Protecting The Bass Population?

[Whack'emGood]

Sir, I'm not sure what you're reading, but I wasn't trying to taunt you or anyone else. I was just simply stating that I didn't feel like getting into this argument, but it was hard to keep my mouth shut. In fact, I wasn't even really referring to what you said. I may be incorrect on this, but I think you read me all wrong.

Really though, I'm kinda confused how you could have taken this as me taunting you..................................................

I replied to clarify that I wasn't threatening anyone because you quoted my post (Post #68) in your post (Post #69), and then under the quotation you said you were "trying to hold your tounge on this." That is probably why I thought you were referring to what I said and implying that I was threatening Rangerman. If you'll look back at your post (Post #69) then you'll see what I saw. As far as the "taunting" part... I was referring to what Rangerman said about taunting other fishermen out on the water. I was just saying that it is not advisable for him to taunt and get into a fight with someone out on the lake.

It doesn't matter to me though at this point... You and I misunderstood each other and things are cool-- and folks just need to agree to disagree on this subject as well, because one side will never be able to convince the other side to change (and vice-versa). It is what it is.

Good luck out on the water Ozark Trout Fisher.

Whack'em

[Jon]

Wow.

I wonder just how many people that catch and release there are to how many that catch and FRY! I may be way off base here but I'm guessing the catch and fry crowd would be bigger. So to me here we have a minority of people overreacting to fish population problem that to my knowledge does'nt exsist and seems to be in very healthy condition and wants to dictate to the fish and fry crowd thier views and beliefs and going as far as wanting new regulations on this lake forcing the fish and fry crowd to catch and release fish ( LM Bass ). This is the most pathetic discussion I've came across on this board. You all have to be kidding. What ever happened to " keep your nose on your face"? If aguy wants to fish for sport, because thats what catch and release is, a sport, then so be it. He can do what he wants. To me it kind of sounds selfish to want someone who has landed a fish to throw it back so Joe Smo can catch him himself. After all, that person has also has paid the same permit fee, hauled his boat or butt to the lake and bought the gear to catch that fish. If he wants to eat it, why not? Why not? The excuse of protecting a population of fish that realy does'nt need any other protection accept the rules the MDC put forth just is not a viable excuse.

If you want catch and release regulations, then what about the hunting crowd? Why not tranquilise and release deer/turkey so others can hunt the same animal? After you shoot it, get your picture taken and then release it back into the woods. Sounds real similar to me to the catch and release of fish but smaller scale. Also I'd figure that alot of catch and release fishermen that hunt would'nt be so keen on this idea. That'd cost extra money and alot of regulations. Why stop there! Cancel Spring Turkey season also, thats during turkey breeding season, or how about the peak rut of deer season, lets cancel that! Yeh right, at your own risk. Fishing over a bedded female bass is no different.

To me thats how utterly rediculous this discussion is. Everyone pays thiersto participate in fishing or hunting. They follow the regulations set up by the MDC. The MDC sets regulations according to populations and areas along with fair chase rules.

I'm sorry if I offended anyone, but pushing me with some rediculous regulation of catch and release is stepping on my toes too, and I'm not going to sit back and watch some self ritious crowd ruin fishing for the other crowd that does it for enjoyment and using a natural recource that belongs to all of us to eat. That last thing we need is another regulation for fishing or hunting.

[Whack'emGood]

I wonder just how many people that catch and release there are to how many that catch and FRY! I may be way off base here but I'm guessing the catch and fry crowd would be bigger. So to me here we have a minority of people overreacting to fish population problem that to my knowledge does'nt exsist and seems to be in very healthy condition

I am not going to argue with you over your obvious opinion to catch and fry, but you are wrong on these statements that I have quoted here.

At least 90% of bass fishermen are catch and release, and this is why Table Rock is such a great bass fishery. If the majority was catch and fry, as you say, then TR wouldn't be even a decent bass lake.

I will respect your catch and fry policy, as it is your right, and say no more.

Good fishing.

Whack'em

[bjovan]

Man I think we have to bring in a second dead horse the first one is about used up.

[denjac]

I will continue to catch and release bass, so the catch and fry guys will have somthing to eat! The lake wouldnt be what it is today if it wern"t for catch and release. Who wants to eat a wormy old bass anyway, I would rather have a tasty walleye or crappie anyday. This thread is getting old lets move on.

[ozark trout fisher]

I replied to clarify that I wasn't threatening anyone because you quoted my post (Post #68) in your post (Post #69), and then under the quotation you said you were "trying to hold your tounge on this." That is probably why I thought you were referring to what I said and implying that I was threatening Rangerman. If you'll look back at your post (Post #69) then you'll see what I saw. As far as the "taunting" part... I was referring to what Rangerman said about taunting other fishermen out on the water. I was just saying that it is not advisable for him to taunt and get into a fight with someone out on the lake.

It doesn't matter to me though at this point... You and I misunderstood each other and things are cool-- and folks just need to agree to disagree on this subject as well, because one side will never be able to convince the other side to change (and vice-versa). It is what it is.

Good luck out on the water Ozark Trout Fisher.

Whack'em

It seems like we kinda both misunderstood what we were saying. Its all good........................

My policy on this is pretty simple. I catch and release at least 95% of the legal bass I catch, but if I'm fishing a lake with a strong population, I might keep one for dinner that night. Pretty much though, If I'm hungry for fish, I'll go after bluegill or catfish, or maybe trout in one of the parks. Personally, when it comes to bass fishing, or other species, I think that the right answer is sensible harvest. I tip my hat to those of you who haven't kept a fish in years. It really does show your dedication to the conservation of the species. But I like fried fish a little to much to give up catch and keep altogether, although I do try to keep bass as little as possible. Especially smallmouth

By the way Whack em Good, good luck fishing.

[laker67]

The lake wouldnt be what it is today if it wern"t for catch and release.

I think it has more to do with the length limits that MDC established back in the 70's and 80's. Growing up on LOZ, a four pound bass was something that you wrote home about. I can remember fishing the "Rock" when the rapala was born. You would catch 60 fish a day and not a one over 12 inches. A few years after the lenght limits, 3, 4, and the occasional 5 pounder were becoming common place.

[ozarkgunner]

I think it has more to do with the length limits that MDC established back in the 70's and 80's. Growing up on LOZ, a four pound bass was something that you wrote home about. I can remember fishing the "Rock" when the rapala was born. You would catch 60 fish a day and not a one over 12 inches. A few years after the lenght limits, 3, 4, and the occasional 5 pounder were becoming common place.

Tanneycomo is set up perfectly in my opinion. The split zones work well for all of the parties (bait, fly, keep or kill). To do the samething on TRL, I would make the limit one brown over 18', 5 spots over 12', and 3 largemouths, but only one over 18". Total limit no more the 5 combined. Any area west of the Kimberling City Bridge would be closed to harvest of black bass from March 30 until May 30. This would leave all of the other lakes (Stockton, Pomme, LOZ, Bull Shoals) open to the current regulations. This would make part of TRL a true trophy bass fishery.

JUST MY 2 CENTS!

[Bill Babler]

I will state this again and the last time for the RECORD. Bass harvest limits on Table Rock are not set to control the Black Bass Populations. PERIOD DONE.

Wildlife such as deer and turkey have limits set for populaton control

Black Bass limits are set at a resonable ammount to encourage useage of the resoruce. This generates dollars with very little concern on Table Rock about adversley affecting the populations by over harvest.

With 100's of millions of tourist dollars at stake here the limits are set to encourage people to use and come to Table Rock lake on their yearly vacations, knowing full well, the few fish they harvest will in no means effect the populations in any manner. I believe the harvest is still less that 1 keeper bass for each 8 hrs. of fishing. The tourist are not hurting this population.

Locals, guides and long time Table Rock fisherman, are the people that control the harvest.

I know for a fact that it was recommended that the limits be dropped on the Rock after the 1999 fish kill. This was rejected do soley to the negitive impact that it would have on tourism to the lake Big State Tax Dollars. Limit reduction was rejected because of money, with no real thought of the resourse. These fish have had a rough go with the kill and the Corp's of Engineers, and have weathered it and are in wonderful supply.

Mostly because a huge percentage of the population is released to spawn multiple times in their lifes, and bring joy to multitudes of people by being caught and released over and over. When that 16inch Kentuck, smashes that Zara Spook, I don't care how many times she has been caught before. Only that she was released to hit and fight again. I know, if that continues she will be able to spawn for years in the future, most probably up to another 1/2 million eggs from the time she is 15 inches till her death, as late as 15 years old. It is my joy in life to give anything that gives me so much pleasure the gift of life.

The Biologist at MDC know that the harvest is very select, and that the larger percentage of Black Bass Fisherman are catch and release. This is the data that is used.

Remember this, Table Rock is and has to be a self-sustaining resource as far as the Black Bass species is concerend. Poor spawn, good spawn, no matter, it is on its own. No Stocking Here.

If you feel comfortable keeping legal size bass, its your right.

If you feel right using live crayfish, shiners, worms or leaches to catch and kill pregnant females on beds while they try and sustain a non-stocked resourse, go ahead. Let the grand children and their grand children deal with your glutony, what do you care, thats the way your folks did it.

Lets us just go ahead and use up all the natural resources we can and while were at it put the country in the largest debt in history. Let the Grand Kids and their Grand Kids deal with our fundamental lack of repect for who and what we are responsible for. Thats the way our folks did it so it has to be right.

Or, Oh, It's really not a problem however as most of us can catch all we want anytime we want. We have special teniques that really work anytime we go. All the more reason to kill everyone of them we can.

I will not kill these fish as they bring me far to much pleasure. The smiles they put on the faces of the people I take are priceless. The joy of seeing gleaming spotted bass smash a red-fin is one of my greatest thrills. Be pretty hard for me to slice the sides out of something that gives me that much joy.

A heavy thump on a football jig and the Bull Tug of the LM up the James River, where a few years ago, they were almost non-existant. Be really hard to cut one of their heads off.

The screem of the reels drag as that 4 pound SMJ takes off with my grub in the dam area, where as early ago as 1976 they were not even classified as a catchable fish on Table Rock. Know for sure I cannot gut any of these wonderful pullers.

So, from here forth, pleas do not bring up populaton control, it has nothing to do as far as the catch limits of the Bass on Table Rock are concerned. Your tourist dollars do however.

No, for me food is just to cheap and the joys of life to high for me to end any one of them.

I love Table Rock and all the precious fish that swim in her.

[denjac]

Amen!!