???'s for Detroit River Rats

[Fish whip guy]

When is the best time to catch the smaller eyes(males)? I only make it to the river once or twice a year & would rather get eaters. I fish the Trenton Chanel area. p.s. I am building a new jigging rod & can't wait to try it out!

[Cangl]

River fills up with them the whole month of may stay in the 28 to 35 foot depths in the larger bodies of the river.

[chuck]

I think it would be a good idea to leave alone then. That is when they are spawning. Let them reproduce then go to the big water or wait until June in the river.

[redbone]

may and june are both good months for the smaller eaters. by may over 80% are done spawning. the area in wyandotte is a good place to look, as is up by cobo hall in detroit.
goood luck and good fishing.
bob piette ><)))'>

[fishnrod 22]

e mail me at fishnrod22@aol.com.....ihave found over the years that the greatist number of "eaters" come durring the last couple of weeks of april........fishnrod22

[James Morris]

Especially if he's only looking at keeping the males, it shouldn't make a difference whether he keeps the fish in may, august or december. I understand what you are saying, and your point is well taken, but if he's only going to keep smaller fish he's not going to have an overarching effect on the breeding stock. Especially because the females could be considered the "limiting reactant" in this situation. It only takes one male to service multiple females (to my knowledge, please tell me if I'm wrong) so taking a few males out of the equation isn't going to make a difference in the overall outcome.

The second part of this, I already kind of mentioned, is that a person is taking out breeders whether they are catching the fish in spring, summer, fall or winter. I'd rather see someone practice reasonable selective harvest all year round than have someone release everything during the spring and then go take home their limit every other time on the water.

Just my thoughts, I'm happy to accept any criticisms.

Can't wait for the THAW !!!

James

[river king]

year after year the 1st week of may is a good time to come here the river is loaded up with small males and they/re fairly easy to catch. the middle section of the river is a better place than trenton channel not nearly as many snags and a lot less boat traffic. by traffic i mean still lots of boats but bigger area for them to spread out. get in touch with me when you get ready to come here and i/ll do my best to put you on fish