Beware Nebraska fisherman!!!

[Appleseed]

Just thought I would relay a story to all you fisherman. Had the wonderful opportunity to fish in KANSAS at Kirwin the other day with a couple of buddies. After a fun day of fishing, we come back to find our tires were slashed.(I will leave out the saga of getting new tires and all.) Afterwards, we hear that the Kansas fisherman are tired of Nebraskans coming down to enjoy their lakes, as we were not the only Nebraskans that got their tires slashed. I have fished alot of places out of state, and have never been treated this way. Yea there are a bunch of us that go to Kansas, but take it as a compliment. You have great lakes to fish, and you should be proud of that. Yes I will go back to Kirwin, and yes I will fish Kirwin again. Plus my new tires ride great!

[The Eyes_Have it]

I apologize for the ##### holes in our state. I do alot of fishing in Mo. and I feel like I'm helping their economy with the dollars I spend on food, gas, Fishing license's, tackle......well you get the picture. I fish the central part of Kansas, but I assure you if me and my buddies saw someone slashing your tires we would put them in the hospital.

[EricCO]

Had my license plate stolen at Big Mac cuz I'm from Colorado.

Wishin' for rain in the 303.

[Brushpile]

Take all the Money that Nebraska fishermen have spent in Kerwin over the last 10 years and there wouldn't have much left. They might even have to take the dumpster out of the town square.

[Tom]

sad very sad, its a shame what some people will stoop to,






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[tjsker]

Hatred against Nebraska fisherman? No, I think it's just an excuse for evil people to perform their evil acts.

BTW - This Nebraskan plans on fishing, camping and spending my money down in the great state of Kansas this weekend. Nothing is going to get me down.

[Dave S]

Appleseed, Join the club, Sounds like some kids with some extra time on their hands. It can happen at any lake. Was in the SD Blackhills boating a few years ago and upon returning to get the boat trailer discovered 2 new boat trailer tires, new boat trailer spare, and 4 van tires slashed by a pocket knife in the tire sidewalls. Had to leave the boat in the water and spent the next day taking off and replacing tires in Rapid City. Such are the joys of leaving your vehicle in a public marina. A fellow Nebraskan.

[Smokey]

I have heard reports of tires being slashed in South Dakota on Minnesota vehicles. South Dakota tires in Nebraska. Nebraska tires in Kansas. Colorado tires in Nebraska.

It is just someone cheap thrill at the fisherman's expense. We all work for the boats and trucks that we have and try to maintain so that we can visit various lakes in search of fishing. Why idiots have to destroy and vandalize other people's property is still an amazing thing to me. I do not think that it is the fishermen or fisherwomen that are doing the vandalizing as they know how much it costs in time and money to repair/replace vandalized items.

There have got to be individuals all over that need an attitude adjustment. There was an 8 year old boy from Iowa run over by an Ogallala resident this weekend at Big Mac. Sad situation for the young boy's family as well as the young man who will send the next number of years in confinement due to stupidity and alcohol.

I hope that someday, well, I hope that I don't have to face the day that I catch someone vandalizing either my vehicle or another vehicle as my level of tolerance is very low and I will do my best to see that the full effect of the law is levied.

Sorry for the longwinded discussion. Just a Native Nebraskan who moved to Colorado for work and has lived in a lot of different places and don't want to see the ability to fish different states waters curtailed.

Take care and good fishing.

Smokey

[eycatcher_1]

Go north to South Dakota instead! We'll take your money!!!!! And we'll leave your tires alone!! Have fun and sorry to hear that there are still jerks in the world.

[Shellback]

I'm a PA resident who boats and fishes in NY state. I have to say that I'm truly amazed at the reports I read on Walleye Central about the theft and vandalism of boats and equipment in the midwest. In upstate NY where I go it's almost unheard of, vandalism and theft. I just put my boat in a new marina this year and was asking the owner, his second year of operation, if he ever had any problems with theft. His comment was no, and he was a little amazed himself because alot of the boat owners left there equipment out on the boat. The boat next to me, a Penn Yan Outrage, sat there all weekend, with 4 Cannon electric downriggers and his GPS sonar unit sitting out in the open cockpit. Many other boats were left the same way. Maybe it's because there isn't alot of boat or people traffic compared to the midwest. Upstate NY is nothing like the city! The Finger Lakes region is tops!

[Quik-Net]

First of all I do not approve of damaging someone's equipment and would turn someone in if I caught them in the act. I would like to express my views as A Kansan. I have fished all the north central Kansas lakes ( Webster , Kriwin , Glen Elder , Lovewell , Milford) for 25 years plus and things just get worse with the anglers coming in from Nebraska . Having to wait in line to unload and seeing nothing but Neb. Tags ahead of you and in the parking lot is frustrating . There are a few from Nebraska that will tell us Kansans thanks but as a whole Most Nebraskans are here to gourge on a resource that their State does not provide them . When a local is out on the lake they are preyed upon by Big Red anglers that do not know the lake and will do anything to take home a limit +++ of Walleye. They are very vocal looking for any info that they can get. What color,how deep, how fast, how slow , what bait and on and on and then proceed to crowd you out of your spot that you have taken years to locate and figure out You Nebraskans leave your trash etc strewn across our parking lots , I have seen it to many times . I realize that you pay our state for the priviledge of fishing here but put yourself in our shoes. How would you react in the same situation. I have seen the fishing pressure from Nebraskans descimate the walleye population at Lovewell which brought the length limit which has proved to be a very sucessfull tool on many of our Kansas lakes. I for one would like to keep a resource that my tax dollars have helped pay for a continued resourse instead of being short lived and fished out. I also wish that everyone that I run into at the lake could have the same courtesy no matter where they are from. Greed is the driving force and it is hard to control. Have you always just taken just a limit or do you take multi limits because you can't get back for awhile and once across the sate line feel safe that you won't get your freezer checked. I lived in Nebraska for awhile and have heard the bragging about how many fish were taken from Kansas waters. I could go on and on but I have gotten my frustration off my chest.

[PigBoy]

I think you just opened a large can of worms here. Don't go grouping Nebraskans into your little minority. Bad fishermen are everywhere, in every state including Kansas. I would imagine that plenty of Kansas natives pull the same antics as you described above. Don't let the actions of a few bad apples spoil the whole bunch. A large majority of the people who fish are good, ethical people. Honestly, what's the problem with pumping people for information. I will ask anyone I see how they are doing and what they are using. If someone asks me, I will give them a good, honest answer on how I'm doing. I also spent a couple of days at Lovewell recently. I did see a bunch of Nebraska tags in the parking lots and driving around. However each one of those people is paying for a fishing license, park permit and camping fees. My fee was $28.50 for one overnight stay, one vehicle and one day fishing permit. Also, Lovewell is very close to the state line. If you had went to Harlan County (another border lake), I'm sure there would have been Kansas tags in the parking lots. Big Mac is full of Colorado tags. If you don't like out of state people fishing "your" waters, I suggest you dig yourself a pond.

I have been to Kansas fishing just a few times and if I find more people with your opinion, chances are that I will head north to South Dakota instead.

[Melody Burkholder]

Just took a phone call from a gentleman wanting very much to come fish in KS but AFRAID to drive south after reading here. As an employee of the KDWP I cannot speak for Kirwin, but I do know there have been no reports taken in the four northern parks that I supervise for any kind of vehicle vandalism or trouble directed at any one group at least for the last three years. I know all the managers at the Northern parks very much appreciate the inflow of folks from not only Nebraska but Colorado and other states as well.
Since you are all here... it only follows that you have web access. So... go to our web site www.kdwp.state.ks.us to get fishing reports, email addresses, facility availiability, special event times and dates, as well as the phone numbers to the offices of every park, as well as the main offices of our agency. If you keep well informed by those of us whose job it is to provide that information, you will be better able to have a good experience when you go. You will also have a better idea of whom to call in case of any problems. All of the staff at these offices will be more than willing to assist you and answer questions. If they don't know the answer, they will "hook you up" with someone who will.
How do you catch those pesky walleye any how? I have tried for years, and I guess I never have held my mouth right yet!!!!!
melodyb@wp.state.ks.us
Melody Burkholder
West Region Parks Law Enforcement Supervisor
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
1426 Hwy 183 Alt.
Hays, Ks. 67601
785-628-8614

[Melody B]

Unfortunately, cooler/beer theft as well as fishing equipment seems to be the majority of what goes missing at our park areas out here. Most lakes do not have marinas or any other form of "attended" boat mooring areas, plus, the more people out on the water, the more, confusion and clutter onshore. Most of these thieves are caught within hours or days, but some are not. It is an unfortunate reality that one must secure all gear when you leave campsite or boat trailer.

[Andy K]

Thanks Melody, After a post like yours, you make us all feel welcome to visit your state and enjoy the resources.

[JoneyeSD]

What a pain in the neck! Thats all I can say.

[Big Dave]

PigBoy, please stay home. We have enough locals fishing our River to cover all the fiah that need to be taken. If YOU and the IOWA-WEGIANS would fish closer to home everyone in South Dakota would be delighted. You(and they) overfish, leave no money(you camp), and your fishing manners are the worst. We have no need to share our natural resources with you or anyone from IOWA. Clean up your collective act and you might be welcome. In the meantime maybe there is some game in your feedlots!

[Torch]

What does it matter what State your from,this is freaken America, I live in Ohio and fish Erie one of the finest lakes in the world for Walleye fishing, we have and Welcome many boaters from many neighboring states, and I also go to upper NY to fish for trout and salmon,these small towns welcome and treat us well, the locals are more than happy to share info on fishing. Im sure most people from Kansas are also nice people, but people like Quik-net and Big dave sound like a butch of wusses that don't know how to catch fish and need to complain that all the out of state people are ruining it for them, BOO WHO grow up.

Come to Ohio and experience the best fishing in this great country we call America.

Torch

[jlmiller]

In reply to "Big Dave",

I hope you feel better with that off your chest. It would help the rest of us out alot if you would inform us where and when you will be fishing, because you are exactly the kind of so called "fisherman" most of us want to stay the #### away from! I happen to be a so called Iowegian, and I resent being grouped with the type of fisherman every state has and wants to dis-own. 90% of fisherman can relate to a horror story associated with vandalism, theft, and origin dueling macho attitudes in our own areas. If we all could utilize the energy used to bad mouth others and convert it by giving politeness and respect to them, all our countries waters would be a heck of a lot more inviting.

I spend a countless amount of money in several states including South Dakota to explore our nations best resources, and to broaden my fishing ability. I think the majority of us that use this message board are here to learn from other knowledgable fisherman. We learn by giving respect to others and I suggest you do the same, both here and on the water. You just might gain a friend, or a little fishing knowledge.

[Jon Barta]

I think its absolutly childish that some person has to screw with someone elses stuff. I dont care where your from, or who you are. I have students that have more common sense then these idiots that do something like this. I have been to Glen Elder to fish, I am from NE and I had a great time. The people(locals) were nothing but friendly and helpful. I cant see how people can judge an entire state by the actions of a few low-brows. I can say the same for the great state of SD. I fish there almost exclusively. The fishing is just that much better then what we have here in NE. I know this must chap BIG DAVES butt but to bad. Like I said, I dont think that one guy can speak for the entire state. I have meet some of my really close friends on the docks of the MO river systems. I have trades hunts, fishing trips, decoys, calls, fishing eq. and fishing hotspots. I dont think its has a thing to do with where your from, its got to do with who you are. IF your a good person your going to meet some really good people. If yoru an idiot, well. You reap what you sow. Bid Dav, let me know what type of boat you drive, that way I can stay awy from you. I will make sure that any of YOUR fish I catch I will put back. I really hate to steal. For the rest of the fine people in the state of SD, thanks again, I will be up there again this weekend to enjoy yoru great state and people. If you see a green and tan Pro V with NE regs make sure and say hi, I will do the same. I will be in Chamberlain.

[Mel B]

No Problem Andy! Those of you on the board who have stated that there are (Insert colorful adjective here)people.. everywhere you go.. are absolutely correct. I have found (except in Paris France) that almost everyone you meet is willing to help and be friendly if you are polite and "ask friendly". However, in order to be safest we must all learn to be a little more careful about our "stuff". Just ask my hubby from Anaheim Ca. He locks up everything.... I was raised on a farm in SE Ks... I am in the habit of locking NOTHING... but I am learning. Sad but unfortunate fact of life in a society that has fostered lack of respect for others. But hey, the weather is to be great this weekend, and the fishing is always better than working!
You fishermen get a chance, look up Steve Price. He is the former fisheries Biologist for those Northern Ks Lakes you are touting, and would be glad to hear your questions and your appreciation (if any) for the way the populations are managed at the facilities... he is now the Region F&W
Supervisor here at Hays Ks.

[piper]

I've lived in Kansas all of my life (45 yrs) and I can say without reservation that KS fisherman are litterbugs. If you take exception to my statement, look at the shoreline the next time you're at the lake(s). Nothing but: used fishing line, styrofoam worm cups, wal-mart sacks, mcdonalds sacks, beer cans, and I could go on and on. Kansas needs out-of-staters to help support the wildlife & parks budget. If you're from out-of-state, you're more than welcome to fish here. You don't need to leave your trash here, because we've got plenty of litterbugs here.

[Walleyegator]

First of all it's too bad that there a few bad apples that spoil the bunch. But there are a lot of us that do not take these resources for granted and enjoy being a guest in another state and treat it as such. As a guest in another state and as a resident in my own, my partners and I leave the lake cleaner than we found it. As far as not needing us in "your" state to fish "your" lakes, that's okay and I'm sorry you feel that way. As far you coming to "ours", you are still more than welcome, because we all share the love of the sport and being a citizen of this great country we all have the right to enjoy it. Hope to see you on the lake.

[Water Dog]

Come fish the Great Lakes ! All are welcome ! Nobody cares where you are from ! Who opened up the monkey cage in Neb and let the crazys out ?
We are too busy fighting the so called (environmentalists) to worry about where our fellow fish heads live or park their boats during the work week .
Does Neb have a college football team or a penal make ready system ?

[Kevin/CO]

Eric thats just because they wanted to look cool with a green ugly liscense plate on their car ;). All kidding aside that sucks man, if I had caught that guy I'd have threatened to call the cops then offered him to buy my plates. Get enough money and you can get some nifty personalized ones all at teh cost of a dumb vandal.

[eyewinder]

I'm a Nebraskan who has fished South Dakota and Kansas lakes for the past 15 years. Just a couple of (hopefully) non-inflammatory comments:
1) During the "dry" years, many of the Kansas (and Nebraska) boats that you now see on Kirwin, Sebelius, etc., were on Harlan (which has always had at least enough water to fish). We could see those days again.
2) In four days of fishing at Kirwin this spring, I've released two 24" 'eyes and a 27". . .and kept less than a dozen under 20". Invariably, when I released walleye, the fishermen in nearby boats got big-eyed, and you could see their lips moving: "He put it back!" And I don't know whether they were Kansas or Nebraska or Colorado boats (which are showing up on northern Kansas reservoirs, now, too).

I've got to admit that I'm still fighting pangs of (perhaps misplaced) ownership when I'm in line behind many Colorado-licensed vehicles at McConaughy.

My point is not that I'm an excellent fisherman, but that we all want to go where there is water and fish, to the extent that our resources allow. . .and elevated testosterone levels that seem to accompany launching and loading boats at crowded ramps do nothing to add to the enjoyment of the outdoor experience.

To wrap it up, I once asked a fishing partner who plays golf whether golfers hate one another as much as fishermen hate each other.
His reply was simple: "Yep!"