Posts: 29
Threads: 0
Joined: Jun 2009
Reputation:
0
Fished newton for a few just before dark. Started at the back end... Tigers chasing fish right up onto the bank. No takers and lots of mud so finished off the night on the dam. Water got really calm and flat so I threw on a buzzbait. Good choice. Had a guy watching take some pics with my camera[cool]... The disappointing thing was all the people using the small fish for bait[mad]. I counted 4 or 5 different people fishing with whole baby bass and perch. I take it the fish cops were busy chasing duck hunters[crazy]?
[signature]
Posts: 1,640
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2003
Reputation:
0
"The disappointing thing was all the people using the small fish for bait[mad]. I counted 4 or 5 different people fishing with whole baby bass and perch. I take it the fish cops were busy chasing duck hunters[crazy]?"
Did you make a call and let them know that there were that many people fishing with whole fish????
[signature]
Posts: 293
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2008
Reputation:
0
Beauty! LUV your buddy! That breed a very good one! You should of told the people the rules...1" cut bait. Some don't know and are very happy if you tell them instead of a ticket![:p]
Smiles Always!
MA
[signature]
Posts: 29
Threads: 0
Joined: Jun 2009
Reputation:
0
Ya I probably should of said something. But I wasn't sure of the exact bait rules myself.[blush]. I never use bait at newton so I have haven't paid real close attention to what the regs were on it. I didn't have a proclamation in my truck to check it out (I looked). Checked out the regs first thing when I got home so next time I will let them know.
[signature]
Posts: 29
Threads: 0
Joined: Jun 2009
Reputation:
0
On a different note does anyone else think a mandatory course on proper handling and releasing of tiger musky would be helpful? What if the DWR did something similar to the online archery ethics course but musky style? Would it reduce mortality rates on places like Newton that have catch and release regs? I see lots of abuse of these fish when people hold them for pics. I think its just a matter of peole thinking because they are big and mean that they are tuff as well... Or even more simple put up a sign at the boat ramps with pics showing how to hold and handle and release unharmed? Just throwing it out there to see what others think?[fishin]
[signature]
Posts: 31
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2010
Reputation:
0
I was at Newton on Friday night and saw a few people looking for muskies, They were only using the 1" cut bait, but I am guessing that people use whole fish often.
I had two muskys on, but I didnt land them... I dont know if i wasnt setting the hook or what, but It was frustrating!
Bass_tuber, that is a gorgeous fish. Way to Go!
[signature]
Posts: 942
Threads: 1
Joined: Sep 2002
Reputation:
2
[quote Bass_tuber]... does anyone else think a mandatory course on proper handling and releasing of tiger musky would be helpful?[/quote]
I don't see what good it would do. First of all, the idiots you refer to in your other post either can't figure out how to read a proclaimation or they don't care about the rules or the fish's health anyway.
Second, in order for the "mandatory class" to have any affect it would have to be tied to a special "musky fishing tag" not just the general fishing license. I personally don't think the archery ethics or antler shed courses change much behavior. There are still plenty of unethical morons running around flinging arrows 80 - 100 yds at live animals and others stressing deer to death on their winter range.
Third, you still need people who will respect wildlife and the law and/or enough officers to enforce it. Too many people out there who can't handle self governance.
[signature]
Posts: 147
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2010
Reputation:
0
Very good point but I have to agree with fishnate, I do see a need for education on catch and release though. I have a friend who despite what stats I show him insist that fish live after he takes a hook out and they are bleeding all over or if bait is used and the fish is deep hooked, still releases it like everything will be fine.
Sorry I don't offer any solutions, just agree and not sure. I've been fishing for 20+ years and barely learned the right way to release a fish, mostly due to the livewell on my boat and online research.
Maybe a BFT Quiz could help??
[signature]
Posts: 252
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2009
Reputation:
0
The mandatory class would be a little unrealistic(imo) but I like the idea of posting proper release technique signs. Muskies are more fragile than most people think and it's easy to mishandle them for the pic or keep them out of the water too long(I think that is the big one). If signs were up at most access points(which they kinda are with the mandatory release notice), even if they don't bother to look up the bait rules, etc, then perhaps they would stop and check out the sign with release pointers.
[signature]
Posts: 873
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2010
Reputation:
0
I have honestly never understood the 1 inch cut bait rule. Who cares what size the bait is, if your bait fishing for anything, chances are the fish is going to swallow the whole thing anyway. Wouldn't a 1 inch piece of bait be easier to swallow than an entire perch? It's dumb that people are allowed to fish for muskies with bait when it's catch and release for them anyway. Don't get me wrong, I bait fish all the time but not for fish I can't keep!
[signature]
Posts: 354
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2006
Reputation:
0
Good looking fish. Still have yet to get one of those... looks like a good time.
[signature]
Posts: 387
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2008
Reputation:
0
I fished Newton quite heavily this year, and just about every trip we'd see a dead musky or two. During this time frame I saw countless bank tanglers drag a musky onto shore, pin it down, take 5 mintues to remove the hook, hold the dirt covered fish up for a picture, and then get it back in the water several minutes after that. Its amazing that there's any muskies left in there at all.
Also, a buddy of mine was up there one day and saw a guy using whole perch for bait WHILE he was talking to a DWR officer! Sounds like a little of the "good ol' boy" network going on. I agree with another poster that if the fish is catch and release only, you shouldn't be allowed to use bait at all. Of course if its not being enforced, I guess it doesn't matter anyway. [mad] Fred K.
[signature]
Posts: 92
Threads: 0
Joined: Sep 2003
Reputation:
0
Pieces of Perch - yes
Pieces of Bass - nope...that's illegal.
[signature]
Posts: 916
Threads: 0
Joined: Aug 2010
Reputation:
0
[quote catmaster23]I have honestly never understood the 1 inch cut bait rule. Who cares what size the bait is, if your bait fishing for anything, chances are the fish is going to swallow the whole thing anyway. Wouldn't a 1 inch piece of bait be easier to swallow than an entire perch? It's dumb that people are allowed to fish for muskies with bait when it's catch and release for them anyway. Don't get me wrong, I bait fish all the time but not for fish I can't keep![/quote]
Yeah kinda funny you can bait fish muskies and its catch and release dosent make any sense. Most peeps use more than a 1 in piece of bait its a fact just take a look around next time your out.
[signature]
