What is the maximum you would pay (in state cost) for your annual fishing privilege to try to guarantee continued good walleye fishing in your state?

[Atomic Eye]

[tbomn]

I live on a lake that is on the Minnesota/Ontario border and fish both sides...Ontario non-res license last year was $53.00 US(this for both my wife and I--combination). I guess by choice I could fish only the south side of the lake.......NAH!!!

[Atomic Eye]

I forgot to suggest, "How much do you pay for one nice dinner with your wife?" Is one great season of walleye fishing with her worth the same cost as your season license? How about having a special WE tag like some of our states do for trout? Thanks, guys.

This one is going to be interesting. I'm going to send the results of this poll to the New Mexico Game & Fish Department. You might consider doing the same to give your DNR-equivalent some idea that WE fishing is a priority in your state?

Oh yeah!! Let's take it up a notch! If anyone wants me to post a walleye tempura recipe, please let me know. Incred-edible!!!

Atomic Eye

[tbomn]

OK, she won't go for the $2.99 real meat deal.....she does like the 5 course thing....and that is around $100. So slap me on the neck and call me Betty.......}>

[Atomic Eye]

Hey,

I'm a former Wisconsin Badger. What's, " Slap me on the neck and call me Betsy mean?" Thanks & try to stay warm in MN.

Atomic Eye -- "Gone Fission!" or is that "Fish-on?"

[Jersey John]

We pay $72.00 for an all around sportsman license here in NJ. That includes general fishing, bow and shotgun hunting licenses. If you want to fish for trout that cost is another 15.00, if you want deer permits thats another 28.00 each. Muzzloader permit is 28.00. I pay around $ 175.00 each year to hunt and fish NJ. I do not waterfowl hunt as that is another cost also. Hunting is a big bussiness here in NJ as in many other states. During a course of a year I also buy NY hunting and fishing licenses-$ 135.00, PA hunting license-$ 105.00, Maine hunting license-$ 81.00, and usually 1 other states fishing license where I decide to take a vacation with the family- $ 30.00. With this years trip to Alberta for a combo hunt I will spend close to $ 1000.00 in licenses this year. I just love to be outdoors hunting and fishing, it's the best. Now that the boy is 16 he to will need licenses in every state. Just my thoughts on money well spent yearly. JJ

[curt quesnell]

Fishing licenses are cheap for what you get. I guess I would pay
whatever I needed to pay to fish.

I only hope that the good service we get for the money in Minnesota continues.

curt quesnell

[Dutchman]

IMHO, the license is the cheapest part of the angling experience. I spend more on gas per trip than what my annual license cost...



" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "

[sib]

You're right Curt. I fished and loved the sport long before I had: electronics, a boat, more rods than my wife would like, ice shanty, planers, I better stop now before this list takes up a couple pages.

There are only 3 things you need to fish in Michigan, a valid fishing license, a hook, and some line. Everything else helps, but isn't necessary... but boy, do they help.

When I divide the price of my license by the number of times I fish per year, I think the license my be the cheapest thing in the boat/shanty.

I'm addicted, I really don't have a choice. I'd go without something else to pay for my license if I was strapped for cash. Fishing is inexpensive compared to waterfowling, as far as licenses go.

[mossboss]

I would not be apposed to the higher fees if the DNR applied the money evenly through out the state. I live in Minnesota and the DNR seems to think that the state is cut in half. The northern part of the state gets all the attention and we along the southern half are to fend for yourself.

[Cangl]

Good old money, the last and ultimate bandage? Like a pool just waiting to be "fished" The importance of keeping those that put in to the "pool" involved and on the banks over those that would "poach, steal and politically motivate" is more of a concern to us in Michigan. If every concern were patched with money, your everyday people could not afford to do "anything". Money is the ultimate death of many freedoms, lets not bankrupt this resource and sport with that kind of bandaid!

[River_eye]

I think it means as long as his wife has expensive taste, he'll be working like a horse.

[tbomn]

DOG!!!! That's "like a dog", not a horse. hehehehehehe...Gotta love her...;-)

[Kevin/CO]

I'd pay probably whatever it cost me to fish, the more it costs the less new lures and toys I'd buy, or some sort of trade off I am sure. Now I voted on the lower end just because that's what I pay now for the basic lisense. Of course here in colorado you can pay more to run more lines and I normally do, however as I am sure you asll know more lines doens't mean more of a limit just betters my odds is all. I would probably pay $5-10.00 for my lisense every year if it went to walleye stocking or hatchery development, something to make the fishing better. My $.02.

[Veteran Lobbyist]

Believe me, the amount you pay for a fishing license guarantees nothing. The ONLY guarantee is this: all the money taken in WILL get used up.

[CJW]

I took care of mine. I bought a lifetime license, with a trout stamp. Was $262.00 but worth every penny being that we are having a license increase here this year in Indiana. Bought my wifes for 175.00 she doesn't care about trout. She ever hooks into a steelhead in the St Joeseph river here, it would change her mind in a minute. If you have lifetimes in your state you should consider one!! Craig

[Atomic Eye]

Well, would you be willing to pay something extra, like $25 - 50, for a walleye stamp - i.e., somewhat like a trout stamp?

Atomic Eye -- "Gone Fission"

[Atomic Eye]

I'd like to end this poll, if there are no objections. Nearly 80% seemed to be willing to pay more than their apparent annual fisihng license cost if that could guarantee better WE fishing. Some were willing to pay much higher fees than that because that still was a small percentage of their overall fishing expenditures (I personally agree with this opinion).

Several people were concerned that they might not receive benefits of higher costs for different reasons. A few people expressed the concern that "money was not the answer." If you agree with any of the above, and think it will help improve your walleye fishery, do as I am will. Send a copy of this poll to your Game & Fish Department or Dept. of Natural Resources or DOW (for 303-land).

Thanks for sharing your opinions and feelings in this forum!!

Atomic Eye -- "Gone Fission!" or is that "Fish-on?"