Wayne SW/MO Posted July 14, 2012 Posted July 14, 2012 I've seen a lot of big fish caught sight fishing, but never one snagged. I have seen some nice size fish snagged in the morning assault however. I think sight fisherman is the wrong term for what is implied. I sight fished a lot in the afternoons, drifting a very small nymph at fish in a lie hoping one would take. Lunker hunters target only big fish and will stay on one fish until he takes and is caught or the angler gets tired. Of all the ones I knew, or knew of, it was rare for most to keep a fish unless it was really exceptional. It isn't hard to figure out why there aren't more big fish, just look off the Rock bridge right after the whistle. In decades past you couldn't see the bottom there and at the whistle big fish would start coming out of the hole and head for the gut piles on the hatchery side. On the other end the hatchery just can't raise them big enough in the time allotted. What I would like to see is everything above the dam catch and release. The hatchery could probably get by with stocking it once every 2 weeks or a month and put the others down stream. There is and always will be a bunch, a big bunch, of fishermen who want get their 4 leave. Today's release is tomorrows gift to another fisherman.
laker67 Posted July 14, 2012 Posted July 14, 2012 Hi Wayne, an excellent assessment of a sight fisherman, thank you.
fishinwrench Posted July 14, 2012 Posted July 14, 2012 Put a sidewalk the entire length of the stream down both sides. Probably won't be long.
NoLuck Posted July 14, 2012 Posted July 14, 2012 Not all sight fisherman c&r. Bushacker comes to mind. With as many big fish as this man has caught he still keeps them. Why?? Just to show someone? If the fish is revived and swims off it will be good to go. If it goes belly up then keep it . Cameras do wonders.
laker67 Posted July 14, 2012 Posted July 14, 2012 Not all sight fisherman c&r. Bushacker comes to mind. With as many big fish as this man has caught he still keeps them. Why?? Just to show someone? If the fish is revived and swims off it will be good to go. If it goes belly up then keep it . Cameras do wonders. Hi NoLuck, Jack didn't use to be that way. When Mitchell took over, Jack had issues like the rest of us. So somehow in his mind, this is how he get's even. I have talked to Jack about this to no avail. I keep telling him that he is basically shooting himself in foot. Not returning any big fish to the water has an extreme effect on all of us. With a limited number of big fish in the creek, and new brood stock being released on rare occasions, he is not doing anyone, including himself, any favors. He is trying to prove a point to someone who does not care. Mitchell is probably having a good laugh about it.
fishinwrench Posted July 15, 2012 Posted July 15, 2012 Once upon a time they had a big meeting, all who cared were asked to attend and voice their ideas/concerns at that time or forever hold their peace. Quite a few took the time, traveled and attended, quite a few made excellent points and gave quality feedback. As soon as the doors were closed all the feedback and concerns (that they requested to hear) were all ignored. Well not quite "all"..... they DID change the ruling on foam and rubber legs.
NoLuck Posted July 15, 2012 Posted July 15, 2012 Obviously if the hatchery manager didn't listen to the people that care about the place then he doesn't care or someone above him over ruled him. Either way the people that care lose.
ruthead Posted July 16, 2012 Posted July 16, 2012 I've been going to Bennett for 15 yrs and my wife 30 yrs. We've discussed this before and agree it has declined. While the park is for all anglers, whether experienced or beginers, our passion runs at different levels. They try to cater to all and we all know that "one size fits all" usually isn't good for some. Unfortunately my observation is that we as the passionate experianced anglers are out numbered and division or difference of opinion amongst us may be our demise. We must stand together and make our desires heard. While many times we think it falls on deaf ears the seed must be planted. Sometimes it dies but if we continue to water it, it may just grow. In government, "if the wheel don't squeak it ain't gonna get no grease"!! I like the idea of desininated C&R zones as someone else suggested. At least that would keep the people from parkin their lawn chair right behind you and might keep that beginner from planting himself 5 feet from you because your catchinh fish. Wow! I'm off my soapbox now. Let's go out and "win one for the Gipper" !! "Pretty soon we may not have any rights left because it might infringe on someone's rights"
fishinwrench Posted July 16, 2012 Posted July 16, 2012 I dunno, ruthead. Alot of perfectly lubricated wheels continue to get greased regardless of how loud the others squeak. Those left rear hubs have been smokin' for quite awhile.
ruthead Posted July 16, 2012 Posted July 16, 2012 Yep wrench, with the gov't what gets "greased" on one side isn't necessarily what gets "greased" on the other side. If it quits smokin though they for sure won't fix it! Don't know the real answer but doin nothin won't fix it. Discourageing I know! "Pretty soon we may not have any rights left because it might infringe on someone's rights"
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