Shining

['eyesmaster89]

I was just wondering if it was legal to shine fish with a spotlight to watch them when they are coming up to spawn?

Any input would be great

[CrappieMagnet]

Why would you?

I would'nt..

Just my .o2 cents worth!

CM

[can it be luck?]

I've shined shoreline areas looking for fish presence and activity. I've never heard of it being illegal, but I wouldn't say 100% that it is legal.
A guy can find out alot of info at night especially for walleyes. Calmer conditions are usually found at night. The walleye will usually be shallower. The "shining" of the walleye's eyes make them more visible and you can find areas that they frequent for feeding.
Spawning walleye shouldn't be "harassed" when spawning. Make it quick, then leave them do what they're doing.
When fishing night walleye, don't shine any light in the water! Do your homework before hand then leave the spotlight at home.
I have friends that are Ojibwa from the Lac du Flambeau Band in Wi.. I have videoed some really cool footage of them spear fishing walleye at night on "The Res". Funny as it may seem, the walleye population on reservation waters is superior to lakes that don't ever get touched by the Indians. Year in and year out the walleye are speared. On one night I remember them spearing over 500 walleye! And this has been going on for centuries....But after spearing season they hardly fish at all. I have gained alot of knowledge while watching them spear as far as fish behavior and preferances.

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[This message has been edited by can it be luck? (edited 04-11-2004).]

['eyesmaster89]

I wasn't going to harm them or bother them in any way. I just thought it would be neat to see all them walleyes.

[bucketmouth64]

One year while vacationing at Kabetogama we were standing on the dock during the evening and when I shined the light in the water to my amazement I saw several walleye eyes glowing. I found one close to shore in less than 2 feet of water. Tried to fish off the dock and didn't get anything. But the experience to see the fish in shallow waters with a light was fun.

[Northlander]

I will do this in my home water at night this time of year. WOW do you see some HUGE eyes! As stated check em out and then get out. I know our DNR up here really watch these spawning grounds and have even had them cough at me when I walk threw. Kind of scary but Im glad they are there.
Its amazing how shallow they move up at night. Often in 6" of water.

[EBass]

I don't know if it's legal or not either. But we did shine (just cruzing around) in a lake near Hayward WI. We saw gar, a smallie that I didn't know where in there and some largemouth. We didn't see any walters, but the gar made it an interesting adventure.

You may want to check out the regs just incase.