Web site....too much information?

[bigfish1965]

I posted this query to the Pro Q&A but for whatever reason, it never appeared.I will ask all you guys here the same question.
I have a small non-commercial web site. On it I give specific techniques and a specific location to use them. This spot is relatively small but produces alot of HUGE walleye. ( I have caught more than 25 walleye over 12 pounds there).
I usually get an email every week or so from someone who caught their first ten pound walleye and is as happy as can be. Nearly everyone reports they practiced catch and release.
The problem is that lately I have been receiving emails that are suggesting that I stop giving away such specifics. The concern is that the location is too small and may be easily fished out.
The biggest concern is that it is a shore fishing spot and anyone can access it. I say that is the reason I should change nothing. The local Natural Resources office tol me that while they don't have much data on the walleye there ( because no one really fishes it, therefore there is little demand for monitoring).
I believe that if a situation is under-utilised and something goes wrong, there is not enough pressure on the government agencies to intercede. Ergo, the more that a spot is enjoyed, the more VOTERS that the government has to keep happy.
While I certainly don't want to see a repeat of the Bay of Quinte, I was wondering what you all think about all this before I take the site commercial?
Should I maintain the info as is, or should I change it to a technique only info page?

[nosnoots]

Thats a tough one bigfish1965. You dont want the spot to get hammered yet people will probably appreciate your putting them on fish. It would only take a few bad eggs to rewen the spot. Thats the problem that I see.

Rather than give an exact spot, you might consider handing out information that is a little more general in nature. The good fisherman/woman will find em from there. Maybe say something similar to "Try some of the rocky reefs on the south end of Mille Lacs." Or, "Try these techniques on the rivers in Quinton County."

Having said that........WHERE IS THE SPOT!!!!! hehehe - just kidding

Best of luck to you!

nosnoots

[Fishnwiz]

I have to agree with Nosnoots on this one. While it is admirable that you are willing to share this spot with others, Take a good long look at what has happened on the Bay of Quinte as well as the Washington island area of Lake Michigan for giant smallies. Even if the area you spoke of is in a remote area, the people WILL come and fish it, even if it means driving a long way to do so. While everyone who shows up in your hotspot may not catch the class fish your speaking of, I myself do not have enough confidence in people to NOT abuse the resource. This breeds contempt among other good intentioned fisherman who feel that they too might as well just keep one or two or maybe a limit for the wall as long as others are keeping them anyway! Its very hard to believe that a place like you speak of still has remained undiscovered in this day and age and has not been bragged about by others in this type of forum! As much as I would love to know your spot....I will refrain from asking and be happy with the fact that there really are spots like this that are not exploited for money or fame. You are one lucky guy!! Just my opinion! Wiz

[RANGER]

This is a judgement call and a very difficult one but I agree with Fishnwiz and nosnoots, I'd generalize the area, particularily if it is "small". Then let those that trek there figure the rest out. IMHO!

[CJW]

I agree with Ranger and the rest to many meat hunters are out there anymore. They don't appreciate the years it took to produce these fish. If you narrow it down to a very small area one day they'll be gone, because of people who don't care. Like Ranger said give them the lake but let them find the spot. CW

[bigfish1965]

Would it then make a difference if I told you the spot was on Lake Ontario, and that the MNR believes the population to be part of a group distinct form the Bay of Quinte ( and actually no where near the Bay). That is, this is not a small lake, it is a giant lake and the spot is right in the middle of a major urban centre. I give these bits of info at a time to see how the feelings change or do not change as the picture unfolds.

[nosnoots]

bigfish1965, my opinion has not changed. Doesnt matter to me where the fish are(unless they are in your pool and you raised them from fry hehehe!).

nosnoots

[RANGER]

I, too, stay with what I said. The thing here is that you have to decide just how much YOU want to narrow it down. If you said it was, say, Kingston and Kingston has 44 piers you've narrowed it down to "somewhere in Kingston"! If Kingston has 2 piers............then there is a problem!

You gots' to make the call or say nothing at all!

[Fishnwiz]

My opinion still stands!! Being part of a sub school of a population you spoke of makes me think that they are not wide spread and are vulnerable to overharvest by the greedy few that always seem to spoil it for the people who are looking for a few meals and not as a chance to STOCK the freezer for the year and the neighbors too! I would guard that spot with my life knowing full well that this spot will not remain unknown for too much longer and the glory days will be gone for good! P.S. I WOULD travel the 16+ hrs to have a shot at CPRing a few of the dandys you spoke of........AFTER a bunch of pictures!!:} Fishnwiz