd fishes erie

[toughgeyes]

the thing you have to realize about erie is that the population is so dense and the area so vast that if everone kept all the big ones they caught it would not even begin to make one difference. Quotas set by the state are only in tact for political correctness and to lower commercial harvest. For those who says lake erie has less fish, maybe but that is the ebb and flow of life and in no way related to keeping large fish. If its legal, do whatever you want.
BTW- Freebyrd fishes erie

[j9f]

Check out how many charters there are on Erie that bring in two full boxes of 36 fish a day for three months. Not many catch and release charters out there. They tase too good. Lots of catch and release bass fishermen out there though, but I haven't been to many bass frys. ha ha

[j9f]

Check out how many charters there are on Erie that bring in two full boxes of 36 fish a day for three months. Not many catch and release charters out there. They tase too good. Lots of catch and release bass fishermen out there though, but I haven't been to many bass frys. ha ha

[bob oh]

Actually Jack, Freebyrd knows exactly why they change the regs -- so they could find a politically correct way to keep the Canadian gill netters from continually raping the lake. Biologist after biologist has said, some in lake meetings, that you could NEVERE hurt Lake Erie with a rod and reel -- but the gill killers can and do!! I don't agree with FB but he can do whatever he wants as long as it is legal (and it is) and I'll do what I want to do. I like the smaller fish cause I'm not into mercury as much as he is.....and I catch more of them :-)
Oh, and by the way big fish -- big fish have already contributed their genes to the fishery every time they have spawned. When they're real big they're real poor spawners !!
But hey, to each his own -- a position seldom popular on WC :-)

Hi Marc !!! It is I the one who never knows enough to SHUT UP !!!!!

rod bender bob

[Terroreyes]

I think it's because I just ate my last walleye from the freezer yesterday. :( Now I'll have to either partake in one of those spawners here shortly or wait 'till May. Decisions, decisions.
[br][div align="center"][br][center][br][font color="#3300CC";font face="Roman"; size="+1"][br][br]Terroryes

[Terroreyes]

I think it's because I just ate my last walleye from the freezer yesterday. :( Now I'll have to either partake in one of those spawners here shortly or wait 'till May. Decisions, decisions.
[br][div align="center"][br][center][br][font color="#3300CC";font face="Roman"; size="+1"][br][br]Terroryes

[sib]

Yawn.

[sib]

Yawn.

[Walleye Express]

[b]Until last year and my ice fishing trip to Erie, I might have thrown my own snowball at Freebryd. If you remember correctly 5 of us caught 88 walleyes in a day and a half up to 12.8 pounds. I and my bud Ron released 75% or our fish that were over 5 pounds. Actually came home with 2 under our limit in the course of letting the big females go. In a thread I wrote on this board about our trip, I had mentioned that I had never seen such egg swollen smaller walleyes (3 to 4 pounds) in my life. Around my neck of the woods, walleyes don't become sexually mature until they reach about 5 pounds.

In the course of the posted responses that preceded my thread about our success, it was revealed by the Ohio answer guy (I keep forgetting his darn name) that the very best viable spawners on Lake Erie were exactly the ones we were keeping. Those tubby 20 to 23 inch 3 and 4 pounders. And that the bigger females eggs were not as viable nor were they the successful spawners everybody thinks they are on Erie. I'm hope somebody from the Ohio Sea Grant see's this thread and comments on this.

[JLDII]

I don't remember where it was that I read it, but I did read something about concerns about the population dwindling and the focus was with the spawning bio-mass. Which of course are over 20" fish.

Now, let me say, if I am wrong about this and my comment is out of line as to Lake Erie, I'm sorry, and I appologize. As for most all other lakes though, his stated beliefs would not be of sound judgement, or good for conservation.

I, in my work, and outside of it, have always promoted catch and release.

[ETT.]

I give...
Some will never figure out that, no matter what you wanting to conserve, the best strategy is to protect the best reproducers. I don't care if it's chicken, hogs, cattle, people, or walleyes.

In people terms ...you guys are saying eliminate the kids from 10 - 20 years old and make sure you protect the females over 35 years old. DOES THAT MAKE IT EASIER TO UNDERSTAND!!!!

I still think it comes from Minnesotas bad science in stocking genetically small fish, all over the state for an extended period of time, infuseing the gene pool to the point that the fish with the ability to grow large are necessarily treasured.

GUYS.... WE DON"T HAVE THAT PROBLEM IN OHIO!!!!!!

I'm sure not trying to enflame the thread, but it would sure be nice to get to a point of understanding.

[Fishoil]

Trolling, trolling, trolling........

[Fishoil]

Trolling, trolling, trolling........

[Eyez]

Yeah I'll give this one credit when mr. amazing comes back and backs up his argument.


Eyez

[ETT]

I give...
Some will never figure out that, no matter what you wanting to conserve, the best strategy is to protect the best reproducers. I don't care if it's chicken, hogs, cattle, people, or walleyes.

In people terms ...you guys are saying eliminate the kids from 10 - 20 years old and make sure you protect the females over 35 years old. DOES THAT MAKE IT EASIER TO UNDERSTAND!!!!

I still think it comes from Minnesotas bad science in stocking genetically small fish, all over the state for an extended period of time, infuseing the gene pool to the point that the fish with the ability to grow large are necessarily treasured.

GUYS.... WE DON"T HAVE THAT PROBLEM IN OHIO!!!!!!

[FreeByrd]

It is the beginning of February - have had one, maybe two days of above freezing temps since New Years - I don't ice fish....cabin fever setting in and I knew I'd get a rise out of some people with the first post, and was positive the second post would rile some people up. I get a little tired of some of the "holier than thou" crowd that acts like it is a CRIME to keep and EAT a FISH - I usually let them go but for some reason I decided to jump in this time (see above - cabin fever).

I did try to make it clear I was talking specific to Lake Erie - not some pond you can throw a rock across or see all the shoreline from any place in the lake. I posted partly in jest but do believe what I posted based on my conversations with the fish biologists that manage Lake Erie that I'm not doing anything that "hurts" the lake. Anyone associated with the new regulations for Erie that will speak honestly about the issue will tell you the new regs for sport fishermen were designed to give some political leverage to get the quota of walleye harvested by commercial netters reduced which I'm all for.

I do believe that in terms of "hurting" the lake (again specifically Lake Erie) - the guy that consistently takes a bunch of little (less than 18 inch) walleye that most likely have never spawned is doing more "harm" to the lake than targetting the bigger (6+# fish) that have spawned multiple times throughout their lives. However again based on my conversations with the fish biologists that manage Lake Erie, I understand that there is virtually nothing a rod and reel angler could do to actually hurt the fishery on Lake Erie when you compare that to the amount of fish taken by the commercial netters. Therefore as long as a rod & reel angler stays within the legal limits established by the DNR - I don't really have a problem with the guys that want to keep the small fish despite a few references to "bucket fish" that is meant to be a friendly joke.

Have a nice day!
Steve Carlson
steve199132@yahoo.com
330 697 1499 cell

[bob oh]

Oh, forgot to metion Byrd that the fish you are always jerking me about are primarily MALES!!!! :-)
And finally, (I promise to shut up!) if we have another spawn like last spring's they'll be begging us again to catch more fish cause population is too high :-)

rod bender bob

[Amazing]

He he.....Man I love trolling!!!! But really, there may be some truth to what I said, I just don't have the energy to argue about it. This argument could go on and on and on. But, the main reason for the post was I got chewed by a person on here about keeping fish, (didn't take it to heart,) but then I see a pic from that person with a pile of fish. Seemed a little funny to me. I am pretty sure EVERYONE keeps some fish and EVERYONE has a right to.

Can't wait until I can really troll, catching you guys was too easy!

[bigfish1965]

Larger females, though containing fewer viable eggs, still have the superior genes based on their ability to grow so large. If a 32" female only contributes two more healthy 32" inch fish, isn't it reason enough to let it go? It is not only about numbers but also about genetic longevity.
As far as the argument about only protecting the 35 yr old women...first, it is a kinda silly argument, but what about the 20-35 year olds?

[Walleye Express]

>I, in my work, and outside of it, have always promoted catch
>and release.

[b]Jack.

Don't think that by defendng Freebryd, I was degrading any of the other posts by the guys defending (catch and Release) of the bigger females. I'm thinking Steve himself might not have know the fact about the smaller fish being the most viable reproducers, or might have defended his position by stateing it. But in essence why should he have to. As stated by another, it's legal. And I'm sure well thought out by the professionals keeping an eye on Lake Eries well being.

But I to was as shocked as anybody could be when I learned the smaller females were the main reproducers on Erie. And I'm thinking this phenomina happens in very few other places but Erie. But I might even be wrong about that.

[JLDII]

I understand what you're saying. My post was primarily in response to bob oh.

[SUPERTROLLER]

>Larger females, though containing fewer viable eggs, still
>have the superior genes based on their ability to grow so
>large. If a 32" female only contributes two more healthy 32"
>inch fish, isn't it reason enough to let it go? It is not only
>about numbers but also about genetic longevity.
>As far as the argument about only protecting the 35 yr old
>women...first, it is a kinda silly argument, but what about
>the 20-35 year olds?
The superior genes you are so worried about are in most every fish in lake Erie. They'll all grow that big(the females), if given enough time. There is plenty of food and once they get to be 18", how many predators do they really have? You must realize that the population in Erie is counted in the Millions. Last I heard was around 50 to 60 million. This number of fish is barely scratched at by sport fishermen. There will always be plenty of Walleye left unless something else drasticly changes to the water or the food source. The Commercial netters take far more weight in a single season than the fishermen do. That is why they scaled back limits for them too. They wouldn't have been able to cut commercial fishing without also taking something away from the sport fishing side. You need to go past the small lake thinking about limited numbers in the genetic line and think about how many genetically superior fish are available to spawn in Lake Erie. They will easily out-compete the genetically challenged in such a perfect Walleye system and always produce more young to pass along their genetic material. You can't say that in most smaller lakes and closed systems because the fishermen will be able to remove a significant number of those superior fish. It doesn't happen in Erie.

[bob oh]

Jack, I also promote C & R on smallies and probably would on other species on other lakes. But I am not sure I would since the professionals set the limits and they are suppose to know what pressure fish can take and thrive ????

rod bender bob

[Raybob]

>Gee Steve, You're usually more "Politically Correct" than
>this but I agree completely with what you are saying as long
>as it just pertains to Erie.
>
>If a Lake Erie fish reaches 18"'s it has already overcome
>tremendous odds and has probably already added it's fry to the
>stock at least 1 time. It's fair game after that in my book
>and I think the new regulations reflect that.
>
>These bipolar discussions sure do help make the winter go by
>don't they and where is Bob(Oh) anyway?!

-Heheh ... "and where is Bob(Oh) anyway?!" :)

I posted a Gallery photo of Erie W-Eyes in da Box & I don't even care to eat fish...I had planned on a fun C & R trip to Erie with my friend Bob B. When I mentioned this to Capt Bob C, he said that he could use a few, as it was his last trip for the year & his families freezers were on empty!!! :)

Hang a Hog ~ Not a Smelt!!!

[bob oh]

I thought the bucket comment was a friendly jab :-) (and I took the bait - darn it). That's the reason I didn't make any reference to your preference for beaver trolling :-)

rod bender bob

[Raybob]

[b]

>I thought the bucket comment was a friendly jab :-) (and I
>took the bait - darn it). That's the reason I didn't make any
>reference to your preference for beaver trolling :-)
>
>rod bender bob


.. eek! ~ What is Steve's "Hot" Beaver trolling program?? :+

[Doc_wi]

>>But I to was as shocked as anybody could be when I learned the smaller females were the main reproducers on Erie. And I'm thinking this phenomina happens in very few other places but Erie. But I might even be wrong about that.<<

The smaller mature female walleyes will be the most prolific spawners in many if not most systems Capt Dan. Here on the Wolf River, for instance, it's these fish that produce viable spawns when water conditions are not prime. The older fish need marshes full of water and good conditions in order to spawn but the smaller females in their first couple years of maturity will try to spawn and be successful in conditions far from perfect. This right from Kendall Kampke fisheries biologist for the Winnebago system. We saw this recently when in a low water year with lots of just mature fish around we had a surprisingly large hatch of fish. While many of the bigger females were just dumping their eggs in the river the smaller females were finding small areas and shallow marshes to spawn in. It's the younger fish that are always more aggressive.

Keep what you will eat and practice "educated" selective harvest. If you're not sure what to keep in order to practice selective harvest, call the DNR and ask.

[Marble Eyes]

Obviously, Freebyrd has no understanding of why Michigan, Ont., and Ohio have changed their regulations and season openers for this year.

I believe it was Teddy Roosevelt who once said, "any sportsman who is not also a conservationalist, is nothing more than a fool!".

There is another famous saying, I can't remember who first said it, but it was something like this,...."meat hog!".

Have a good day!

Jack Dunn


------------------------

You need to talk to the folks on the western slops of the Rockies about Teddy and his hunting parties. Legend has it he, his hunting partenrs and their Dogs killed a dozen Lions on one hunt.

Yeah Teddy created a great park system, but he did his share of killing too. I have seen many more pictures of Teddy with a dead animal in the picture than just pictures of him alone. :)

[ETT]

I think one basic aspect of the program is a great looking high priced rig. Another would be the absence of a wife, or major significant other. I better quite and let Steve cover the finer points.
LOL ...thank goodness there are some to handle those pesky split tail snappers. I'd hate to have to beat my way through them, to get an opportunity to fish.

Keep up the good work Steve.

[Erie Fisherman]

I live close to Erie but only fish it 4-6 times a year since I prefer the inland lakes. But when I go, I usually keep my fish, bigger the better.

Why? Because I rarely keep inland lake walleyes, the larger ones provide more meat with less cleaning (I think they taste great), and I doubt my 20-30 harvested walleyes from Erie each year will devastate the population.

I am no expert in walleye conservation, that is why I leave it up to the experts. The DNR establishes the regulations so whether it is a bag limit, size limit, or slot limit, I abide by them. By the way, if Erie is being raped (especially in the 80's), why is it the best walleye fisherie in the world. Our season is open all year, there are no slots, and until this coming year, there was never a size limit. And what is this new size limit meant to protect? Not the pigs!

One last thing, JDLII.......tell me more about these replica mounts. Right after I finished eating an 11# walleye I began wishing I had mounted it. I have a picture and good measurements of it, is that enough. Just kidding Mr. Conservation!

Going back to the original post, I too thought is was funny to see all of the pictures of kept fish after reading things like, " YOU MEATHOG!!!!!!!". How dare anyone keep a fish.

[bob oh]

I think you and I are safe Jim. :-) I know some of Stevies secrets but I'll never tell, never ..... no amount of torture will work -- well maybe $20 and a few Ripsticks !!!

rod bender bob

[Amazing]

Its Amazing how I can post a little post and no one even talks about the original post, but they fight like cats and dogs anyway. I love this stuff. But I particularly like the guy that says millions of fisherman, 16 pics and I spout off... I guess he does not understand the fine art of trolling. Have a great day all, I have to go shovel. Hey Eyez, gettin any snow up nort' der, eh?