Abndoc Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Ok guys, before anyone bites my head off, I know zero about spearing, have never done it, would like to, probably be a blast. My question is with the days of cpr, do you think spearing 40 in plus northerns is such a good idea? Now remember I'm not trying to cause a huge war. Just want to know, When you see fish in the water, sometimes they look smaller, bigger depending on the angles all that, I get it. But if a lake gets hammered by spearing each winter, it has to affect the fishery, right? or is there such a small number of guys spearing the death of big fish from catch and release equals out? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dylan33 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I don't spear either, so I could be 100% wrong, but from reading many posts here, I think many people who spear practice selective harvest. It's their own version of CPR- where they draw the fish in, watch it's behavior- see how it reacts to the decoy, the noise in the house etc....and they let MANY that enter the holes swim away. Also, just an opinion, but I think there are more pike deaths every year from gut hooked fish on tip ups than their are from spearing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJ1657 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I don't spear either, so I could be 100% wrong, but from reading many posts here, I think many people who spear practice selective harvest. It's their own version of CPR- where they draw the fish in, watch it's behavior- see how it reacts to the decoy, the noise in the house etc....and they let MANY that enter the holes swim away. Also, just an opinion, but I think there are more pike deaths every year from gut hooked fish on tip ups than their are from spearing. That is exactly what alot of guys do. Its fun taking pictures of fish in the water.Spearing is one of the oldest forms of fishing. Its been going on for generations and there are still many many large pike swimming our waters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triggertrav Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 just like deer hunting - no sense shooting the big boys unless you plan to put your trophy on the wall. QPM (quality pike management) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NDpikepoker Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 There are a lot of fisherman that want to keep that big one for the wall. I don't see a problem with a guy spearing one for the wall either. I understand that there are certain lakes in MN where they selectively harvest. We have those in ND too but I really like Devils Lake where the state fish biologist encourages us to spear as many and as big of pike as we can! th :De limit is 5 there are too many in the lake taking a toll on perch and walleye numbers So if the water would clear up I'd be helpin our best fishery! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shamalex72 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I have no problem with somebody taking one for the wall. What I don"t agree with is taking multiple fish in that 10-15lbs range per year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NDpikepoker Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I have no problem with somebody taking one for the wall. What I don"t agree with is taking multiple fish in that 10-15lbs range per year. Spear the eaters in lakes like that. watch the rest. just like throwin back the rest only you don't have to take the slimers off ur hook! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huey Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 I don't have a problem with someone taking one for the wall either. I don't have any desire to do it myself. Last year, I saw a fish that was in the upper 30" range, maybe 40". It came around a couple times. I probably could have speared it, but I did the "look and release" and let it swim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mainbutter Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 It takes a pike about 15-20 years to reach 40''+ in Minnesota and lower Ontario waters.Just FYI.Interestingly, I've read that muskies grow twice as fast but their natural death rates (non-angler related) are much higher than northern pike in most lakes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BehindtheHead Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 i have one for the wall and will probibly never see one bigger in southern mn. for me its a trophy. just like a trophy musky or walleye. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOUNCED Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 I have no problem with somebody taking one for the wall. What I don"t agree with is taking multiple fish in that 10-15lbs range per year. Agreed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ninakawawa Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 I've looked and released about 200-250 fish this year not harming a one unless I felt like fish that night. I don't know how many fish i see with half of their lip pulled off from a hook when looking down the hole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOUNCED Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 I've looked and released about 200-250 fish this year not harming a one unless I felt like fish that night. I don't know how many fish i see with half of their lip pulled off from a hook when looking down the hole. We should hook up and go spearing, you're seeing more fish than me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ninakawawa Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Anytime man. It's been a really fun winter this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrklean Posted February 14, 2011 Share Posted February 14, 2011 haha sounds like it i have maybe seen 200 fish if i include every sun fish and everything like that but thats still pushing it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike76 Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 I'm sure more big northerns die when they are released then by a spear. My favorite fish to eat is northern. For me every fish is a trophy and I enjoy eating them big or small. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northspear Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 last year i spear about five fish in the 3lb to 5lb range. this year i was holding off for the big one. The last two weeks i got a 10lb and an 8lb. Only got two fish this year but just like deer hunting holding off for a big one you let a lot pass. Passed up a lot of chanes at smaller but just wanted the big one this year. Next year i hope to get the giant at least a 13lb id like to try to smoke it. gotta love this sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merkman Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Ok guys, before anyone bites my head off, I know zero about spearing, have never done it, would like to, probably be a blast. My question is with the days of cpr, do you think spearing 40 in plus northerns is such a good idea? Now remember I'm not trying to cause a huge war. Just want to know, When you see fish in the water, sometimes they look smaller, bigger depending on the angles all that, I get it. But if a lake gets hammered by spearing each winter, it has to affect the fishery, right? or is there such a small number of guys spearing the death of big fish from catch and release equals out? Thanks Don't get hung up on the method.The sportsman not the method decides to harvest the fish.It is no harder to release a northern pike several feet bellow you by not throwing the spear, than it is to release one in your hands as you are removing the hook.It is no different than deer hunting with the bow or rifle methods. The bow or the rifle does not decide to harvest the deer, the sportsman does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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