Possible Release Of Stripers In Table Rock Today

[Fishin Hodge]

Fins,

You say you wouldn't want them in the Rock, but then state they do not harm the fishery when it comes to Bull Shoals. This seems to be the common theme amoung a lot of people, ecspecially those from MO. No they don't hurt anything, no, no, no don't put them in Table Rock, put them in Bull Shoals. Not trying to badger you here, but it seems to be a double standard to me. T

It frustrates me to no end that MO, which a very small portion of Bull Shoals is in, stocks stripers in an AR lake, but Table Rock, on the same chain that lies in MO is off limits from striper stock.

Thank you MDC. I wish there was more I could do personally to convey my dissatisfaction to them in a meaningful way.

By the way, I did finally hook into one of the monster stripers on Bull Shoals. It was a blast to reel in, but Bull being the red-headed step child is getting really old to me.

Fins, thanks for all the informative information you have posted over the years. I do appreciate and respect your opinions.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Hodge the one thing we don't know, or I don't think we do, is what the shad populations are in either lake. I know TR has a very good population of threadfin and that's not the shad you want temperate's reducing. It might just be that they don't think the shad to game fish is that bad in TR.

As far as stocking BS you can't divide the lake by state boundaries today because the permit is so cheap mist people buy it and ignore state lines. The MDC has been at the for front of walleye stocking and with the spring runs we probably get all of our share. The stripers will also make runs and it will be a good economic plus for Forsyth at times.

I wish it were hybrids, but I understand they have a tendency to migrate and I would assume they're afraid they might go trout fishing in the White.

[Feathers and Fins]

Hodge, If you read a few of my tail water reports I enjoy pursuing them on the Rock as they tend to be Monstrous size thanks to the rainbows . But why I like they are not in it in very large numbers is " I have salt in my blood " Something goes off in me when I see flowing water AKA Generation and know trout are nearby and stripers love trout. Ya I know they are both fresh and saltwater but its the dang Salty in me that cant leave it alone.

No double standards at all. I know they do not harm and in fact most data supports them as actually good for the health of a lake as they eat the larger gizzards that Bass cannot prey on with good success thus eliminating them so the smaller shad can thrive. So on the science end of it no double standard. The personal side is where it might be perceived as when im on the rock I like chasing walleye and as stated above if I saw generation it would pull me off the walleye and put me as far up the White River as I could get to tie into those stripers. So the conflict comes from inside me not the science.

The biggest reason Bass anglers don't want them is not based on sound science its based on they don't want any perceived competition for their beloved bass. Ive been in this argument for years and when presented with the facts and tons of research and many state and federal agencies even backing it the Bass guys wont back down. The sad thing is if they acknowledged the science and fact and pushed for striper stocking they would most likely see a boost in the Bass health and lake health.

[Feathers and Fins]

Wayne there is no "might about it" Hybrids love trout. Use to watch them chase trout all the time and a 12pnd hybrid will easily take down a 10 to 13'' trout. So long as the state keeps an eye on the lake and especially the shad population stocking of striper and hybrids can be beneficial but they will need to keep that eye on the lake. MDC does a great job of this and due to that I believe it could be done in a beneficial way on a limited basis on the rock. But (if) they ever did I would want them to base it off the ratio of Large Gizzard Shad to Striper ratio so its a control means for both species. Currently there are actually Game and Fish departments actually now using striper as a carp control means. I have been following that very close and indications are it is have success, this will without doubt improve base fishing in those lakes. They may also be used for controlling the flying carp populations. There seems to be a great deal of use for Stripers ( if managed correctly )

[Wayne SW/MO]

Wayne there is no "might about it" Hybrids love trout.

Oh I know they do, but what I question is why stripers and not hybrids? I'm not being critical, but curious? I simply wondered if they thought too many hybrids would end up below the dam?

What always surprises me is that many black bass fishermen have some dislike of stripers and their kin, but are quiet about walleyes that are a direct competitor to the blacks?

[Feathers and Fins]

My opinion is pure size of stripers is why. They are the " fish of a lifetime " for many people. Most hybrids max out under 20lbs and that's not in the FOAL size.

Walleye would be a hard argument is why, they are native and taking on the Native vs Introduced argument is one they know they have no leg to stand on plus they know there is no chance in hell with states reintroduction of native species "directives" they would win that one.

I laugh at them never complaining about trout and know its because they know nothing grows bass better than trout-snicker-bars. Even though trout could be argued as non-native.

[abkeenan]

How about we just leave Table Rock alone as it is and if you want to fish for stripers go somewhere else to chase them. I know I don't want my expensive jerkbait collection to have to be restocked every year when one decides he wants to take mine. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[Feathers and Fins]

Ab this is just a simple discussion its already stated TR didn't get stocked. Besides if the bass ever discover how good trout are you will be replacing them anyway lol.

[FRENZEL]

Do you really think they would ruin the Table Rock bass fishery when both Bull Shoals and Lake of the Ozarks have them and rank (if I remember right) higher than Table Rock Lake? I wouldnt put my $ either way though.

[skeeter]

ROTFLMAO !!! I don't know who starts more incorrect, crazy rumors...the UPS guys or the chicks doing hair at the local "miracle shops" ! I've heard some doozys from both sources lately. [bIG GRIN ]