locked threads

[fishgraf]

im sorry to disagree with you on this 1 jim but it didnt seem to personal and there was not really any bashing so to speak. if he didnt want to be in the public eye he wouldnt be pushing his lures. that is how comercialism works. if you want to put yourself out there EXPECT IT. he should hear it just as you should for locking the thread. remember, HE is a business man and fishing is his business just as moderator is yours. when you mess up you expect to hear it ad so should he when he messes up. i put sunroofs in new cars, if i mess up a customers car i hear it!!!

[Jim McCullough]

Chuck,

I just saw this as the site was down for a while last night. I have been up since around 3:30am chasing Monsters out of my toddlers room, so I will reply to you later today. I do agree with some of what you said. I also just sent RoyC about a 30 page email about this very subject, so I'm sure I will have a long winded reply for you later today...:)

[Marc Thorpe]

Chuck,spoke with Jim about this yesterday.
What he said made alot of sense.
I know Gail,speak with him and his wife every winter.
He is a very nice man Chuck.He rellies on the income from his bait manifacturing.
His biggest clientel are not muskie fisherman.
Condoning or boycotting his baits may not be the way of reason.
Those who know him and his wife will also attest to his good nature.
Although,I may not agree with the practice,it is his choice and legal right.I do agree with Jim M,ruinning his livelyhood or person is not needed.Setting the example is much better.

I do wish more release was being done in the area.Which just goes to serve the need of an organization Such as MCI in the area to preach and practice effective release.Other positive influences are the collective efforts angler can assist with ongoing research
by Dr John Farrell.
This once giant fish fishery is bouncing back and I hope its sustains itself through practical release methods.
Many folks from the region and other regions,myself Jim Willis,John Sheardt,Dan Spencer,Hal McCarney,town of Ganonoque included are collectivly getting together to help establish a common release practice in some ways reflective of other areas.This thinking may not be popular but its the best resource oriented thinking established.
Total release by guides should be the norm in my opinion.
Big fish are the bread and butter of all promos.
Setting an example is the best approach.
Guides like Dan Spencer addear to this thinking and in time it may be an adopted philosophy.We must collectely set presedence.

Spent many days fishing Gan and Kingston,Howe island,Wolfe Island,as a kid on vacation with my parents.
I will venture back this fall in October with friends from the region and others.Hopefully connect with one of them spotted beauties.
Chuck,you and Andy have some plans,I suggest and highly recommend Spencers cottages or Provincial inn in Ganonoque.
Dan Spencer is a higly reputable guide on this portion of the Larry and release oriented person.You guys should consider fishing with him and possibly lodging at his daughter's cottages.Prices are good and the people are of great nature.
If your not part of the solution,your part of the problem.

marc

[RoyC]

I also disagreed with locking that thread, but for different reasons. At first I thought the thread was a cheap endorsement for his lures, although I doubt that Radtke was behind it. But when it turned against Radtke, I thought that it still might actually be good for him. If people look at his web site, and their reaction is "hey, this guy doesn't believe in CPR", rather than "these are great lures for catching big muskies", then Radtke needs to know this, and make his CPR decisions accordingly. I am sure that he is a nice guy (I can tell by his smile on the web site!), and someone who knows him should contact him, tell him about this thread, and ask him to give his side of the story if he wishes.

My personal opinion on this matter is that there are lots of great lures for sale, far more than I can afford to buy or have time to throw. I am not at all for boycotting Radtke's products, but when I make a lure purchasing decision, things like this can have an impact.

Roy

[Marc Thorpe]

Roy ,how do you aproach such a person?
I speak regularly over the winter with him but have never spoken about the release beleif.I think sometimes we must look beyond the action of people and look at the root of it all.

Example is by far the best way,at least with folks of older generation than I.Thats my perception.
Fact is he may have released many that we know nothing of.
Definatly a release orientated mind set must be formed in the region but it takes time and cool,calm collective efforts shown by example.
In reality,we are all white sheeps!

Being of the famous 7,
Ottawa,Lac Seul,LOTW,Wabiggon,Georgian Bay,Eagle and yes
the Famous St Lawrence River.
Adopting a resource conservationist minded thinking is of great importance.

Interesting side note on this fish,
58 1/2 * 26 1/2 = 52 pounds!
58 * 28 might be 55 pounds.
Now you see where the actual world record lies!
Some negatives about kept fish but some positives about kept fish also.
Lets us all know how much certain size generaly weigh. ;)
When you a see a few,you'll understand.
Our eyes are bigger than they may actually weigh.
marc

[RoyC]

How do you approach him? If I knew him, I would call or e-mail him and say "Hey Gale, some guys on Muskie Central are discussing your latest big catch and are disappointed that you didn't release it. You may be losing potential business over this so you might want to take a look and respond".

I have no interest in personally trying to change his or anyone's view on CPR. That is there individual decision. But if that person is someone with whom I might do business (lure manufacturer or guide), then his views might affect my purchase decisions. From my personal point-of-view, I prefer not to do business with people who don't support "reasonable" CPR. On the other hand, I would not hire a guide or stay at a resort that does not allow any fish to be kept either. CPR is my decision, and if I get the next world record, I am keeping it!

To me, this is what these boards are all about. Discussing issues and getting input from all points-of-view. I enjoy hearing all sides. Beats the heck out of bad mouthing someone at the bar! Perhaps if I heard Gale's side, I might realize that his views on CPR are not much different than mine. However, his web site doesn't give me that feeling.

Roy

[fishgraf]

i realize it is his right to do what is legal. i have no problem with that. i cannot even talk about doing things that are morally wrong because i like doing some immoral things myself. what i am wondering is why we cannot talk about it. marc, i dont care if you like him or not or even if he is the Pope, it doesnt mean we should not make obvious observations. i just saw another post on here about a lodge that is anti-muskie and the name of the lodge is in the post. now jim, are you going to lock that post? it is someones business.

[Musk Rat]

Jim nothing illegal his lures are illegal in both N.Y. and Canada I don`t care how much everybody loves this guy his plugs are illegal. The pictures clearly show four trebbles and I could get his fish disqualified just like that not to mention a fine. whatcha got to say about dat. If I want to give to charity I will. His lures are off my list. Andy Moraller

[JimG]

Andy:

You are incorrect, at least about his lure being illegal in Canada, can't say about NY. In Canada (Ontario), on lures a treble counts as one hook, and four are allowed on LURES. However, on live bait, a treble counts as three there (go figure), that is why when two-treble quick-set rigs are used with suckers in Ontario, one hook of each treble must be removed (or use one treble and one single). Whew!

Anyone know the law/rule for NY?

JimG

[Musk Rat]

Sorry but it definately is illegal in N.Y. and maybe Quebec don`t know also know they are illegal in N.J. Whatever thats not the point realy. If guys are releasing them and the hooks are on the small side it probably dosen`t matter much. In my mind there is no excuse for killing all those big fish once in a while if one dosn`t make it hey shyt happens but the crack um on the head if there over 40# mentality is just wastful in my mind especialy knowing what happend in the past.

[Who Cares]

I can't believe your blasting a guy for keeping a 50lb fish. yeah I know catch and release is important buts thats a fish of a life time. when I read crap like this I can only think of one word! PETA

[musky dude]

I went back a couple pages and couldn't find the original thread anywhere. Has it been locked or completely removed? I can understand the whole thing about no free advertising, but why do you have to remove a thread when things start heating up? I don't post on this board alot, but I get on almost every night to look around. It seems like everytime something interesting comes up the thread gets removed. I get on this board to hear everybodys opinion on things, not what one person wants me to hear.

[Jim McCullough]

Chuck, Andy, and Roy,

I can agree with pretty much all of your arguments. What I disagree with you about, is how to go about it. I have to start this post the way I usually do when I get into the C&R thing. I have never kept a Muskie. I most likely never will either. The only time I could see keeping it, would be if it was a state or world record. I'm sure I won't have to deal with that though. I also haven't ever had any contact with Gale or bought any of his lures. Having said all of that, here are my thoughts.

I believe whole heartedly in the benefits of C&R. I also believe that the Muskie fishery, with few exceptions, is better than it has ever been. A whole new generation of C&R enthusiasts has been fostered, and a lot of the old timers have changed their ways. The old timers who haven't changed their ways, will be dying soon. Their way of fishing will die with them. Do I agree with what Gale is doing? No I don't. Do I think that he is going to change? Probably not. He no doubt has heard about C&R by this point. He may very well be practicing it, but obviously isn't 100% C&R. From what I have heard, the man is in his 70's. Realistically, he doesn't have very many years left to fish. He is by all accounts, a very nice gentleman. He isn't breaking any laws as far as size limits for keeping a fish are concerned. Should we try and ruin his reputation, business, and source of income by starting a boycott of his business? If the guy is 30 years old and has a lifetime to affect the fishery, and is thumbing his nose at people as he clubs every fish he catches, that is one thing. I don't think Gale falls into that category. Trial by Internet is an ugly thing. The guy is 70 something, with very little time left to fish. Why ruin the rest of his life over a few fish?

[Jim McCullough]

Musky Dude,

The thread is locked, which means it is there for everyone to view. Scroll down and you will find it. It may be on the second page by now, but it is still there.

A couple other things I wanted to address. First off, I think you guys owe it to him to let him know this is here. He doesn't frequent this site, and he should have the opportunity to defend himself. Have any of you ever bothered to call him or send him a letter to let him know how you feel? If not, why? Why not take the time to see how he feels, take the time to hear what he has to say about it, BEFORE you come on a public forum and blast him?

Chuck, you asked about the other thread. No I won't be deleting it. I see a big difference between the locked thread and this one. This is a Muskie website after all. If some resort or group of people are trying to spread misinformation about Muskies or are trying to destroy the sport, then I have no problem with it being aired here. If they need someone to defend them, let them go to the Walleye boards and plead their case. Gale isn't doing that. He may be impacting a particular fishery in an arguably small way, but he is a Muskie fisherman and a part of this sport.

Andy, you asked what I think about "dat"? I think if Gale is breaking the law to catch his fish, then he should be nailed to the wall. I also think that you should be calling a conservation officer with your concerns rather than coming here and saying- "See what I could do if I wanted to?"

[Musk Rat]

JIM i don`t have any desire to get some old dude in trouble over an extra hook. The point is it`s not quite leagal To the guy who said I`m peta becuase Gale Killed a 50# I met him and he showed me close to 100 dead ones many 25# granted many photos were old but these fish can live 20years so the ones he killed 10 years ago are missing from the system now. Not all 40# on the wall plenty for the garden.

[RoyC]

Jim,

I go along with Chuck about the "Bad Resort" thread being deleted. That thread is purely based on the accusations of only one person, who may be a registered user, but is anonymous in that he doesn't use his full name on the board. I am not saying by any means that he made up this story, but for all any of us know he could be lying to get back at the resort owner for messing with his wife or something.

On the other hand, almost all of the posts in the Radtke discussion (St. Lawrence Spotted Girl and this one), are based on information from Radtke's own web site with the link given in the original post. So this discussion has little to do with unconfirmed facts or rumors--it is based on information given by Radtke himself.

I am still interested in hearing his views on this issue, so I e-mailed him at the address given on his web site and asked him to visit here and possibly respond. Let's see what happens!

I think that "Trial by Internet" is great, as long as it is based on facts, and especially if we can get all parties involved.

Roy

[Ramses scribe]

Jim McCullough,

Quote:
"The old timers who haven't changed their ways, will be dying soon. Their way of fishing will die with them."

Hey!..... Thanks a lot Jim! That's a ##### of a pleasant thought to start my day!

Gotta go now - I'm calling my attorney to review the provisions of my will.

Tom "old timer" Filipowicz

[RoyC]

I just got an e-mail back from Gale with "his side" of the story. In a nutshell, he said that he a is big believer in CPR, but that this last fish couldn't be revived. He also discussed some other related issues. I asked him to respond publicly on the board so let's see what happens. Based on what he said in his e-mail, I am now back on the "buyers" list for his lures. I hope that he takes the time to discuss this publicly with him. I don't wish to share the entire contents of his e-mail without his permission. He sounds like a "stand-up" muskie fisher, and now I surely don't consider him to be a dinosaur or relic in our industry.

Roy

[Jim McCullough]

Andy,

You have no desire to get Gale in trouble, but you will come on a public message board and accuse him of catching his fish illegally? That makes absolutely no sense to me. What are you trying to accomplish then?

Roy,

Thank you for taking the time to contact Gale. He posted a reply here and that was what I was after.

[RoyC]

For those looking for his reply, it is "CPR of Big Fish"

[backoffjack]

I don't understand the personal attack's on Mr. Radke. If someone want's to keep a few muskie's, that's his personal decision. You guys cry and whine like little kids -- "I'm not going to use his lure's any more" or "I just threw his lures in the trash". He's promoting his business with the pictures of a few fish -- big deal! Those of you that are so concerned about the resource should stop fishing altogether for muskies -- so that the resource is surely protected. Wouldn't want to hurt a musky now, would we?

[Jim McCullough]

Here is the original thread for those who missed it-
http://www.walleyecentral.com/cgi-bin/dcf/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=2338&forum=DCForumID7

[Jim McCullough]

...and here is Gale's response-
http://www.walleyecentral.com/dcf/DCForumID7/2353.html

[Musk Rat]

Jim I made a point on a message board I didn`t call the cops. Gale himself said his lures weren`t legal everywhere N.Y. is one of those staes and I really couldn`t give too hoots about the hooks. If he states he is pro C+R thats great and I don`t dought he has done good things for muskie fishing. However his photo collection dosen`t reflect that I have seen his booth no less than 10 times. The average Joe who visits his booth gets the idea thats all big mukies are to be mounted. When people ask about the fish he is quick to point out how big and what lure but I never heard a word about catch and release. Like I said I don`t have a problem with anyone making a living selling lures I know he didn`t rent a booth to preach C+R but the booth seems to promote just the opposite. Maybe if he used photos of the big fish that were released on his lures plenty I`m sure and wrote released on the pictures It would send a better message I think. As a muskie fisherman I felt quezzie looking at all those dead fish Any of you guy`s see his booth before you called me a basher with his facts mixed up I may be a jerk for calling attention to it but I know what I saw and it was a lot more than one big dead one caught on lite line in the summer. I will say this though the guys one heck of a fisherman and a least he dosn`t lie about the size I will give him that. Andy Moraller

[fishgraf]

well i am glad to hear he had a good reason to keep that fish. once in a while they just cant make it. HOWEVER muskrat is right about his booth and photo albums. good job roy for finding out the scoop. ohyeah. hey BACKOFJACK, dont talk so loud if you are hiding.

chuck graf

[backoffjack]

By the way, it's backoffjack. Most of my louder comments were removed from this board very quickly. Good thing. I'm sure I couldnt' win a battle with all the people who don't believe in harvesting a few for the wall. I'd say most in this position (non-harvest) are jealous anyway. Anyway, I see you are a guest user -- any particular reason? I understand and appreciate the reasons for C&R, but I don't understand or appreciate numbskulls who badmouth a guy who has probably done more for the sport than they ever will -- think about(If you can). Sorry for the outburst, I understand everyone has an opinion, but like everyone else I think I'm correct in my stance!

PA Angler

[Cast and blast]

I'm not too sure if anyone on this board has noticed, but it is sh!t like this that is keeping a lot of former contributors off of this particular board. I used to have fun on this board. Not so much anymore. Cast-n-blast