David Anderson
06-10-2002, 10:45 PM
The Sunday edition of the Minneapolis Tribune had an interesting stat that I think deserves a second look. Total non band Mille Lacs harvest to date, approximately 57,000 lbs. Total estimated hook mortality to date, approximately 65,000 lbs. One can only assume that the fishing is going to stay hot, and hook mortality will rise as the water temps and the migration to deep water intensifies. Went out on Friday and caught 45 walleyes. DNR estimates 7% mortality on the larger fish, 10 % on the smaller fish. Had a blast, keep 3 and enjoyed a meal Saturday night. According to the DNR I returned approximately 4 dead fish back to the lake. I caught 100% lipped hooked using jigs, circle hooks on leeches, and true turn hooks on crawler rigs. Doesn't matter. I threw back 4 "dead" fish accountable towards the non band harvest allotment. Based on current catch rates, we will exceed the safe harvest agreement on hook mortality assumptions alone. Like a previous post, enjoy it while you can.................I am.