Killing Muskies :(

[Bill Y.]

I've heard some disturbing reports of crappie fishermen killing muskies on purpose by gutting them or throwing them on the bank, because they feel muskies are eating up the crappie and diminishing the crappie population. Not true.

There is a lot of speculation that they are eating machines and are capable of decimating other species populations that exist in the same system. Yes, muskies eat other fish, and they might even occasionally snag a crappie, bluegill, or even a walleye, but not nearly as often as some would like to have you believe. There is a lot of data recorded through Muskies Inc. that indicates a muskies’ diet consists far more of rough fish than it does other species like crappie, bass or walleye... Muskies are a lot like people and don't want to exert any more effort than needed to accomplish a task. A rough fish, such as suckers, carp, shad, etc. are far easier to prey upon than a quickly moving bass or crappie. Plus, they seem to prefer rough fish species... By keeping rough fish populations in check, muskies are a key ingredient to maintaining a healthy fishery for all sport fish.

I've also heard reports of people accidentally killing muskies because they don't know the proper way to handle them or release them... Never over play a muskie! Take special care when removing hooks and do not rip up the muskies mouth!! You should never hold the fish vertically for either measuring or taking a photo, as it can cause damage to both the internal organs of the fish and/or the jaw. If you place your hand in the gills, that could also prove deadly to the fish. A muskie is naturally supported by water in a horizontal fashion, and we should try to keep them horizontal as much as possible. Only keep a muskie out of water for as long as you can hold your breath. Do not fish for muskies in water that is 80 degrees or higher.

The MDC spends a lot of money and time to provide a unique fishing opportunity for us here in MO and there's no reason to kill muskies!

[Stoneroller]

sounds like you need to make a call to MDC and report your findings, including any names you may have heard. People who violate the wildlife code are stealing from ALL of us!!

[RSBreth]

sounds like you need to make a call to MDC and report your findings, including any names you may have heard. People who violate the wildlife code are stealing from ALL of us!!

Exactly right. If you hear something directly - report it. MDC Greene County contact numbers.

[Bill Butts]

Nicely articulated post!

It is unfortnuate that Muskies, like Stripers, get an unsubstantiated bad rap from some fishermen.

Fisheries research has proven, and continues to prove, that species like crappie and LM bass actually benefit and flourish from co-habitating species like Muskies and Stripers.

Unfortunately, there are some who wont'/don't do their homework to educate themselves, so they believe what they want to believe.

Like others stated above, call MDC's Operation Game Thief for any wildlife violation, it is manned 24/7 -- 800-392-1111

Program it in your phone.

BB

[evnrude18]

Amen to all of the above, let's do everything to keep the populations, that so many have worked hard for, are preserved and are in check for our future fisherman-woman-people!!! Report as necessary!

[Zac Seale]

Muskies yes, they shouldn't have too much of an impact of our native fish, especially in this climate. However, I'm not sure i would go along with stipers not causing problems. Stripers, especially mature stripers can eat a lot fish, and not just bait fish. They typically eat about 1/2 or more of their weight in fish every day from what i have researched and talked to biologists. I have definitely noticed a difference in walleye fishing at Bull Shoals since all these record fish have been making their way through the lake. They can do some damage in certain enviroments. Just my opinion.

[Feathers and Fins]

Muskies yes, they shouldn't have too much of an impact of our native fish, especially in this climate. However, I'm not sure i would go along with stipers not causing problems. Stripers, especially mature stripers can eat a lot fish, and not just bait fish. They typically eat about 1/2 or more of their weight in fish every day from what i have researched and talked to biologists. I have definitely noticed a difference in walleye fishing at Bull Shoals since all these record fish have been making their way through the lake. They can do some damage in certain enviroments. Just my opinion.

http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/index.php?showtopic=32516&hl=stripers&fromsearch=1

[Addicted to Creeks]

http://forums.ozarka...rs&fromsearch=1

nice

[Wayne SW/MO]

I hear the knock on stripers, but I just can't buy it. I remember well when they introduced stripers into Lake Texoma and the cries that the great black bass fishing was over. It never happened and probably the first clue was the fact that bass fishermen wern't catching stripers, inspite of the fact that they were doing well. The reason was that while the blacks were doing what they had always done the stripers were in open water hunting down shad that were to big for the native population to control.

The real competition was between the shad and the bass fingerlings.

I think it is one of very few introductions of non-native fish that has probably helped the natives. If you want to look for a questionable introduction, look at the walleye.

[Addicted to Creeks]

in my generation and the one before me selling walleye as a bad intro is a tough sell, at least as far north as we are we hunt them a sport fish a we love them