Gigging vs Smallmouth conflict

[Phil Lilley]

I gotta hand out the kuddos to you guys... you've done a great job on this topic without a single desparaging word against anyone (well almost). I commend you- seriously.

Thanks guys.

[jscheetz]

You are right it is the anti fur crowd who caused teh declnine. It is interesting to note that rabies and distemper are becoming problematic again.

Thank PETA and like thinking folks for their help w/ conservations issues.

I just want so say you guys just ROCK!!!! I LOVE this board!!!!!

I think the introduction of Otters and exploding Racoon populations

Those exploding raccons ARE dangerous - if you are near one when he blows up it can be deadly.

JS

[Forsythian]

I'll apologize for my part in any "disparagement" during the 4 previous pages, but I like to push and prod in an attempt to separate the motivations of posters (resource management vs. ethnocentricity).

As is evident from this thread, trout fishing is a big tent, and some of the views expressed bring out the hammerhead in me.

And I love you too CWF! (And I can't quit Gavin either!)

[Phil Lilley]

The otter issue should be another topic possibly.

[Gavin]

Forsythian, I love ya too man! We can always count on you to remind us that fishing IS a blood sport. When we are we going fishing?

Gavin

[Wayne SW/MO]

It would be nice if MDC would read the thread and comment, because there were some points made in which there was little to no opposition.

[gonefishin]

I just want so say you guys just ROCK!!!! I LOVE this board!!!!!

Those exploding raccons ARE dangerous - if you are near one when he blows up it can be deadly.

JS

Heh heh js. I thought I might get by with that one but I should have known I could count oun you to be the one to catch it.

I have to agree those exploding racoons are dangerous. Probably a gas pressure build up problem induced by an excess ingestion of crawdad pichers. Maybe I should submit a sample to MDC for their imput. What do you think. I had a predator problem with my chickens. They were dieing before they were fully grown. When I asked thee MDC what they thought they asked me if I had submitted a soil sample to the extension office. So I did. The extension office processed the soil sample and told me the problem was that I wasnt planting my chickens deep enough. MDC said "See, it isnt a predator problem at all".

The otter issue should be another topic possibly.

I agree it could be a good topic and I think one that should be discussed.

Bud

[jscheetz]

I'll apologize for my part in any "disparagement" during the 4 previous pages, but I like to push and prod in an attempt to separate the motivations of posters (resource management vs. ethnocentricity).

Forsythian, feel free to disparge a little bit anytime, It is very educational for us all to see that there are lots of different opinions on topics - and many ways to deal with subjects that are near and dear to all of our hearts. Heck, somewhere along the way some of us may even rethink things, or at least empathize a bit with another position - that is what makes this forum so good and so fun. And if a person gets offended that easily then they shouldn't be commenting on subjects like some of these, because there is a good chance someone out there disagrees with you and will say so! (Or in my case maybe a bunch of people will say so) But hey - we all gotta be who we are. And if you ever have to "Push or Prod" to find out my motivations, I aplogize for that - I figured it was pretty easy to see where I stand.

Gonefishin, now you are another story -

JS

[flyingeagle]

I have fished the waters of sw mo. for over 45 years also gigged for 40 years, a lot of things are hurting fishing, but I doubt that gigging is among them.

First of all, let's look at Us, the fishermen, I have seen many fish that's under size taken. Also live bait used, then the fish guts ripped out gettting the hook out. The fish you see floating is from the fishing boats in front of You. Yes, maybe one gets gigged, but most giggers don't want game fish when there is suckers to eat on the bank.

Water conditions, Low water, trash thrown in, unwanted fishing line left in the water. Canoes, Canoes, canoes, floating the streams, jet boat (I have one)

running up and down, up and down, disturbing the nests. Gravel removal and removal of the forest matte border. The introduction of non-native fish in the streams. The balance has turned to trout, and has left smallmouth behind.

There's more problems then this, but this one is easy for the game fisherman to yell about.

[gonefishin]

I have fished the waters of sw mo. for over 45 years also gigged for 40 years, a lot of things are hurting fishing, but I doubt that gigging is among them.

First of all, let's look at Us, the fishermen, I have seen many fish that's under size taken. Also live bait used, then the fish guts ripped out gettting the hook out. The fish you see floating is from the fishing boats in front of You. Yes, maybe one gets gigged, but most giggers don't want game fish when there is suckers to eat on the bank.

Water conditions, Low water, trash thrown in, unwanted fishing line left in the water. Canoes, Canoes, canoes, floating the streams, jet boat (I have one)

running up and down, up and down, disturbing the nests. Gravel removal and removal of the forest matte border. The introduction of non-native fish in the streams. The balance has turned to trout, and has left smallmouth behind.

There's more problems then this, but this one is easy for the game fisherman to yell about.

Flyingeagle:

You are right. There appears to be those that believe "if we only fix this one problem everything will be allright" when it is obvious there are many factors contributing to the problem. I firmly believe there are problems that are more in need of focusing on than the occasional gigger who may or may not kill a bronze back accidentally or on purpose. Pollution for one.

Bud