Lunker Release Program

[Murdoc]

Hey everyone. I'm probley a day late but I just found this and thought everyone would enjoy this. It's a catch and release program my MDC for catching and releasing a fish over 18" in all four parks. I've attached a web site to check it out. The application icon isn't working yet but check it out!

http://www.mdc.mo.gov/fish/sport/trout/lunker.htm

[brownieman]

Decent idea I guess...appears everyone is trying to drum up business in the slowing economy.

I'll keep my comments on lunker patches to myself to avoid suffering the wrath of the board, lol...I can see where they are great for some, especially the kids.

[Poke 'Em]

I guess I'd rather have an "I released a lunker" patch than a "Look how big this fish grew while feeding solely on trout pellets! What a trophy!" lunker on my wall...

*ducks and hides*

[timsfly]

yes you are just a bit late on that news I don't know how long it has been

since the C&R release a lunker program has been going on, but it has been some time

I've got patches that date back to the early 80's and I think it was going on before that.

You have to take a witness to the hatchery with you to verify the fish was 18" + and was

released unharmed. Both the catcher and the witness have to sign a form.

[laker67]

Hey everyone. I'm probley a day late but I just found this and thought everyone would enjoy this. It's a catch and release program my MDC for catching and releasing a fish over 18" in all four parks. I've attached a web site to check it out. The application icon isn't working yet but check it out!

http://www.mdc.mo.gov/fish/sport/trout/lunker.htm

This program has been in effect at BSSP for several years, at least 15 if I were to guess. I never agreed with the 18 inch part. Very few 18 inchers will weigh 3 pounds, 2.5 if they are healthy.

[laker67]

I guess I'd rather have an "I released a lunker" patch than a "Look how big this fish grew while feeding solely on trout pellets! What a trophy!" lunker on my wall...

*ducks and hides*

They have to eat something! Don't grow very much eating maribou jigs. Are you against people catching large fish?

[Gavin]

The snob in me thinks the idea is downright silly..Who cares about trout park "Lunkers" and "Lunker Patches". The cynic in me makes me wonder if somebody had a friend in the patch business. The rational me says I should be doing something more productive with my time . Cheers.

[laker67]

I'll keep my comments on lunker patches to myself to avoid suffering the wrath of the board, lol...

C,mon you got to tell us!

[smartfish73]

i dont see any difference in mounting a hatchery fed trout and a 30 lb striper caught down at bull shoals or anywhere else you still have to find a bait that they will eay you still have to land the fish and it is just as fun granted when i was younger i always did want the patches i have caught a few lunkers in my life and i just caught my first one over 7 lbs and i am going to have it mounted but i am not worried about the patches and i am not ashamed of catching and mounting a HATCHERY FED TROUT

[laker67]

i dont see any difference in mounting a hatchery fed trout and a 30 lb striper caught down at bull shoals or anywhere else you still have to find a bait that they will eay you still have to land the fish and it is just as fun granted when i was younger i always did want the patches i have caught a few lunkers in my life and i just caught my first one over 7 lbs and i am going to have it mounted but i am not worried about the patches and i am not ashamed of catching and mounting a HATCHERY FED TROUT

Well said! Congrats on the 7 pounder!