How sad is this?

[DTro]

Flathead Eradication

[harvey lee]

Maybe they could transplant them into the Minnesota. Seems like they are willing to waste alot of cash.

[Ralph Wiggum]

It is sad to see them being eliminated, but if they are non-native to the waterway, I can see how they would wreak havoc on an ecosystem.

Knowing the time and effort it can take to catch one, I hate to see them wasted, but I am sure it is what's best for that river.

[rushing]

There are a few of the south eastern states that have "problems" with flatheads or other exotic species getting into certain fisheries.

[slipperybob]

A panfisher's worst enemy are the big fish that preys on them.

[Scott K]

I think some of those flathead haters just need to get out and fish them a few times, once you hook one, you are usually hooked for good! Then they will want more of them!

[hanson]

Flatheads are looked upon with a entirely different mentality down south vs here in Minnesota.

Down south, they are a food fish. Angling methods allowed and lack of limits encourage this. I know there are those anglers who chase flats for sport down south but they have to compete with limbliners, jug fisherman, setlines, trotlines, noodlers, etc for the fish.

I believe I'm accurate in stating that the majority of flathead anglers in Minnesota see the Flathead as a true sportfish and top of the line predator. We fish these fish with as much passion and respect as muskie fisherman. The vast majority of us practice strict C&R on our flatheads as well. This is good for the flathead and good for the future of flatheading in this state!

I don't know about you guys but I prefer to catch flatheads when I go out fishing for them, rather than spending a night on the river hoping I get a run tonight. The more we take care of the river and the more we respect these fish, the more fun associated with catching to go around.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Quote:

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I think some of those flathead haters just need to get out and fish them a few times, once you hook one, you are usually hooked for good! Then they will want more of them!

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I'm sure Asian carp would be fun to catch ,too, but that doesn't mean that we need them around here. Non-native is non-native.

[Scott K]

I love to go carp fishing, early spring is my favorite time of year. You cant beat carp fishing, many fish over 10 lbs, and you catch them left and right! What other species of fish can you get them numbers?

But you are right, I dont want carp in my favorite walleye lakes, or panfish lakes. But when Im panfishing and hook onto a 8-15 lb carp, it makes your blood pump!

[bgreen82]

Quote:

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You cant beat carp fishing, many fish over 10 lbs, and you catch them left and right! What other species of fish can you get them numbers?

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if asian carp ever get to MN, i will be upset cuz from the videos i've seen, they are unstoppable once they get there. it's not always about the numbers its about sustaining the waters which we fish. i would rather fish for 6 hours and get one awesome flathead than 20 carp, but thats just me.

[Scott K]

Sorry missed the "asian" carp!

[Tim Ellis]

Why don't they just spend the $200,000 budget on a salary for some of us FM'ers to go catch them all for them and remove them? I'm game for a paid vacation.