10-14-2008, 03:29 AM
I don't fish the tournaments because I personally believe that it is not worth killing these large fish for money but I do know people that do. They have large coolers with aerators to try and keep the big fish alive. Not everyone does this nor cares if a few big fish get killed. They think this resource is for their benefit. Some of us realize that these big fish take several years to grow to 30+ pounds and preserving this resource makes Flaming Gorge what it is. The best trophy Lake Trout water in the continental 48.
Also these tournaments are not held during the spawn when these fish congregate in one area making them susceptible. With these fish in high concentrations in a small area, they are very susceptible.
I don't agree with allowing anyone who can exploit these big fish at their most vulnerable cycle of life. We are encouraged to harvest small fish but this scenario of allowing spearfisherman into their spawn beds reeks of exploitation. Speared fish don't have the chance of release. This is not fishing but hunting like a deer or elk.
I have no problem with spearfishermen hunting these fish other times of the year. the fish are their normally wary selves. During the spawn, like deer, all cares are thrown to the wind so that they may congregate and reproduce as was intended. Leave them alone!
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Also these tournaments are not held during the spawn when these fish congregate in one area making them susceptible. With these fish in high concentrations in a small area, they are very susceptible.
I don't agree with allowing anyone who can exploit these big fish at their most vulnerable cycle of life. We are encouraged to harvest small fish but this scenario of allowing spearfisherman into their spawn beds reeks of exploitation. Speared fish don't have the chance of release. This is not fishing but hunting like a deer or elk.
I have no problem with spearfishermen hunting these fish other times of the year. the fish are their normally wary selves. During the spawn, like deer, all cares are thrown to the wind so that they may congregate and reproduce as was intended. Leave them alone!
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