05-19-2011, 04:26 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Most experienced anglers can quickly and easily distinguish between bullheads and channel cats at a glance. Size is the most immediate difference. The average bullhead is going to be less than 12 inches. The average channel cat is going to be much larger...and a completely different shape and color.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The guys operating the nets have many years experience on Utah Lake and will have no problem in separating out the bullheads from channel cats.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are abundant channel cats and overabundant bullheads. A few of each removed by the netting operation will not adversely affect Utah Lake. There is not enough good spawning habitat (rocks and reeds) for the channel cats right now so removing a few will increase the potential for successful spawning for those that are left. When cats have to settle for "sub-prime" spawning spots their eggs and fry are more susceptible to predation from all other species...like carp.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I suspect that bullheads are being okayed for mass harvest because they are more of a nuisance species than a prime angling target. Furthermore, they are bodacious predators on the eggs and young of more desirable species...like June suckers. The only favorable niche they fill is as food for large cats, walleyes and largemouths when there is a lesser supply of baby carp and white bass. Kind of a "Plan C" in the food chain.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The guys operating the nets have many years experience on Utah Lake and will have no problem in separating out the bullheads from channel cats.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are abundant channel cats and overabundant bullheads. A few of each removed by the netting operation will not adversely affect Utah Lake. There is not enough good spawning habitat (rocks and reeds) for the channel cats right now so removing a few will increase the potential for successful spawning for those that are left. When cats have to settle for "sub-prime" spawning spots their eggs and fry are more susceptible to predation from all other species...like carp.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I suspect that bullheads are being okayed for mass harvest because they are more of a nuisance species than a prime angling target. Furthermore, they are bodacious predators on the eggs and young of more desirable species...like June suckers. The only favorable niche they fill is as food for large cats, walleyes and largemouths when there is a lesser supply of baby carp and white bass. Kind of a "Plan C" in the food chain.[/#0000ff]
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