Opinions on Catch-n-Release only on the Mississippi from certain dates??

[Blackduck]

Just talking with my dad the other day while fishing below a Dam. We both thought while looking at the # of boats, and the # of fish that we saw thrown into livewells, that maybe it would be something that should be looked at. Maybe closing the season to catch-n-keep on Dec. 1, and just having a catch-n-release season until the regular walleye opener. I am not an authority on this. I just think of when the fish are biting good, and there are a load of boats, it can't be good. I am not trying to start anything except for discussion, and opinions. Maybe a reduced limit for a certain time frame, or a total release of every fish over 18" or 20" Just some thoughts that are meant to provoke your thoughts and opinions.

Take it easy on me, this is my first post here.

[Eric_Sieve]

that is a really good idea, it protects volunerable fish!! Or at the minimum have a slot limit to protect tiny ones and the big boys!

[Dave B]

The DNR did a study in the not so distant past and determined that closing the season on Pool 4 would have zero impact on the fishery. I dont have all the facts, but look at Pool 4, including Pepin, it a LOT of water. Considering that 95% of boats fishing this time of year are fishing 1% of the water, Pool 4 does not get that much pressure. Add to that the amount of food available and rapid growth rates, catch and harvest does not have that severe of an impact on the fishery. I guess you have to ask, could the fishing on Pool 4 get much better for numbers and size? Maybe, but not much. If you want a closed season, fish Pool 2. It is closed to harvest year round.

[CorynTracySellHomes]

I would agree with Dave B.

The DNR did a pretty lengthy study on this. And like he said it would have no impact. It is kind of amazing seeing all the boats down there and believing that, but, if anything I think the DNR leans towards being conservative on catch rates so it really must not have much of an impact. The majority of the fish you see being caught and kept are smaller saugers, which doesnt have much of an impact on spawning.

On a side note, I do wish that people would stay away from the scour hole, When fish are brought up from those depths the bladder expands and the fish can not get back down, similar to a diver getting the "Bends" so, please stay out of the scour hole. I would say that 99.9% of the fish in the scour hole are small saugers 10" or less.

Cory Frantzick

[Blackduck]

I do agree as well guys, and I think about 90% of those fish coming from the depths won't live either. What about a slot to keep those 20" plus walleye in the river where they belong. I personally wouldn't mind releasing everything over 19". Maybe 1 over 30" if a guy wanted to mount a big momma. In our family (5 guys that fish) we release everything over 19". I always told myself that if I get that 10 lbs. plus walleye I would mount it. In June 2002 (at age 29)I caught a 31" while fishing with my dad. Took pictures, thought about it for a minute, and then let it go. I don't regret it a bit. Just wondering what you guys think.

[efgh]

tuff decision, I really don;t know what I would do, but would probley put it back, those big mommy don;t taste good anyway and have too many P.C.B.s in their flesh to suit me, you made a good choice.

[CorynTracySellHomes]

Great choice on your release of that fish! THat is a magnificent fish. Your memories of it will never fade. And maybe, just maybe another lucky angler will be able to have that thrill with the one you released.

I personally have the same personal slot limit in my boat, should it be mandated, no, unless it is biologically proven to make a difference on that fishery.

Cory Frantzick