04-28-2018, 04:33 PM
[#0000FF]Shore fisherman soaking mussels are decidedly not the only factor in the current low levels of wipers in Willard. The reduced stocking by DWR has to be the primary reason. And they are just trying to manage the balance between predators and prey (shad). Unfortunately, nature does not always follow a predictable schedule. So shad numbers were down one or two years and DWR planted fewer mouths to feed. Then BOOM...the shad had a good spawn year and the population exploded. Too much food last year and the fishing was poorer because the fish were overfed. Just can't win...but you gotta keep trying.
My comments on the UNLAWFUL practices of SOME shore anglers is directed at reducing the wholesale harvest of wipers by non-sportsmen. To me it is the same as those same people (often the same ones) who show up at the inlet to snag walleyes. Both scenarios DO happen...and both contribute to decreasing the number of fish available to law abiding sportsmen.
There are regulations against "wasting" protected species in Utah. Allowing subsistence fishing, without regard for limits, is the worst kind of wasting fish resources.
Sorry if I offended anyone, but this practice does exist and it HAS TO have some effect.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]
My comments on the UNLAWFUL practices of SOME shore anglers is directed at reducing the wholesale harvest of wipers by non-sportsmen. To me it is the same as those same people (often the same ones) who show up at the inlet to snag walleyes. Both scenarios DO happen...and both contribute to decreasing the number of fish available to law abiding sportsmen.
There are regulations against "wasting" protected species in Utah. Allowing subsistence fishing, without regard for limits, is the worst kind of wasting fish resources.
Sorry if I offended anyone, but this practice does exist and it HAS TO have some effect.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]