12-20-2017, 03:12 PM
Most of the comments in this thread are focusing on angler harvest, and the issues associated with anglers harvesting lake trout. There are obvious problems, and many of which probably will never change.
That focus on harvest should not be looked at as a solution. We know anglers will struggle to harvest the lake trout. So, what should we be looking at?
Mortality
How do we assure that more lake trout die?
Sure, this may not be a popular way to say it, but that is what needs to happen. More lake trout need to die. If that is by harvest, then great! But we know that won't happen. So, how do we assure more lake trout die?
Remember, there are only 4 tools to be used for managing populations of fish: (1) rules and regulations, (2) public relations and education, (3) stocking and fish removal, and (4) habitat improvement and manipulation. These 4 tools all interact and have implications with each other. Changing one may affect another.
Using those 4 tools, what options do we have?
(1) Rules and Regulation: change rules to increase fish mortality, including the use of bait, snagging, time of year, limits, waste, etc.
(2) Education: the DWR needs to step up the education platform and get the angling community caught up on the "what's", "why's", and "how's" of lake trout population at FG. If anglers understand the potential benefits of harvesting lake trout (all sizes) then maybe more anglers will harvest more lake trout. Teach them how, why, and when.
(3) stocking / removal: in order to control populations, you have to either add more or remove more. Fish removal can be done by utilizing tools 1, 2, and 4. Again, removal doesn't need to be "harvest" by anglers. Anglers can remove fish without taking them home to eat.
(4) habitat manipulation: This tool can be difficult, especially when dealing with a deep water fish like lake trout. Manipulating their spawning habitat may not be the most effective option. Tools 1 - 3 may be better tools to use in this situation.
So, maybe we need to think more about some un-popular solutions. Mandatory catch-and-kill. Allow snagging. Allow multiple hooks, multiple rods, set lines. Allow lake trout to be used as bait / chum. Allow the use of nets. Implement a bounty reward.
Just some ideas to get people thinking outside the traditional box.
[signature]
That focus on harvest should not be looked at as a solution. We know anglers will struggle to harvest the lake trout. So, what should we be looking at?
Mortality
How do we assure that more lake trout die?
Sure, this may not be a popular way to say it, but that is what needs to happen. More lake trout need to die. If that is by harvest, then great! But we know that won't happen. So, how do we assure more lake trout die?
Remember, there are only 4 tools to be used for managing populations of fish: (1) rules and regulations, (2) public relations and education, (3) stocking and fish removal, and (4) habitat improvement and manipulation. These 4 tools all interact and have implications with each other. Changing one may affect another.
Using those 4 tools, what options do we have?
(1) Rules and Regulation: change rules to increase fish mortality, including the use of bait, snagging, time of year, limits, waste, etc.
(2) Education: the DWR needs to step up the education platform and get the angling community caught up on the "what's", "why's", and "how's" of lake trout population at FG. If anglers understand the potential benefits of harvesting lake trout (all sizes) then maybe more anglers will harvest more lake trout. Teach them how, why, and when.
(3) stocking / removal: in order to control populations, you have to either add more or remove more. Fish removal can be done by utilizing tools 1, 2, and 4. Again, removal doesn't need to be "harvest" by anglers. Anglers can remove fish without taking them home to eat.
(4) habitat manipulation: This tool can be difficult, especially when dealing with a deep water fish like lake trout. Manipulating their spawning habitat may not be the most effective option. Tools 1 - 3 may be better tools to use in this situation.
So, maybe we need to think more about some un-popular solutions. Mandatory catch-and-kill. Allow snagging. Allow multiple hooks, multiple rods, set lines. Allow lake trout to be used as bait / chum. Allow the use of nets. Implement a bounty reward.
Just some ideas to get people thinking outside the traditional box.
[signature]