Gigging Is Stupid

[Stoneroller]

mssg me your email address and I'll send the data to anyone who wants it. it's far to big of a file to post and it's formatted so i can't copy and paste it.

[Gavin]

Think that part of the problem is Missouri's Wildlife Violation Point System. 16 points will get your priveledges taken away for a year and gigging, or snagging gamefish is only a 4pt violation. Spearfishing 12pts, Spotlighting deer 12pts, deer dogging 16pts, deer out of season 12pts, Turkey out of season 12pts, operating off road vehicles in streams 8 or 16pts. Here's the list.

http://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2012/02/points_chart2007.pdf

[Wayne SW/MO]

gigging, or snagging gamefish is only a 4pt violation

And then only if you get caught.

Does anybody know what the forfeit rules are?

[ness]

Looks like it usually takes two offenses, one a major one, before you lose privileges for a year? Those penalties seem pretty tame if I'm reading it right. Doesn't seem like much of a deterrent, but I know there are also fines, etc. 5 year loss of privileges seems like a nice deterrent to me. Second offense maybe lose it for life -- because you're too stupid to be allowed out there with a gun or even a fishin' pole.

[grizwilson]

First, I love river fishing, 99% fly fishing catch and release, hate to see anyone take. But, Gigging is part of conservation management and part of the fishing sport. We need more and better enforcement. I have seen novices make a mistake, and that is a negitive part of the sport, obviously those who have not done it think it is like gigging frogs. It is not. That said, the only way to truely protect the bass is to join up with these folks and all fish will be safe:

http://www.peta.org/about/why-peta/catch-and-release-fishing.aspx

If gigging is outlawed is catch and release next? They will take my fly rod when they pry my cold dead fingers off it!

[Chief Grey Bear]

Looks like it usually takes two offenses, one a major one, before you lose privileges for a year? Those penalties seem pretty tame if I'm reading it right. Doesn't seem like much of a deterrent, but I know there are also fines, etc. 5 year loss of privileges seems like a nice deterrent to me. Second offense maybe lose it for life -- because you're too stupid to be allowed out there with a gun or even a fishin' pole.

Don't you reckon if they are already caught doing something illegal that not being able to purchase a once a year piece of paper probably ain't gonna be much of a deterrent anyway???? At least we are still getting some of their money once they have their privileges reinstated.

I mean if you loose the privilege for a year or more, you didn't just make an innocent mistake. And taking their license is not going to stop them. "Oh crap fellas, I can't go poaching with you, I don't have a license. I won't be able to go with you for a couple of years. Ol' sheriff Prater caught me and took me to the Judge and they yanked my privileges for two years. Next time he said he'll take them forever! Sure don't want to get caught poaching without them!"

[Al Agnew]

Griz, I mostly don't disagree with you, but PLEASE don't try to say that what we are seeing is novice mistakes. When we are seeing gigged bass and crappie (how could you mistake a crappie for ANYTHING legal to gig?) on the Meramec from the Steelville area all the way to the mouth of the Bourbeuse, and many days this winter 30% to 100% of the over 16 inch smallmouth we catch have been gigged, this isn't novices and it isn't accidental. That, by the way, is the data I'm getting so far from the people who have been sending me reports and pictures.

[laker67]

How do all of these fish survive being gigged?

[grizwilson]

Griz, I mostly don't disagree with you, but PLEASE don't try to say that what we are seeing is novice mistakes. When we are seeing gigged bass and crappie (how could you mistake a crappie for ANYTHING legal to gig?) on the Meramec from the Steelville area all the way to the mouth of the Bourbeuse, and many days this winter 30% to 100% of the over 16 inch smallmouth we catch have been gigged, this isn't novices and it isn't accidental. That, by the way, is the data I'm getting so far from the people who have been sending me reports and pictures.

Al,

Agreed, you are correct, that is why I continue to ask for enforcement.That is my point the novice mistake "legally gigging" is not the problem; But apparently these folks are not gigging to keep, they appear to be practicing gig and release, which is sick. I have encountered some who would gig bass and have turned them in, most were eventualy convicted. It seems you all are encountering some type of "vandals" We have had some in my area, set big bales in my field on fire, bust out tractor windows, shoot deer and leave them lay for no reason? Rank right up there with child molesters in my book, probably the same scum. These guys appear to just be killing fish for kicks, probably killing suckers and leaving them lay also. What I am saying is outlawing catch and release is not a answer, outlawing gigging is not the answer. Stopping vandals and poachers is the answer and we all need to step up and help.

[Chief Grey Bear]

How do all of these fish survive being gigged?

I guess about as well as those that have huge, nasty hook wounds and sometimes broken jaws from C&R fishermen.

You guy's know I just had to release the elephant in the room.