Posted by HugeFish4 on 2002 PM:
Legal "Preseason Guilt"
The other day, a fellow
NYBass.com fisherman and I spoke on the phone the other day. He called me to
tell me about 2 trips he and a friend made to a Northern NJ lake and about the Bass and Pickerel he caught and all
the particulars. I was curious to know why he wasn't posting his techniques and
catches on this site. He was very frank, and he mentioned that his main reason
for not posting was that didn't want to be subjected to any illegal fishing comments.
I told him that I didn't think that would happen because he is fishing legally.
Personally, I think it is a shame that people feel this way. More importantly,
I think it is shameful that this is the direct result of the invariable
preaching that goes on here every Spring. Although the site bears the NY label,
it is clearly a site that many nearby CT and NJ angler visit for information
and to share the excitement of their catches. I for one do not want to have to
qualify that I fished legally in NJ everytime I post a Spring catch. Quite
honestly, I have never been questioned whether I was fishing legally or not by
anyone on this board, but to reiterate, others are leary.
Sorry I had to bring this up, but it has been bugging me a tad!
John G., delete if you must! LOL
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My Home Page
Posted by bobn on 2002 PM:
huge--keep in mind that there are legal places to fish for bass in new york also--even after the so called season is over--bashakill-in sullivan/orange counties is one--check the sylibus--anyone who is fishing legally should not feel suspect-bobn
Posted by Rob J in WNY on 2002 PM:
John,
I totally understand your point, and I think you stated it very well.
Over the last 3 years, we've seen the topic of pre-season NY bass fishing go up
in flames here each Spring. For the most part, having a closed season here in
NY is the price we pay to have such a successful fishery.
But unless we're not fishing until the 3rd Saturday in June, we are probably
going to catch an occasional 'accidental' bass in NY prior to Opening Day. Even
the DEC realizes that. And talking about accidental fish here poses no problem
with me. It's understandable that some will feel skittish about posting
pre-season bass catches. Most people really don't want to say things in which
they feel they might incriminate themselves. That's fine, too.
I remember 2 years ago that someone came in here, under an annonymous name, and
boasted about catching bass by the stringerful, citing that it was his right
and that he would keep doing it. Whether the story was true or not, I don't
know, but that is where this board will have problems. Blatently making a
mockery of the law is where the line should be drawn. Needless to say, that
person caused quite a ruckus.
But back to us "honest" anglers. 
I hate to say this, but come May 4th, when early bass seasons start up in the Western Finger Lakes as well as Lake Erie, I probably will post up reports here,
and even pics if I have them. I think that under those circumstances (legal
fishing in NY), no one should have a problem with that. Just as when the Long Island bass season starts in the 1st
Saturday in June. If those who fish LI bass want to yuck it up, then by all
means do so. It's what this board is all about.
It's a personal decision to post about catches of bass. To each their own, but
if it's legal, then I see nothing wrong with posting about it, and that does
include the year-round NJ bass season.
It's been a pretty tame board this winter, as many can attest to. It's nice to
see how well it has grown, not just as an internet community, but as a
community of real friends.
Oh, and I will say it. Last year, I did catch several pre-season bass. On one
instance, they were hitting so furiously that I flat out got off the water. I'm
not saying this to boast. It just happens...
Tight Lines...
P.S. I'd sure love to hear some more good NJ fishing stories in the meantime.
Keep 'em comin'!
__________________
"Have Smallies - will travel!" 
Bass Fishing
in WNY - A Personal View
> email
- RobJinWNY@hotmail.com
Posted by Woody on 2002 PM:
Huge
Just a thought....Why
would someone feel guilty about doing something that is legal?
It AMAZES me how that Crappie fishing really picks up in Spring in NY. 
I think the issue is a personal choice and everyone is entitled to an opinion.
This year the board has been quite tame and I hope we can continue in that
direction.
Woody
Posted by GANGGREEN on 2002 AM:
Hi Huge.
I've always enjoyed your
posts and have never seen you post anything offensive or worthy of being
attacked for so I'm not certain exactly where you're coming from. To my
knowledge, I have never responded negatively to any post about a spring bass
fishing trip, either legal or otherwise but you must keep one thing in mind.
For every board member who tires of the preaching or the "internet bass
police" there is at least one other member who is morally outraged by
posts about clearly illegal bass fishing or "fantastic crappie
fishing" where 30 big bellied bass were landed.
I think of this place as not only an internet community of bass fishermen but
as a community of sportsmen. Sportsmen would never knowingly thumb their nose
at the law or brag of their illegal exploits. You surely must acknowledge that
this at least occasionally occurs here. If a board member wishes to ignore the
law and take his chances of being caught by a DEC officer then so be it but I
don't wish to read about it here.
The board's new policy is a good one. I don't think that anyone should hesitate
to post about any legal activity that they've been involved in, it's not
difficult to start your post with "while fishing on Lake X in New
Jersey" or "while taking advantage of the C&R season in the
Finger Lakes", etc.. Neither do I think that the board monitors should
hesitate for one second to delete a thread about illegal activities or where
posters have resorted to name calling. I hope that both sides will show
restraint and it will be a moot issue.
I love coming to this board to share with all of you guys (and girls). There
are clearly lots of people on this board that have far greater knowledge of
certain aspects of fishing and boating than I have. I've tried to take
advantage of the vast resource that we have here. I hope that your friend will
feel comfortable enough to post about his Jersey bass fishing trip here, I'd like to hear about it.
PS-I've enjoyed your pickerel pics and posts.
Posted by HugeFish4 on 2002 AM:
Woody, I am not sure why
anyone should feel "guilty" about doing something legal. Perhaps that
is the reason I surrounded the whole statement with quotes. However, even if
one is doing something perfectly legal in one state, that is illegal in the
state 5 minutes away, one might question their activities. This is especially
true when it is combined the usual questioning of fishing for bass during
certain spring and winter time periods by some of our esteemed members.
By the way Woody, I certainly hope I can join you on a trip this season! For
Legal Spring Bass! How about Hopatcong!?
Remember guy, Congers Rules!
__________________
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My Home Page
Posted by HugeFish4 on 2002 AM:
Gangreen, you mentioned that you don't know "where I am coming from". I was simply relaying a conversation that I had the other day. Most of my post related that individuals thoughts, and how they made me feel a little annoyed. I certainly did not point you out, although you seemed to feel "guilty"! LOL Did you ever have one of those days where everyone and everything pissed you off? Maybe yesterday was one of those for me!!!!! Perhaps, I overreacted a bit, but I really do not like to hear that someone is not posting because they are unsure as to whether or not they will receive flack. As I mentioned, I never personally have.
__________________
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My Home Page
Posted by Gregg on 2002 AM:
No one should feel guilty
about legal fishing (it's not preseason if it's legal) BUT more to the
point no one should fear "receive flack" on this board. That's
not done much here anymore! And what is dosen't make it past John's delete
finger. (don't worry the pickerel got the other hand). Now I have to go meet
John were heading to CT for some legal bass fishing
__________________
Gregg
Posted by HugeFish4 on 2002 AM:
Gregg, do you and John Work?! LOL.
__________________
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My Home Page
Posted by JOHN G on 2002 AM:
I had asked for restraint
on both sides and we have gotten it. John, under your avatar it clearly states
that you are from New Jersey...now, if someone were so dense as to not figure
that out, that is their problem...as you said, no one has posted anything
negative about what you have done, and of course, you know that would be an
instant delete in my case. Accidental or intentional, I will not post about
catching bass in NY until the legal season, and that is how it should be. If I
am fishing in Ct or NJ, I prefer to state that clearly in the post, only takes
one extra line, and I don't consider it a problem.
and Rob, if I were in a situation where I was fishing for other species and
Bass were hitting instead like crazy, I would NOT get off the water....there is
simply too much overrun with certain lures, say , a hair jig which is an
excellent crappie and perch jig, and which you have every right to fish in the
preseason. Should a bass hit it, you release it quickly and continue. But will
I post about it? NOSIREEEEE.....my business plain and simple, we have been over
that before....
April 1st will bring tons of TRout fisherman back on the reservoirs....the
number one bait of trout fisherman is live bait, specifially Alewifes....it is
their right to throw that to try to catch trout. Naturally, some bass will hit
it too, Again, you let it go quickly and you move on.
There are very few waters where there is sufficient manpower to constantly
watch what people are pulling up out of the water, where there is, and it is
known, there you might have to move a little more rapidly through a certain
area....but get off the water? Why should you when you are fishing with a legal
bait and targeting a legal fish?
JOHN G
Posted by Scott E. on 2002 AM:
Huge & Mr. Anonymous NYbasser,
Since bass fishing in NJ is quite legal right now, don't be afraid to post it,
you will not be questioned, berated or belittled for it.
I also remember the post Rob J. is refering to and the person who was boasting
the preseason catches of bass was basically just trolling for a response and
hooked into a big sucker and this not just happened on this board but carried
over to a few other boards that this troll and member frequented.
As long as this member had his NJ fishing license displayed properly( LOL only
kidding Huge), I have no problem with him reporting his NJ bass fishing trip or
catch.
So Mr. Anonymous NYbasser, let's hear the how, when and where of it all!!!!
__________________
Nothing sets a person so far out of the devil's reach as humility.
Jonathan Edwards
---
Scott E.
scotte@pikeonline.net
Posted by Pete L on 2002 AM:
I for one am happy to hear about anyone getting out and
catching some bass!!!!!! It gives me something to look forward to. Pete
__________________
Pete LaFemina
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and
"mental illness."
Posted by mikeD in NYC on 2002 AM:
i'm with pete... keep it up with the posts and pictures huge!
Posted by Frank J on 2002 AM:
Re: Legal "Preseason Guilt"
quote:
Originally
posted by HugeFish4
The other day, a fellow NYBass.com fisherman and I spoke on the phone the
other day. He called me to tell me about 2 trips he and a friend made to a Northern NJ lake and about the Bass and
Pickerel he caught and all the particulars. I was curious to know why he wasn't
posting his techniques and catches on this site. He was very frank, and he
mentioned that his main reason for not posting was that didn't want to be
subjected to any illegal fishing comments. I told him that I didn't think that
would happen because he is fishing legally.
Personally, I think it is a shame that people feel this way. More importantly,
I think it is shameful that this is the direct result of the invariable
preaching that goes on here every Spring. Although the site bears the NY label,
it is clearly a site that many nearby CT and NJ angler visit for information
and to share the excitement of their catches. I for one do not want to have to
qualify that I fished legally in NJ everytime I post a Spring catch. Quite
honestly, I have never been questioned whether I was fishing legally or not by
anyone on this board, but to reiterate, others are leary.
Sorry I had to bring this up, but it has been bugging me a tad!
John G., delete if you must! LOL
It's in another state it's fine. There season varies from NY.
__________________
Frank Jovine
---------------------------------
> email
- webmaster@nybass.com
> url - www.nybass.com
---------------------------------
Quote: "A
bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work"
---------------------------------
Posted by Frank J on 2002 AM:
quote:
Originally
posted by JOHN G
I had asked for restraint on both sides and we have gotten it. John, under
your avatar it clearly states that you are from New Jersey...now, if someone
were so dense as to not figure that out, that is their problem...as you said,
no one has posted anything negative about what you have done, and of course,
you know that would be an instant delete in my case. Accidental or intentional,
I will not post about catching bass in NY until the legal season, and that is
how it should be. If I am fishing in Ct or NJ, I prefer to state that clearly
in the post, only takes one extra line, and I don't consider it a problem.
and Rob, if I were in a situation where I was fishing for other species and
Bass were hitting instead like crazy, I would NOT get off the water....there is
simply too much overrun with certain lures, say , a hair jig which is an
excellent crappie and perch jig, and which you have every right to fish in the
preseason. Should a bass hit it, you release it quickly and continue. But will
I post about it? NOSIREEEEE.....my business plain and simple, we have been over
that before....
April 1st will bring tons of TRout fisherman back on the reservoirs....the
number one bait of trout fisherman is live bait, specifially Alewifes....it is
their right to throw that to try to catch trout. Naturally, some bass will hit
it too, Again, you let it go quickly and you move on.
There are very few waters where there is sufficient manpower to constantly
watch what people are pulling up out of the water, where there is, and it is
known, there you might have to move a little more rapidly through a certain
area....but get off the water? Why should you when you are fishing with a legal
bait and targeting a legal fish?
JOHN G
Well said.
__________________
Frank Jovine
---------------------------------
> email
- webmaster@nybass.com
> url - www.nybass.com
---------------------------------
Quote: "A
bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work"
---------------------------------
Posted by PichinDocks on 2002 AM:
Question For PA/NJ Anglers??
I understand PA has a catch and release season, and NJ is just OPEN season.... Are there fisheries dying off because they are able to fish all year?
__________________
Todd A. Walters
If ya smell what "The Dock" is cookin'
Posted by Scully on 2002 AM:
Some interesting
information......during the past few months the New York DEC has been holding "secret" meetings to dicuss
the possibility of a year round "Open Season" in the state. At the
very least, a catch and release open season from April 1st until the third
Saturday in June.
In addition they are entertaining opening an additional 6 lakes (unkown to me,
just couldnt drag that out of my source) for "Trophy Smallmouth"
fishing ala Erie. This seson would open the first
Saturday in May.
The "PRIMARY" reason they are even discussing such changes are all
"economic reasons". New York State has been experiencing a decline
in fishing lisences sale the past ten years. A check with neighboring states
that have no closed season, or modified catch and release seasons showed they
were not experiencing a decline, but rather significant up-swings.
Searching for reasons, the state had its "eyes opened" after input
from "John J Public". The point was made that The "usual
suspects" (us) were still buying a liscense regardless of the season.
However, the age bracket of 23-35 year olds, married with children were not.
Further research found that with a shorter fishing season (Third saturday in
June) this user group was now nvolved with their off-spring playing little
league baseball, soccer, etc and had little incentive to go fishing or buy a
fishing liscense for that matter.
It has been suggested that if the season was open year round, the increase in
the sale of liscenses could be as much as 30% and possibly higher. New York State tax dollars were now leaving the state to buy out of
state fishing liscenses.
Another + would be the cut back on the ammount of enforcement personnel that
would be required (Sorry Greenman) and the additional expenses related and
incurred by their job.
My source went on to say that there is resistance from the biologists, but he
feels it may not be enough to stem what he considers a "rising tide"
within the DEC to adopt a year round open season in New York, possibly as soon
as 2004.
This info is all unconfirmed, but my source is placed high on the "task
bar" of the state DEC.
Scully
Posted by Scully on 2002 AM:
What the "Hell"
is that red guy doing in my thread???? I didnt put him there. Can someone with
that "uzzy character" shoot him or something.
Scul
Posted by Bass Rat on 2002 AM:
Here you go Scully
cussin
__________________
I'm smellin Spring!!!
Posted by Sean Heitman on 2002 AM:
OY VEY...guilt free
fishing!!! IF what your doing is leagal fuhgetaboutit!!!!
Posted by Scully on 2002 AM:
Bass Rat
I knew I could count on you. Thanks buddy.....now take him over to "Joisey"
and dump the mudda...lol
Scul
Posted by earthworm77 on 2002 AM:
We'll drop him off in Jamaica Bay for you Scull. Good post. Guys I've learned that you simply can't make everyone happy....so why try??? Whether you post about legal fishing or not, someone, somewhere will be jealous and have to ruin it or question your morals on it. This year things have been smooth so far on the board, lets hope it continues.
__________________
www.micromunchtackle.com
Posted by Sean Heitman on 2002 AM:
quote:
Originally
posted by earthworm77
Whether you post about legal fishing or not, someone, somewhere will be
jealous and have to ruin it or question your morals on it.
I know we all have good ethics on this board....but Morals????
I love the idea of NYS having a longer or open season on bass...but up where I
am I wouldnt even think of putting the boat in the water in April!!!
BBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!
Posted by earthworm77 on 2002 PM:
Sean, you are my pal but I don't agree with you on this. I don't know everyone on this board to say that everyone has good ethics. I haven' t met a guy who didn't but...there are always one or two bad apples. Just like on my job, you have one guy who rams a plunger up a guys a$$ and we are all brutalizers...(did I just make that word up????) That one guy ruined it for 27,000 cops. You know what I mean!
__________________
www.micromunchtackle.com
Posted by Jameson on 2002 PM:
JohnG, take this
hypothetical(sp?) situation:
You are fishing your small jig for crappie/perch/non-LMB type fish, and a 7#+
bass comes up on your line... Your not gonna post that here?
JC
Posted by Gregg on 2002 PM:
Jameson, yes you can. If you come on and say while I was out fishing for crappie with my ultra light I landed A 7# bass on 2lb line. That ok that's plausibly, but what we don’t want to see is “While out Crappie fishing with my 7 ½ ‘flipping stick with 20# line I accidentally caught 14 5lb LMB" That's throwing it in someones face
__________________
Gregg
Posted by Gregg on 2002 PM:
Oh and Huge4fish........
As little as possible
__________________
Gregg
Posted by theole34 on 2002 PM:
i'm not supposed to be
using a 7' flippin' stick and 60lb braid for crappie??
lol
so true. i use a 6' westmoreland rod light action, with a tica UL reel that
only lets me have about 90 yards of line. 2# or 4# test and really small
spinners... really small!! i still manage to catch bass, because they are in
same areas as the crappie.. i also catch perch, gills, pickerel, and an
occasional trout. peconic, ronkonkoma,
and artist have submerged christmas trees, and bushes that i fish religiously
for crappie. the bass flock to these trees, as they are great spots for them. i
would have no shame saying that the bass hit the spinners, or UL plastics. i am
also happy when i can land a heavy bass on the 2 or 4# test i am using. i don't
livewell bass, i release them immediately... not even a photo (during off
season) so they get as quick a return as possible. i won't target the bass, and
tend to layoff once i see them bedding up. i would definitely post my catch,
but show a little respesct for the people that feel different.
i also think there is alot of reading i will be doing on the subject. i wonder
about the reality of all of these studies. NJ lakes get bass pressure through
the season, and so do connecticuts, yet they both seem to be doing
quite well. can anyone explain this to me??? i am not lashing out, just asking
if you know why???
robbie
__________________
www.Theole34.com
We're talking about "Spring" fishing...... right?
Posted by Jameson on 2002 PM:
I wanna see if JohnG
would post it.
JC
Posted by Woody on 2002 PM:
Congers Rules....huh
Did you guys still refer
to people in town as CONGOLOIDS???
LMAO
The good folks from the "Other Side of the Tracks" never adhered to
the Congers Rules Ideology...
You are on Huge....Hopatcong
I need to prep the boat in the next two to three weeks.
Woody
Gangreen there was no slight intended about the "Crappie" fisherman.
It is common knowledge that some folks never fish for Crappie.
Posted by GANGGREEN on 2002 AM:
No offense taken Woody.
you and I both know what I was referring to. It's all in good fun.
Posted by JOHN G on 2002 AM:
JC, you made a very good point, first of all, I WOULD be using the flipping stick, so you know I wouldnt be posting it.....I too do not want to get into any shouting matches with the "conservationists". Now if you read Scully's posts and if that turns out to be true, Thank God in heaven and so much for all that "were concerned about the fish" bullshit! Money is everything and will ultimately change all decisions. I live for that day, and I , more than any other poster will spitefully rub it into the faces of all those that complained the loudest about it. Until that day, I admit, I am a wimp! And I will avoid confrontations and keep any information concerning bass catches in NY mum until June. JOHN G
Posted by theole34 on 2002 AM:
i stay away from the bass
if possible, because unfortunately i am a rule follower (because i am the one
that always gets caught when i don't follow them.) .. unless i can change the
rules.
i am also starting to belv that what everyone quotes as damaging fishing is not
as bad as they push it to be. i read all of the posts on the subject, and take
all of the points seriously. i still ask if NJ and CT have open seasons and
C&R with no Closed seasons how do they do so well if it is damaging to the
fish. the lakes that i have seen do quite well, and the NY off season causes
them to catche quite a bit of pressure. southern and western states with all
year bass fishing hold the Lunkers of the US.
once again, i am curious if anyone can explain this.
__________________
www.Theole34.com
We're talking about "Spring" fishing...... right?
Posted by PichinDocks on 2002 AM:
Did John G just say
"B@!!$HIT"??? wowsahs....
oK i spend 20 minutes just talking to a DEC Officer about various things, and
he did mention that the early Bass season is "under advisement" i
asked if changes were going to be made. He said "looks that way"... I
asked for a time frame he said "maybe 2003, more likely 2004"...
There you have it....
__________________
Todd A. Walters
If ya smell what "The Dock" is cookin'
Posted by Scott E. on 2002 AM:
quote:
Originally
posted by theole34
i stay away from the bass if possible, because unfortunately i am a rule
follower (because i am the one that always gets caught when i don't follow
them.) .. unless i can change the rules.
i am also starting to belv that what everyone quotes as damaging fishing is not
as bad as they push it to be. i read all of the posts on the subject, and take
all of the points seriously. i still ask if NJ and CT have open seasons and
C&R with no Closed seasons how do they do so well if it is damaging to the
fish. the lakes that i have seen do quite well, and the NY off season causes
them to catche quite a bit of pressure. southern and western states with all
year bass fishing hold the Lunkers of the US. once again, i am curious if anyone can explain this.
Rob,
I have the same luck, I am always the one to get caught doing something wrong,
I have been accused of wrong doings, even when I did the right thing. Without
bad luck I would have no luck at all.
I have asked the same question, still with no answers.
__________________
Nothing sets a person so far out of the devil's reach as humility.
Jonathan Edwards
---
Scott E.
scotte@pikeonline.net
Posted by theole34 on 2002 AM:
scott??
got ya. understood. it is not a guilt thing.. more of a respect for laws. if i
don't agree with a law or rule.. i make every attempt to change it.. or to influenc
changes.
off to work now.
__________________
www.Theole34.com
We're talking about "Spring" fishing...... right?
Posted by Scott E. on 2002 AM:
quote:
Originally
posted by theole34
scott??
Oooopps My bad!!! hit post before I wrote my thoughts, all is fine and edited
now
__________________
Nothing sets a person so far out of the devil's reach as humility.
Jonathan Edwards
---
Scott E.
scotte@pikeonline.net
Posted by GANGGREEN on 2002 AM:
John, you are SOOO bad!!!
Robbie, I can't give any
answers about NJ or CT because I know virtually nothing about them.
I'm like you, I have a great respect for the law and try to avoid violating it
but I also tend to agree with this law.
I do know LOTS of people, including myself, that have fished all over the US who claim that the bass fishing in central NY is
second to none. By comparison places like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, etc. etc. STINK. Don't know whether NJ or CT could hold
their own or not.
I also know that virtually every study that I've read or heard about on the
subject suggests that bed fishing may or does have a negative impact. The
fisheries biologists are almost all in agreement. I'm not so arrogant as to
think that I know more about fisheries science than the professionals do.
Keep another thing in mind. Alot of people confuse any spring fishing with bed
fishing. I'm not neccessarily opposed to spring fishing in general and I doubt
that most of the biologists are. I simply believe that when those fish are in,
on or nearby beds that they should be left alone. If you want to catch a prespawn
bass in 15 feet of water, play it quickly and release it I couldn't care less.
Just my opinion, not neccessarily right and not neccessarily wrong. We've both
got them and we're both entitled to them. My guess is that if we could ever see
the meaning of life through a glass ball that you and I would both be a little
bit right and a little bit wrong.
Posted by HugeFish4 on 2002 AM:
Gangreen, you really
cannot compare Cental NY, or NY in general to NJ or Conn for one main reason. The number of large lakes in NY far
out number those in CT and NJ. I mean in NY you have some of the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes, Oneida Lake, Lake
George, Lake Champlain, etc etc. These are large bodies
of water. I have heard several times Pro Angler's mention that their favorite
body of water is Lake
Champlain. Taking
that into consideration, a state like CT still produces very large bass even
with an open season.
PS I was glad to hear that you are not opposed to "spring fishing in
general".
Oh yeah, you NY'ers out there. Remember no Pickerel fishing allowed right now!
ROTFLMAO
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My Home Page
Posted by GANGGREEN on 2002 AM:
I agree Huge.
Maybe some of the smaller
NY lakes like Conesus, Silver, Tully etc. might be alot closer. These lakes
also produce great bass fishing.
A couple of other things to chew on. Of course these are only my opinions as
well.
We have become much more efficient as bass fisherman in the last 30,20,10 and
even 5 years. Consider the quality of boats, electronics, tackle, etc. that we
now have. Perhaps these things will have an impact on the fishery 5, 10 or 20
years from now. It's easy to say that bass fishing hasn't hurt the fishery in
the last thousand years when it's only been in the last 20 years or so that
we've really gotten good at targeting bass.
What if fishing suddenly became more popular? Or, what if alot of lakes were
lost to fishing because of pollution, posting or water needs of the cities?
This would likely place much more pressure on the remaining lakes. I'd be more
than happy to fish under more conservative regulations to insure the quality of
the fishery for my children and grandchildren.
One thing that has always puzzled me is how deer and turkey hunters, who are no
less passionate about their sports than we bass fisherman are (believe me on
this one) are willing to put up with 10 or 11 month closures without
complaining. We have to put up with closed seasons for a month or two, we can
still fish for other species and we still complain. Could you hunt deer in
August and September without hurting the deer population? Quite possibly, we
have alot of deer. Yet deer hunters sometimes argue AGAINST more liberal
seasons. Go figure.
Posted by HugeFish4 on 2002 AM:
GangGreen
"One thing that has
always puzzled me is how deer and turkey hunters, who are no less passionate
about their sports than we bass fisherman are (believe me on this one) are
willing to put up with 10 or 11 month closures without complaining. We have to
put up with closed seasons for a month or two, we can still fish for other
species and we still complain."
One big difference about hunting. I don't think that they are practicing Catch n
Release! LOL
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Posted by PichinDocks on 2002 AM:
You can't compare fishing and hunting. That's opening a whole new can of worms.... as the old saying goes, and not to anyone specifically "Shut Up And Fish"..... Have a great weekend everyone....
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Todd A. Walters
If ya smell what "The Dock" is cookin'
Posted by bobn on 2002 AM:
that's a good point huge--bobn
Posted by GANGGREEN on 2002 AM:
Obviously there are tons
of things about deer and bass which are different but there are also plenty of
things that are the same.
Truth is that deer are probably far better able to withstand a harvest than
most fish species. Deer are just better equipped to quickly repopulate
themselves. Most hunters harvest one, maybe two deer per year (if that). Most
anglers (even catch and release anglers) kill far more bass than that, either
intentionally or unintentionally (admittedly there are more bass in NY state
than deer). My point is that both hunters and anglers should be striving to
protect the resource (and use the resource when plausible) without doing any harm.
Maybe it wasn't a perfect analogy but I'm sticking with it.
Posted by HugeFish4 on 2002 AM:
Sorry GangGreen, I
couldn't resist!
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Posted by Paul Mattie on 2002 PM:
According to a recently
published doucument by the CT Dept of Environemtal Protection about the results
of an electrofishing survey they conducted statewide are as follows:
1. High Bass Mortality. Annual mortality was high in over half the lakes
surveyed. This is almost certainly due to excessive harvest. This results in
low desities of keepers.
2. Bass stockpiling. In 39% of the lakes and ponds surveyed, an overabundance
of bass smaller than 12" exists. This stockpiling occurs when recruitment(#'s
of fish spawned that survive) significantly exceeds predation. High densities
of small fish causes increased competition for limited food supplies, resulting
in reduced growth rates. Growth of these stockpiled fish to "catchable"
size is severly retarded.
3. Panfish stockpiling. In 53% of the lakes.......see #2.
4. Surplus forage. 59% of the lakes surveyed contain surplus forage fish
populations which could be utilized to support an increased pop. of larger
predators.