One line or two??

[mike frisch]

As a Minnesota resident, it seems like an ongoing debate when it comes to fishing laws is whether or not we should be able to fish two lines on inland waters during the open-water season. Two lines are legal on some border waters and are legal for winter fishing, but not on inland waters during open water. I believe all surrounding states allow two lines. My thought is that if the daily limits do not change, why can't we fish two lines?? What are some other thoughts?


Mike Frisch
Fishing the Midwest fishing team
Elbow Lake, MN

[Skis]

As a fisherman, more than half of my wanting to go fishing if figuring out what the fish want and where. By using 2 lines, it allows more experimentation with baits, cranks, etc.

I don't go fishing hoping to take home my limit every trip. And if they don't change the keepable limit (or lower it a fish, for example), would that change things for the fisheries? I don't think it would either...

I fish in South Dakota primarily, but if Minnesota would switch to 2 lines, I know I'd head to Minnesota more than I currently do.

[dutchboy]

Mike there is a long, long thread about 12 pages back dealing with this subject.

I'm on record for being against 2 lines. Many are for 2 but I don't think it will pass.

Squeaky wheel gets the grease. If you are for it call St. Paul.

[Bob Jensen]

I am in favor of two lines in Minnesota. Not because every state surrounding MN has a multiple line regulation, but because two lines enable an angler to get more baits in the water, and, hopefully, help us figure the fish out quicker. Some presentations don't lend themselves to two lines, but others certainly do.

If two anglers are pulling crankbaits, they could get twice as many baits in the water. They would learn quickly that color, shape, and size can make a difference in their catch.

I like to option of using two lines--You don't have to use them, but you can.

Best Fishes,

Bob Jensen

[ffishman]

I totally agree with being able to use two lines. Ive fished Mn for over 30 years now and have had slow days on the water. Many days I will be dragging a shinner or crawler. It would be nice to liven things up and be able to also cast a lure. I feel that if they keep the law at one line for open water fishing, then they should also limit hard water fishing to one line. What's fair is fair.

[Catcrazy3]

I would like to see two lines passed. I grew up on Big Stone where 2 lines was legal and found it satisfactory to put a bobber out with live bait and the pitch jigs or cast plugs. At least on the slow days you were still doing something. (Although on Big Stone in the 70's, there weren't a lot of slow days.:bigsmile:)

[grandpa bob]

Im in favor of the two line concept. Im tired of DNR treating the average citizen like a game hungry monger. With the slot limits and the decrease of general limits it is a little hard to get a good day in fishing with out feeling like a crimilnal. The one line concept reduces ability to make more then one presentation and with the busy life we lead give us a break.

[Lundexp]

I favor the 2 line concept too. It allows me to put out two different presentations to see what the fish are preferring. There are some times the fishing was so good I could only handle one rod and only used one line, but it is nice to have the option to throw in a second line with a different presentation on a slow day to increase your success.

[eyeballs]

How about a compromise where it would benefit everyone including the fish...

One line out when you're live bait fishing or have any live bait in posession.

Two lines out when you're using artificials.

A concern has to be live bait rigging with an additional deadstick and deep hooking fish. Fishermen staying out and rigging all day may cause an increase in delayed mortality.

[Treeguyus]

I would be for two lines for trolling (using artificials) such as on Lake Superior etc. That would be a step in the right direction then see how that goes. I real;ly don't understand the DNR's beef on the issue.