by dahlberg » Tue Feb 24, 2009 7:25 am
HI J
I feel an angler has the right to choose, as long as he obeys the laws and regulations, to do what ever he wishes with the fish he catches.
I also feel strongly that it's not healthy biologically or responsible to harvest species, or year classes that represent the top of the pyramid.
I.E.large pike, muskies, are the top of the overall food chain, targeting them flattens out the pyramid and can affect the whole system.
On the other end of the spectrum, In a system that has huge panfish, if the largest are targeted , it too soon goes to pot, as is evidenced by what happens on many of our northern lakes that get blasted by hundreds of icefishermen.
I think it's especially tragic in the case of muskies, especially in lakes that have been stocked or restored due to sweat and dollars from groups like muskies inc, who work in conjunction with various DNR's.
It's estimated it takes 1000 fingerlings to create one 30" muskie. It costs about $8 per fingerling to get them into the lake in the first place. Depending on latitude and available forage It takes as much as 18-20 years to grow a 50" musky.
It's easy for a small handful of irresponsible anglers to ruin it for everyone else.
What do you think?
best,
L
Larry Dahlberg
The Hunt For Big Fish