Poor Sportmenship or just life??

[Jer]

I had an experience happen to me over this past weekend at a lake I have been spending a lot of time at, I am curious what you guys think and if you have had similiar experiences. I fish a small 800 acre lake in Northern MN that typically receives little fishing pressure, however, lately the word has been getting out and more boats are showing up. Anyway!! Last Friday night I took 5 couples out in two boats too one of the hot spots I am aware of for an evening of slip bobbering walleyes, I was thinking of not going there because I did not want to draw attention to the spot, however, I wanted to make sure we caught fish for all the ladies and guys who do not get to fish that much. Against my better judgement I went anyway and I think I am going to pay for my mistake. While we were fishing Friday night we caught many nice walleyes and 4 people in our group caught there biggest walleye ever while we were out. This is our own fault, but a few times after we caught some large fish the ladies started yelling and high fiving bringing attention to ourselves. After a bit another boat started trolling with his electric and started getting closer and closer to our two boats while we were anchored, a few times I bet he was with-in 5-10 yards!!! Anyway, the next night we go out again at the same time only to find this boat on the same spot we were the night before. I realize this is a public lake and it is first come first serve and we probably should have gotten there earlier. However, as we pull into the spot the guy smiles at me and says, " to bad for you guys, I am here tonight you should have been here earlier." I said nothing and slid further down the bar putting some space between our boats and we fished anyway. The part that hurts is that this was the first time this guy has been to this lake, he learned the spot from me and he killed every fish he caught, including two 27 inchers. I know they were 27" because he made sure he told us. This same guy saw us release all or our fish the night before and had no respect for the lake. After he left with his limit of fish all over 22" including a 25" and 2 27inchers I said to him, "Nice job tonight, remember this is a small lake and if you keep everything you catch this good fishing will not last." To which he responded there is no way in #### I am letting any of these fish go!

I realize this is a public lake that has no size limit and he is free to fish where he wants, when he wants and he can keep what he wants. However, I cannot imagine doing what he did and being a smart #### about it. It was all I could do not to give him a piece of my mind. My fear is that he will be on that spot everyday most likey with more boats killing the fish with no respect for the of the lake!!! Am I out of line for my feeling? How would you have responded?

[Jer]

I had an experience happen to me over this past weekend at a lake I have been spending a lot of time at, I am curious what you guys think and if you have had similiar experiences. I fish a small 800 acre lake in Northern MN that typically receives little fishing pressure, however, lately the word has been getting out and more boats are showing up. Anyway!! Last Friday night I took 5 couples out in two boats too one of the hot spots I am aware of for an evening of slip bobbering walleyes, I was thinking of not going there because I did not want to draw attention to the spot, however, I wanted to make sure we caught fish for all the ladies and guys who do not get to fish that much. Against my better judgement I went anyway and I think I am going to pay for my mistake. While we were fishing Friday night we caught many nice walleyes and 4 people in our group caught there biggest walleye ever while we were out. This is our own fault, but a few times after we caught some large fish the ladies started yelling and high fiving bringing attention to ourselves. After a bit another boat started trolling with his electric and started getting closer and closer to our two boats while we were anchored, a few times I bet he was with-in 5-10 yards!!! Anyway, the next night we go out again at the same time only to find this boat on the same spot we were the night before. I realize this is a public lake and it is first come first serve and we probably should have gotten there earlier. However, as we pull into the spot the guy smiles at me and says, " to bad for you guys, I am here tonight you should have been here earlier." I said nothing and slid further down the bar putting some space between our boats and we fished anyway. The part that hurts is that this was the first time this guy has been to this lake, he learned the spot from me and he killed every fish he caught, including two 27 inchers. I know they were 27" because he made sure he told us. This same guy saw us release all or our fish the night before and had no respect for the lake. After he left with his limit of fish all over 22" including a 25" and 2 27inchers I said to him, "Nice job tonight, remember this is a small lake and if you keep everything you catch this good fishing will not last." To which he responded there is no way in #### I am letting any of these fish go!

I realize this is a public lake that has no size limit and he is free to fish where he wants, when he wants and he can keep what he wants. However, I cannot imagine doing what he did and being a smart #### about it. It was all I could do not to give him a piece of my mind. My fear is that he will be on that spot everyday most likey with more boats killing the fish with no respect for the of the lake!!! Am I out of line for my feeling? How would you have responded?

[Ryan Ferch]

That is a good post. The guy seem's to be a jerk if you want to fish the spot also you should go right ahead and dont listen to the idiot. If he keeps keeping all the fish it would be good to ask what are you gonna do with all those fish and see how he responds. If there are more good spots on the lake go there and attract attention there then you can have your spot back. Tell everyone where the fish are biting on the other parts of the lake.

[Ryan Ferch]

That is a good post. The guy seem's to be a jerk if you want to fish the spot also you should go right ahead and dont listen to the idiot. If he keeps keeping all the fish it would be good to ask what are you gonna do with all those fish and see how he responds. If there are more good spots on the lake go there and attract attention there then you can have your spot back. Tell everyone where the fish are biting on the other parts of the lake.

[JAK]

I hate to say it, but yes it is a public lake. He has every right to fish that spot.

In my OWN view ....I think he could have been a little nicer about it and considered the health of the lake rather than just the "meat" he was taking.

On another note, If he was by himself, he was breaking the law! Page 18 of the 2004 MN regulations state onlty 1 walleye over 24" per day.

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/fishing/fishing.pdf

[JAK]

I hate to say it, but yes it is a public lake. He has every right to fish that spot.

In my OWN view ....I think he could have been a little nicer about it and considered the health of the lake rather than just the "meat" he was taking.

On another note, If he was by himself, he was breaking the law! Page 18 of the 2004 MN regulations state onlty 1 walleye over 24" per day.

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/fishing/fishing.pdf

[alanexpup]

Hi. its too late now to correct your mistake.... Its sort of like the criminal talking about his great robbery- not matter how great a spot you have this is proof that you should either keep quiet about it or thoroughly brief your guest that under no circumstances to draw attention to us. these things while we like to show off our finds, they must remain a secret!!!!!!!!!!!!! You saw what the penalty was. you can enjoy the fishing just dont let it be advertised thats all.

[alanexpup]

Hi. its too late now to correct your mistake.... Its sort of like the criminal talking about his great robbery- not matter how great a spot you have this is proof that you should either keep quiet about it or thoroughly brief your guest that under no circumstances to draw attention to us. these things while we like to show off our finds, they must remain a secret!!!!!!!!!!!!! You saw what the penalty was. you can enjoy the fishing just dont let it be advertised thats all.

[Shellback]

You know, bass fisherman promote catch and release, they say if you want an eating fish, take a walleye, and so it goes with each particular species fisherman. Limit are set and if no one violates the laws, I really don't think you can hold a grude against the fellow. You acknowledge you knew the risks of taking friends there and with the hooting and hollering, you sealed your own fate. Hopefully if you leave him alone, he will eventually wander away. Bust his chops and he'll liable to bring the neighborhood. Yea, what happened sux, but it's too late to close the barn door now, the horses are out already.

[Shellback]

You know, bass fisherman promote catch and release, they say if you want an eating fish, take a walleye, and so it goes with each particular species fisherman. Limit are set and if no one violates the laws, I really don't think you can hold a grude against the fellow. You acknowledge you knew the risks of taking friends there and with the hooting and hollering, you sealed your own fate. Hopefully if you leave him alone, he will eventually wander away. Bust his chops and he'll liable to bring the neighborhood. Yea, what happened sux, but it's too late to close the barn door now, the horses are out already.

[Jer]

JAK, I forgot it is only one over 24" in MN, the next time I see him with 2 27" I will be making a TIP call.

Thanks to the rest of you for your feedback. I agree, it is my fault for bringing attention to the spot. I think the only reason I am mad is the way he acted. I have always thought there are no secret spots anyway, someone else always knows as well.

[Jer]

JAK, I forgot it is only one over 24" in MN, the next time I see him with 2 27" I will be making a TIP call.

Thanks to the rest of you for your feedback. I agree, it is my fault for bringing attention to the spot. I think the only reason I am mad is the way he acted. I have always thought there are no secret spots anyway, someone else always knows as well.

[Reels]

Wow, I feel for you. Life sometimes sucks and is not fair. If he is breaking the law though, call him on it.

It sounds like you kept a cool head and are trying to think it out. If everyone did that, the world would be a better place.


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[Reels]

Wow, I feel for you. Life sometimes sucks and is not fair. If he is breaking the law though, call him on it.

It sounds like you kept a cool head and are trying to think it out. If everyone did that, the world would be a better place.


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[vetspet.ind]

the only thing i could think of is there are possession limits which he may be exceeding...i believe they are only allowed two limits of walleye per current licensee in the home...you may inquire with the local mounty....altho i have exceeded my possession limits on numerous occassions....never my daily limit...and suspect many of us have freezers with more fish than we are legally allowed to own...steve

[vetspet.ind]

the only thing i could think of is there are possession limits which he may be exceeding...i believe they are only allowed two limits of walleye per current licensee in the home...you may inquire with the local mounty....altho i have exceeded my possession limits on numerous occassions....never my daily limit...and suspect many of us have freezers with more fish than we are legally allowed to own...steve

[The Law]

Sounds to me like you yourself are not real familiar with the laws. Possibly keeping to many big fish yourself?

Nothing worse than a hippocrite.

Live and Learn pal.

[The Law]

Sounds to me like you yourself are not real familiar with the laws. Possibly keeping to many big fish yourself?

Nothing worse than a hippocrite.

Live and Learn pal.

[Rufus]

I'll wager this guy despises "tournament fisherman"!

[Rufus]

I'll wager this guy despises "tournament fisherman"!

[CI_Guy]

In Mn. the daily limit and possession limit are the same.
Pat K

[CI_Guy]

In Mn. the daily limit and possession limit are the same.
Pat K

[Chuck_MN]

Poor sportsman all the way.

If you live near the lake, get his license # off his vehicle and report him. You saw he had those big fish, that's all that matters. I hate meat hogs like that and I've reported to my local CO a couple times on stuff like this.

Have the warden check the launch when he's quitting for the day.

[Chuck_MN]

Poor sportsman all the way.

If you live near the lake, get his license # off his vehicle and report him. You saw he had those big fish, that's all that matters. I hate meat hogs like that and I've reported to my local CO a couple times on stuff like this.

Have the warden check the launch when he's quitting for the day.

[Richoc]

Get boat numbers and call it in, you and your witnesses is all it will take.
If the find the fish in the frezzer they can tell how big.
It is most likly this meat hog will be back till there are no more fish to keep.
Keeping that many over the size limit is out of hand.
This is not the only place this guy has done this at.

Call your Warden now and get his ideas on it.

[Richoc]

Get boat numbers and call it in, you and your witnesses is all it will take.
If the find the fish in the frezzer they can tell how big.
It is most likly this meat hog will be back till there are no more fish to keep.
Keeping that many over the size limit is out of hand.
This is not the only place this guy has done this at.

Call your Warden now and get his ideas on it.

[pcb]

I think you got mad because he's fishing "your" spot. Public is public as you've mentioned. If he's legal in taking his limits and size, you shouldn't have any problem with him on that. The DNR puts limits on the lakes and rivers so that the resource can be for everyone. I would bet that you've probably took a couple over the size limit yourself since you don't have a clue on that part.

[pcb]

I think you got mad because he's fishing "your" spot. Public is public as you've mentioned. If he's legal in taking his limits and size, you shouldn't have any problem with him on that. The DNR puts limits on the lakes and rivers so that the resource can be for everyone. I would bet that you've probably took a couple over the size limit yourself since you don't have a clue on that part.

[Morons]

Turn him in! Turn him in!! Turn everyone in!! Whhaa, waaa, waaa.

Grow up!

Sound like a bunch of preschoolers.

Big John.

[Morons]

Turn him in! Turn him in!! Turn everyone in!! Whhaa, waaa, waaa.

Grow up!

Sound like a bunch of preschoolers.

Big John.

[Unbelievable]

This board will always amaze me.

[Unbelievable]

This board will always amaze me.

[wiredog]

Hey i know that guy!!! his name is BIG JOHN. wiredog

[wiredog]

Hey i know that guy!!! his name is BIG JOHN. wiredog