Why do you have that 30" fish on your wall?

[Lyle]

Why do you have that 30" fish on your wall?

Not trying to make anyone feel guilty, just wondering what the reasons are?

[Northern Manitoban]

Because it looks good up there.Why should i feel guilty its a replica.Lol.The funs in the catching not the keeping.FISH ON.

[Hawgeye]

I have two and display them proudly. I spend spend and spend for my hobby, I practice CPR for nearly everything I have caught. I contribute to conservation efforts through donations, fishing clubs and involvement. I do not keep any fish over 22" ever anymore unless it is a bonafide trophy. I do not feel guilty and no one will ever make me feel guilty for keeping a trophy. Does that mean that my next fish to be mounted will not be a replica? No. In fact I will likely have a replica made the next trophy I feel I should keep. I have released up to 32" walleyes and in fact the two that are presently mounted were damaged to the point that I felt they would not survive. These fish are not the best reproducers anyway. What is the value of this post? I understand where you are coming from and agree to some point but I don't have a problem for someone who wants to mount a once in a lifetime fish. It is a shame if these fish are kept to butcher though....Just my opinion.

[whatever]

because I can.

[Lyle]

I need to say that I have been using the handle " Lyle" in the past, I, however did not post this question!
As far as hanging your trophy... I have never given it any thought.
I say to each his own.
Brian Price

[Walleyeman]

Lyle, a good idea is to register. That way you don't have to worry about people using your name/handle.

[muskiedaze]

I release 95% of the walleyes I catch, and I do catch a pile of them. I have a 32 inch, 12 lber on the wall, so what. Occasionally I eat one if I feel like it. No appologies to anyone. Walleyes are a prey species, like rabbits. Many guys I know keep every one they catch. I don't like it but I've given up preaching C&R. Massive stocking efforts are your best bet.
John
muskiedaze.com

[Rocketman]

Thanks,
I thought I had, I have registered at too many other places I guess. Now I will be known by "Rocketman"
Brian Price

[srj]

Because my girlfriend wouldn't let me put it on the ceiling. Yuk-yuk. Real reason--after a lengthy attempt at releasing she just wouldn't revive.

[ryan the poor college kid]

Do you take a picture of a big buck, or do YOU shoot it???
just a thought.
also, i am with the guys that throw all walleyes back that are bigger than 22". i guess i set a limit @ 20" but its all the same.

[perchjerker]

Lyle, another tip. When you are done, dont log out. That way when you come back, you dont have to log back in. A lot of people dont know this.

[Fshngyd]

Anyone that spends the time and money to catch Walleye (or any other trophy fish) has the right to put their trophy fish on the wall, it is simply their option. Of course there are options for mounting their fish, the standard skin mount, or reproduction. You should consider each very carefully and decide PRIOR to catching that trophy of a lifetime how you would like to do it, there are many good reasons for a reproduction, the best is you can release that fish back to fight another day, providing it is not too worn out and will not live. Get in touch with a reputable taxidermist and get their opinion, but make sure that they offer both methods, otherwise they may be biased toward the method they provide. Also ask them what they require to do a reproduction mount, pics, length and girth and so on, if you decide to get your next trophy reproduced, then always have the necessary cameras and measuring equipment on hand, so you dont have to drag the fish to a marina for measuring and put additional stress on the fish, and of course this will give the taxidermist an accurate idea of what to reproduce for you, then get the fish back in the water ASAP.

[morriscode]

Just curious Lyle, do you have any on your wall? How big? How old were you? Where did you catch it? With whom did you catch it? All these things add up to a somewhat sentimental value. Some people mount fish to remember the occasion, not to see a trophy. After all what classifies a "trophy"? Length, weight, girth, or just one really good weekend with family and friends.

[Cangl]

We mummify and smoke people for exhibit? I beleive most people would rather see a stuffed fish no joke. I have had great fun with a buddies largest bass that he stole from his wife, he never did learn to hide that fish when I came over though he talked about it, ahhh Wifes fish that's a nice one....:).....

[Toivo]

Because it is one huge smallmouth!

[Lyle]

Been Struggling whether I should take one for the wall. Caught one 29.5 , wondered about keeping it , but because I wasn't quite sure put her back .

Thought I would ask the experts here at WC. Sorry about the controversy it created, wasn't thinking I guess.

[Stump]

Because I became tired of carying it around with me. Hey,it was my first (1 of only 2)that I have ever caught over 10 lbs.It took a lot of time,work and effort to catch this fish.I have many pics of fish I have rleased and am proud to have kept this one.It was gut hooked and I saw no purpose to release it only to die in a day or two for no reason at all.I proudly display it on my wall!!!
STUMP

[ChuckD]

Because it swallowed my big, bad hook into it's big, bad belly and it was definitely harmed. I would rather see it on my wall than find it dead on the shoreline when the ice melted off the lake.

I've released two other fish over 10lbs. and have photos to give me great memories. I usually release about 90% of all my fish. I don't feel guilty keeping one sumo piggie.

[john]

I've released hundreds in the 25" - 29.5" range but still no 30 incher. I'm happy to report all fish have been released but when I do catch the 30" you'll hear the thud of my stick against it's head all the way into Canada.

[Backwater Eddy]

I have 2 over 30" mounted, they were stressed fish or bleeders no CPR for them. I have way more 8 by 10 photo's of exceptional CPR walleye on the wall, they tend to mean much more to me. I do not plan to mount any more if possible. If I have another that will not revive, and is a loss for sure, she will not go to waist just to be a legal CPR fish.

I have a target weight and size in mind before I get a graphite replica made, still trying to hit that mark. If I do hit the target fish she will be back in the water as fast as possible. God willing she will be healthy and able to get back to her own business.

There is nothing wrong with a live mount if that is your choice. I do feel that today with the availability of high quality reproductions you get more bang for your buck if you opt for the CPR & the replica.

Backwater Eddy ~ ~ ~><sUMo> ~ ><>

http://home.talkcity.com/ResortRd/backwtr1/index.html

[Northman]

I have a 31 incher on the wall plus 78 lb King Salmon, 8 foot Sailfish, B&C Whitetail buck, B&C Muley, Caribou, Turkey and others. I have them because they represent a special adventure and time in my travels. NO guilt trip here!

[So]

I look at something I like on the wall and give the wife something to complain about and dust lol :-)

[Kaz]

Because it is important to harvest fish, not only for the eating, but to remember the great time you had and to relive the memory....Thank GOD for the memories.......Kaz

[reddog]

No fish on my wall. Dont know why, just dont do it. I have a 31 inch release at Lac Seul, and a 32 inch release at a small unnamed Minnesota lake. 18 inches of water. Havent regretted it yet.

[curt quesnell]

The two I have on the wall were the first 2 big fish I ever
caught. Caught em both the same morning. That was 20 years ago.

I have pictures of big fish caught since then. I wont mount anymore
of them (a 15 would look pretty good though)but I'm glad I mounted
those two. They were very special fish, It was the first time I
remember fishing for big Walleyes using big Walleye methods and it
worked and the mounts are beautiful.

Curt Quesnell

[narrows in mind]

I also say to each his own! Some of us don't get the chance at many/ any over say 27+" so a mount may be nice. Also I believe 30"+ eyes have already exceeded their life span. I'm no expert but I have talked to DNR. In my lake in N.WI a 24" is at it's end.I do beleive it's the 19-24" that really count.
To you goof's that spend big bucks, fishing trip to Canada for a week and don't even have a single meal of fish- THANKS!!!!Dennis Lyberg

[dan(or)]

The first two were trophies out of the Mississippi and were caught on back to back passes about 15 years ago. They were mounted because I wanted to tell the story and they were real trophies out of the ol' miss.

Two years ago I caught a 33" that would not live, as much as I wanted her to go, she died. I filleted her because she wasn't a trophy out west on the Columbia. My brother gave me a raft of .... about filleting a 33" walleye and told me that if I caught one that size or biger he would mount it for his wall.

Two weeks later a 35.5" eye that died after two hours of intense therapy. Called him and he mounted it and gave it back to me a year later.

I will only mount a state or world record in the future. Last year we released a 16lb 10oz and numerous 10 - 14 pound fish. Like I say--- I'm out in Oregon Land where the walleyes grow bigger and nobody fishes for them!

dan

[Nofish]

Howdy Lyle.

I don't have that 30" walleye on my wall. I have a photo of two, nearly 30 inch eyes, each on it's own plaque. One was a catch and release line class record and one was a bigger fish (personal best)

At the time I had no room for a mount, nor the desire to kill the big females. One actually had to be put back due to a special spring size limit. It wasn't a tough thing for me to do.

One day I may get a replica made of one or both of them, but for now the pictures and the record certificate look dandy on the wall.

Just my humble opinion on why I don't have one on the wall.

Have fun.........R

[Wallygetter]

I chased walleyes for many years trying to break into the 10 lbs. club. I was about to give up and then BANG, two in one night. 331/2 inch and 13lbs3 oz. 30 inches and 12lbs, had them both mounted, seem like the right thing to do at the time, I've caught several more since and released all but one that didn't make it because of a bleeding gill raker. I doubt if I'll have any more mounted, but I'm not sorry or feel guilty about these two, everytime I look at them it brings back memories of one wonderful time in my life.

[THUMPER]

Because its beautiful and I enjoy looking at it. I will take one more if it is close to 12. I release all fish over 20in unless injured.

[Lund Angler/Mark]

I've caught many fish in my life,but the one's I have on my wall are a 6lb citation from PA. and a nice Trout from a private pond. I've let 200 fish go and kept,maybe 20. I eat them,and harvest of the fish we love is important. It is good for the soul.One on the wall is only a way to say;"Look what I've done". Some people have a diploma,some a fish.

[WAeyes]

Which one?

[bigfish1965]

I have a 31x22 inch 15 pounder on my wall. There are two reasons I kept it. First, at the time I was being treated for cancer. I wasn't sure at that time what the outcome would be. ( 3 years cancer free so far!! Yeah me!) Second, it was a long battle and the fish had damaged a gill raker. It's survival was questionable at best. Since , at this stage of their life, while excellent genetic specimens, their reproductive value is quite reduced, I made the decision to keep it. Reproductions were at that time not avaialble in my area. So I kept it as a trophy to remember me by, as the one my grandfather left for me. The two fish are side by side ( his being a 49" musky caught in 1978). I should move mine though...the musky makes it look puny. Both fish caught in a tributary of the Niagara River.

[Atomic Eye]

First, my wife made me put it up on a wall in the garage. But, when I was a young pup, it represented to me the the many occasions and camping trips on northwoods islands in the pursuit of the fish. The fish is symbolic of the pursuit and the outdoors lore, not the final catch! I love the reminiscing!! - A lot.

Where I fish now, natural reproduction is negligible. Hence, the major reasons we release are that others may catch some of them or that the fish may be bigger the next time we meet them.

Atomic Eye (New Mexico) -- "Gone Fission!" ~~~<}}}:>

[GR8WTHUNTER]

Ryan, just had a vission of you throwwing a line on that monster buck, wrestling him in, tying him to a tree, getting a camera to take the pic, slapping his *** to send him on his way, roflmao.

[ANXIOUS]

IT'S FUNNY I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS A KID,MY DAD USED TO BE DISGUSTED WITH ALL THE OUT OF STATERS WHO WOULD COME UP NORTH AND KEEP THE DINKS. IT USED TO JUST BURN HIM UP TO SEE SOMEONE KEEP A 14 INCH WALLEYE.

[CJHughes]

I eat everyone I catch . If I ever catch one over 12pd it will go on the wall right next to my 3 Ohio Big Bucks . I just can't pass up baking them with lots of butter on them.

[BGunn]

.....LOL.....

Wish I could say that !!

The one I got bit me.....when I tried to give him Mouth to Mouth

[curt quesnell]

Dan,

Please let me come out west and fish with you.

Curt Quesnell

[CJW]

Have a 33 and a 29.5 inch soon to be on the wall. If you think my wife would let me throw her 33 back you'd get the same, I'll kill you look I got when I said it! LOL Yea Yea hers was bigger! But honey you said I could never put a fish on the wall. Well it wasn't hers of course. I still don't get credit for putting her end of the boat right over the two left on the sonar, after I caught the 29.5 incher. Oh well at least I get to have one on the wall!! CW

[Chad]

I dont have any, Yet!

The only reason to release a 30"er is so that someone else will get the chance to enjoy the thrill of catching it. Per the DNR these fish are mostly past their prime for spawning. In many areas it is not the amount of spawners but the lake conditions that year that determine success of the hatch.

I let a 29.5 incher go this past year. It was well over 10 close to 11lbs. I've been having nightmares that I wont ever get another one to put on the wall. At the time it never crossed my mind. CPR, catch-photo-release. The down side is the photos didn't turn out like I would have liked. However, it is everyones right to keep a fish and I would never make that judgement for someone. It does make me a little sick to see a whole livewell of them.

[EyeJacker]

I don't want to be accused of telling a Lyle! :)
Jack

[bob oh]

Cause I didn't have any more room in the freezer.

[Eyecrosser]

I only wish that I caught so many 30"+ fish. I have only caught one so far, and I'm proud to have it on my wall. So lets do some math. 1 'eye over 30" over about 10 years of serious walleye fishing = a very strong (not to mention safe) walleye population in my favorite lake. I would not have a problem mounting another 30" if I'm blessed enough to get one. It's the guys that consistantly harvest fish between 21" and 28" that puts a real hurtin' on any given population. I think anyone that is reading this must have enough interest and knowledge about walleye's to realize this. Just one guy's opinion. If anyone catches 30"ers with such regularity that they have to worry about the general population of the lake their on, they need to start taping and filming themselves!!;)

[The Eighwayman]

It serves to give the 50 incher perspective.:)

[Why not?]

Why not?? How many more years do fish of this size have? Either we get them or the turtles and sea gulls do sooner rather than later.

Especially on a lake like Lake Erie. What are the chances of you releasing a 10 lb+ fish and some one else enjoying catching that same fish before it dies of natural causes(old age)?

The guy that catches and releases 400 fish a year hurts the population way more than the guy that keeps a few big fish. This is assuming some of the released fish will die later from injuries and stress. And this is probably the same guy that will complain because somebody kept a 10 lber! In my opinion if you want to keep the population healthy you should not discourage people from keeping trophy fish. You should discourage the fisherman that go out every day and catch hundreds each season even if they are releasing a majority them!

[collie]

I've got one 30" I put on the wall, I caught it at Horsetooth years ago. I debated doing it but it was the biggest walleye to that point in my life. Since then I have released a bunch of fish bigger then the one on the wall from a host of other lakes. It stands as a reminder to me how good Horsetooth use to be, it is now way down for dam repairs and had suffered a server smelt crash prior to that, skinny sad looking fish, that said, thats why.