Rose Holland Anyone?

[10pointer]

I guess I had better take my fish down out of the lodge...I dont want to be deemed rude and a snagger by some.

I have heard that there is going to be some legal dicipline given out to someone, but cant confirm that just yet. If the story is true I want to see them get what they deserve, even if I know them. We should all play by the same rules no matter who is around.

As far as the derby goes... it was alot of fun but it is a direct indication that the mdc is sick of "lunker hunting". They used to put in 40 lunkers but this year a measley 10 were put in. A couple nice fish but most in the 3-4 range. As much as some people hate lunkers, some people do it the right way and a few people dont. Those people that dont are ruining a long running derby for the rest of the folks that enjoy it. I always have a good time and relax whether I catch a good one or stockers.

[laker67]

I guess I had better take my fish down out of the lodge...I dont want to be deemed rude and a snagger by some.

I have heard that there is going to be some legal dicipline given out to someone, but cant confirm that just yet. If the story is true I want to see them get what they deserve, even if I know them. We should all play by the same rules no matter who is around.

As far as the derby goes... it was alot of fun but it is a direct indication that the mdc is sick of "lunker hunting". They used to put in 40 lunkers but this year a measley 10 were put in. A couple nice fish but most in the 3-4 range. As much as some people hate lunkers, some people do it the right way and a few people dont. Those people that dont are ruining a long running derby for the rest of the folks that enjoy it. I always have a good time and relax whether I catch a good one or stockers.

As far as the few you speak of. They are the ones who are rude, make their presence known in a crowd, and are not so liked by most. That is what most people base their assumption of lunker hunters to be. The ones who play by the rules and do it the right way are seldom noticed. They don't crowd you out, they are not loud and obnoxious when they hook a fish, and most times have caught and released a good fish without most knowing. You are right about derbys being fun. It's a braggin rights competitive thing that most of us enjoy amongst ourselves. It's a meet up with old friends on the creek, and as much a social event as competitive. It also sponsors a good cause. Years ago a crack down was made at bssp on derby day. It is a hard thing to prove much more than unsportsmanlike methods. Several were just asked to leave, but very few complied if any. At that time, JIm Myers worked for mdc and watched those people like a hawk. It was a tremendous effort on his part to curb and discourage, but had little lasting impact. I look at it this way. When mister snagger takes his trophy home and someone asks, "what did you catch him on"? Right then and there he has to decide to lie each time he is asked, or just tell the truth up front. I suspect that most will continue to lie each time, because a snagged fish is illegal to take into possession. You and I have mutual friends and I am positive that you do things the right way. Feel privledged to fool and land a nice fish within the park. If someone happens to be watching they just might change their minds about lunker fishermen when you gently release the fish to do battle another day.

[Idylwilde]

I guess I had better take my fish down out of the lodge...I dont want to be deemed rude and a snagger by some.

I have heard that there is going to be some legal dicipline given out to someone, but cant confirm that just yet. If the story is true I want to see them get what they deserve, even if I know them. We should all play by the same rules no matter who is around.

As far as the derby goes... it was alot of fun but it is a direct indication that the mdc is sick of "lunker hunting". They used to put in 40 lunkers but this year a measley 10 were put in. A couple nice fish but most in the 3-4 range. As much as some people hate lunkers, some people do it the right way and a few people dont. Those people that dont are ruining a long running derby for the rest of the folks that enjoy it. I always have a good time and relax whether I catch a good one or stockers.

Thank you for pointing out that a few is costing everyone. I have had many people tell me that they will not ever fish the Derby just because of the actions of the few. That effects not only the Heart Association funds but the park and everything around the park. The only way to change it is to complain when you see it going on and not just to your friends, complain to MDC.

[10pointer]

The MDC is well aware of what is happening down there in the parks during derbys now. I talked with the agents and I was actually watched the whole time this weekend which doesnt and never will bother me...because I do things the right way. No sense in ruining someone elses day that they are trying to enjoy down there, and no sense in snagging a fish that I couldnt fool into biting. I never realized how people could be proud and take a snagged fish to weigh in.

I was told by the agents that they are looking to make some changes to the derbys, but they fell short of saying that lunkers will be no more (which was what they were implying im sure). It really just sucks that it is coming to that and that the derby atmosphere is being ruined.

While I do think there are misunderstandings about some certain people that fish the park, there are alot of guilty people as far as the rude factor goes. Now I cant say there isnt snagging going on because I havent been there 100% of the time but as Jeff said... but a couple of those guys mentioned are some of the best jig fishermen in the park. Just because they catch quite a few lunkers doesnt automatically put someone in the snagger category and the rude category, but some do fit that bill to an extent in some cases.

[Gavin]

You have the power. 10pt...MTFA has a hand in those derbys...Tell the bad apples that they arent welcome anymore..

[3wt]

Its always the same cast of characters leading those derby's...Its amazing how consistant they are.

Yeah...amazing for lack of better term.

[Idylwilde]

If anyone don't think we have big trout in the parks thumb through these photos.

My link