River fishing?

[NDSUski]

I totally understand and agree with you guys about this, but some old guy yelled me at last year in that same area. It was about the same time of year and I understand his concern but I was carp fishing. I was using massive bell sinkers, a medium heavy, and gobs of night crawlers, while letting it sit on the bottom. It just happen that when he stopped by to ask how the fish were biting I caught a smallmouth. At this point he went off about how people my age have no respect and that I should be arrested. Never mind the fact that I was catching redhorse and carp all day, the youth of America are killing the smallmouth bass population.

My earlier comment was made because I was wondering if he had went and talked to the people and saw what they were throwing. If they were casting rapalas we should hang them.

I don’t doubt that people fish illegally down there but lets look at all the facts. And I agree with all of you, it [PoorWordUsage] me off when I am on my favorite musky lake the week before opener and there are people out casting 10-inch baits for northerns.

[g_anoka]

To pour more gas on the fire, being the fisherman that I am, I walked over and asked, what you guys fishing for?

" We are fishing for smallies, I mean catsfish."

Beware, consruction workers tend to be sportsman, and we do know the # to TIPS.

[Stick in Mud]

I think it's quite interesting how all the boards get full this time of year of people who are complaining about people fishing for species out of season. I know that most of us don't really do it, but when you are in a river, it can be pretty tricky when you try to figure out if someone is legitimately fishing for a legal species. I know I've been out with crappie minnows, a UL rod, and a small bobber, and I've caught lots of smallies and walleyes before either were open. I certainly wasn't trying to catch those fish, but the river can be very variable, and different species do mix together more than they do in lakes. I think it can be tough to "pinpoint" a specific species. I guess my point is just that we should give most guys the benefit of the doubt--unless they're throwing rogues or senkos or something. I also know that the responsible thing to do, if one is catching fish out of season, is to change it up so that the non-targeted species are less likely to be caught, but that can be difficult when one is already fishing 4 lb test on a 5' UL rod.

[Coach1310]

It is absolutely important to protect our waters from illegal activity, but just because someone is fishing for carp or suckers and are catching bass doesn't mean they are doing so intentionally..

Sometimes I think people just want something to "you know what" about!

I am not a river fisherman, but when is a good time to catch carp, sucker, etc?? I have never fished for them, but I have caught a few carp accidentally and they are a blast.

[rockman]

'Carp' fishing this way, well, it's a no brainer what the intent may be of the angler,but fishing for channel catfish is okay to do this way.Cats are primarily minnow eaters,so unless the state of MN legislates that this time of year all an angler can use in this section of river is stink bait,the whole debate is mute.Everyone is entitled to their opinion on fishing during a closed season for one species or another,but if the activity isn't illegal,the arguement is pointless.A CO has to prove intent to make an arrest, or at the minimum write a citation,and this type of 'possible' infraction is hard to prove, not impossible if it is blatant, just harder. Unless the angler in question gives up a confession on the spot to catching a species that is off limits,not much will be done about it.I am an ethical fisherman, and am for ethics on the water,but the suspicious attitude of some towards others who are wetting a line right now gets old.Grab a rod,and go catch some carp or catfish.

[slipperybob]

Buddy told me that Stillwater plant was closed for property easement shore fishing...hmmm, I'm out of luck for early April river fishing...I might have to figure going out of my way to go south.

[lotsofish]

 Originally Posted By: rockman

Cats are primarily minnow eaters,so unless the state of MN legislates that this time of year all an angler can use in this section of river is stink bait,the whole debate is mute.

You can use minnows throughout the year. There isn't a rule that says you can't use minnows during closed gamefish seasons. There are other baits besides minnows and stink baits that will work for cats too.

I think the general rule of thumb is if you catch 2-3 closed fish you need to change baits or move, because if you continue to fish there in the same method, you are now targeting those fish.

I am ready to get out there chasing those carp, cats and suckers.

[Scott K]

Dont forget Sheephead!

[rockman]

Guess what? You can use cut bait,worms, nightcrawlers & leeches( if you can even find them right now),waxies,eurolarvae,mealworms,goldenrod grubs,grass shrimp,beef and chicken liver, right now! Maybe even throw in some dried blood for good measure.And why,you ask? Because the regulations book says you can, or better yet, it doesn't say you can't. I never posted one word advocating that an angler cannot use minnows for catfish, during this time of year. My point was a smallie,or walleye, is more than likely not going to hit a line baited with stinkbait. If someone is going to quote my reply,why not have me clarify what I already posted,rather than a-s-s-u-m-e what my intent was, in posting/replying.

[lotsofish]

Sorry, I misunderstood/misread what you meant. I thought you were saying minnows couldn't be used legally this time of year, but now that I reread it again I see that's not the case. I agree with what you are saying, other than maybe crappie minnows, there really isn't any reason to use any larger minnows until opener, unless you are on a special regulations area like on border waters.

Cheers!

[Scott K]

 Originally Posted By: lotsofish

Sorry, I misunderstood/misread what you meant. I thought you were saying minnows couldn't be used legally this time of year, but now that I reread it again I see that's not the case. I agree with what you are saying, other than maybe crappie minnows, there really isn't any reason to use any larger minnows until opener, unless you are on a special regulations area like on border waters.

Cheers!

I will start using creek chubs/sucker chubs come the end of April, I will use them to catch catfish. So to say there isnt a reason, you are wrong!