MN State Bass Opener Dates

[catchin'whopper]

Just read this in the Strib and was wondering why this occurs:

• Bass Opener: May 28 (May 15 in northeast)

How is it that the state recognizes and earlier opener for the NE section, an area that is colder and fish, i assume primarily smallmouth would be spawning probably in the early June time period?

Just wondering if there is even an explanation or is this just another undersite why there shouldnt be a statewide opener for bass seeing that LM are spawning a different times based on the regional climates? Another argument for a catch and release period for all of May would be best.

(This regional argument holds true could easily be applied to northerns and Walleyes as well.

[bassin]

I don't know what the deal with that is either. Personally I think they should keep the season open all year, but have it be catch and relaese only until June. The rule now is in place to protect bass form over harvest during pre-spawn becasue they are bunched up in shallow water where they are easy to catch. And also to protect from harvest while on the beds. Which hasnt done a lot to protect them during the past few years while on the beds becasue of the cold May's we have had. Last year during the Gander mountain on tonka 99% of the bass caught were pulled off beds. And look at the Everstart last year. All those fish were mosttly plucked off beds as well. They didnt have holding tanks large enough for the number of fish caught either. It was sick. I'm a tournament guy but I really hate seeing tournaments happen while fish are on the beds. Not cool. I think a later harvest opener, and an early catch and release opener would be a good comprimise. I don't believe catching pre-spawn fish and then relaseing them right away does any harm. Its pulling fish off the beds that does the most harm. My thoughts anyway.

[catchin'whopper]

Thanks for the comment Bassin, but how is it even justified with a northeastern opener being 2 weeks earlier than the rest of the state??! Anyone know out there? The temperature climate difference from the rest of the state is so varied that fish would be primed for spawning early in June up in the NE! Meanwhile in the southern portion they can potentially/typically be in post spawn/early summer stages.

Also, great point regarding the tournament bags, that's another reason tournaments are so under fire. I too believe there is little harm done if fish taken off beds are fought quickly and returned as quick. But that is not what is at issue here.

[This message has been edited by catchin'whopper (edited 04-28-2004).]

[RossT]

Tourism dollars. Thats what it eqautes to.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I hate to say it, but RossT is correct. (no offence ross)

The opening dates in Minnesota have more to do with the almighty dollar than they do about helping fish populations.

The thing that suprises me most is that Minnesota hasn't met with the surrounding states and worked with them. I would like to see figures of how much money is spent fishing in wisconsin for those few weeks that thier season is open while ours is closed. If MN would get their act togeather, we as a state could keep that money here at home. Just my opinion.. please dont lambaste me!

[catchin'whopper]

I sent and email to the DNR inquiring the same since it does make little sense. I brought up the points of tourism dollars, economy, and our own DNR being strapped for monies.

It is an interesting argument, totally agreeing that there would be more of a social responsibility and economic tradeoff that would occur. The fact that the state has such a broad range climates during the spring to summer months are case in point that the current regulation makes no sense.

Will let you know what response i get back.

-Catchin' Whopper

[smallie_hawgin]

My understanding of MN reg history basically is that initially bass in general were viewed as species that competed for food and resources with walleye. These regs were put in place in the late 40s. Since then changing opener dates has basically required constitutional rewrite! I truly think now it is a matter of affecting not only the economy, but the sociology, and the idea of change makes many people not even in the angling industry worry. If that makes sense at all. I too agree the discrepency in the openers has no bilogical merit what so ever. It is what it is. Maybe you should start a petition for the catch/release season, opener idea! just a thought.

[catchin'whopper]

For what it's worth, here is the response i got back from the fisheries chief:

-The difference in bass regulations goes back to a time when the state was concerned with competition between black bass and lake trout in northeastern MN. Though not likely very effective, the regulation was established to allow additional harvest of bass in hopes of reducing this competition.

We have discussed changing the season to the statewide opener on a couple of occasions, but when we took that proposal out to the public, it was not supported.

We have also taken out broader proposals that looked at various scenarios, including some catch and release seasons, but there was not much agreement either among our managers or the public on what the best course would be. We ended up with the smallmouth bass catch and release regulation from mid-September through the end of the season.

We also looked at bag limits, but had little public support for some reduction. We will continue to look at bass regulations.

I will put your note on file for reference. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I wish more folks would do that. Good fishing. Ron

Ronald D. Payer
Fisheries Section Chief, MN DNR
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4012

I guess this means that there should be more comments, questions regarding this sent to MN DNR? It only took a minute to write out the question, siting climates, money lost to WI, pointlessness of the currect regulation.
-Catchin' Whopper

[This message has been edited by catchin'whopper (edited 04-29-2004).]

[bassin]

Hey whopper, can you post his email address?

thanks.

[catchin'whopper]

This is where I sent it to:

[email protected]

It was then forwarded on a couple times. Like I said, for what it's worth, to send an email out to them and let them know your opinion. I am curious when this was brought up for change in regulation like he stated.

[bassin]

Actually, I did a search for his name and found his direct email.

Its [email protected]

[catchin'whopper]

Oh, another thing, I don't necessarily suggest directly emailing this gentleman and inundating him with emails. That should be reserved for your state representitive. The MN DNR are only advocates and are at the whim of the state and its voters.

Knowing that I got a response from him based on sending it to the email I sent acknowledges that they are aware at this point.

[This message has been edited by catchin'whopper (edited 04-29-2004).]

[catchin'whopper]

No kidding?

[Ray Esboldt]

And, Ron Payer isn't going to be the Fisheries Chief much longer. That position is going away.

------------------
Ray Esboldt

Catch-N Tackle
MarCum
Stone Legacy

[bassin]

that early bass fishing will cost a few bucks more as well. Wisconsin non-resident went up to $40.

[catchin'whopper]

i know, dropped that load last week. Sucks, i think last year was $32? Geez. Anyone writing to the DNR out there about the opener dates?