Keeping fish in trophy water

[gonefishin]

The "supply/demand aspects" of Taney mentioned above that Heyduke-2-0 talked about are more specific to what I was saying about keeping smaller trout. Of course when we talk about carrying capacity it is not only trout that is involved in the bio-mass at Taney it is also White Sucker, Redhorse, Carp, Bluegill, Bass, Crappie and all the other species of fish that compete for the available food in Taney.

This is a more complicated issue than just saying if they would simply do this one thing it would fix all the problems with the fishery. It would be nice if it were that simple. Taney is a unique fishery that cannot be compared to other fisheries around the country or world for that matter. As I said before it is a man made fishery and therefore the fish that go in and the fish that come out must be maintained by man.

As to people looking at my fish, I don't mind. I myself am guilty of looking at other peoples fish however, when I look at them I don't immediatly grab for a ruler to see if it may be 1/16 inch out of slot. What I don't like is the automatic assumption that I am doing something wrong if I keep a fish I don't like being repeatedly hassled by people if I decide to keep a legal fish. A perfect example of what I am talking about is in Gregs post above where it was automatically assumed he was with another fisherman and doing something wrong - when he wasn't. What I especially hate however are people who try to use the law to enforce a C&R zone that doesn't exist. They waste my time, their time and more importantly they waste the Game Warden's time.

The last couple of times I have fished the trophy area I have felt like I was under a microscope and was always looking over my shoulder to see who was staring at me. I didn't like that feeling so I found another place to fish. I haven't fished the trophy area for a while and doubt that I will again. When I fish I want to relax and have a good time. If I and everyone else on the stream have to be policemen then it isn't possible to just relax and have a good time.

[loo10]

OK...I think I have it now....

we want:

1) slot of 12-25 inches

2) flyfishing only

3) barbless hooks

4) Scott rods

5) tan fishing vests

6) stocking foot waders

7) daylight fishing only

8) Only pretty people fishing

And if you keep a 10 incher caught on a spinner with a treble hook on a shimano rod,

wearing a chest pack in your bootfoot waders at night, and you look like Groucho Marx...

you are hung from a big tree at the shelter house until Taney's buzzard population

pick your illegal carcass clean.

Hmmmmm....sounds about right.

[gonefishin]

OK...I think I have it now....

we want:

1) slot of 12-25 inches

2) flyfishing only

3) barbless hooks

4) Scott rods

5) tan fishing vests

6) stocking foot waders

7) daylight fishing only

8) Only pretty people fishing

And if you keep a 10 incher caught on a spinner with a treble hook on a shimano rod,

wearing a chest pack in your bootfoot waders at night, and you look like Groucho Marx...

you are hung from a big tree at the shelter house until Taney's buzzard population

pick your illegal carcass clean.

Hmmmmm....sounds about right.

I think you stumbled on the anwer. Heh heh

[jscheetz]

Perfect loo!

I know we're all fly-fishing snobs here and whatnot - but I think most of us can at least laugh at ourselves sometimes - I mean you ever wonder if the guys from the Catfishin' forum stop by and read our posts every once in awhile just for a chuckle?

JS

[Greg]

Quote: "we're all fly-fishing snobs here"

Hey now JS I think I resemble that remark!

Seriously though this has been an entertaining thread. Everyone kept their cool for the most part and everyone has their own opinion of what would be best for good old Taney. But it is just that: "opinions".

The MDC is in charge and will do what they think is best.

Greg

[gonefishin]

Well I have about exhausted all of the talking points I can come up with on this subject. I have to say It has been informative, certainly interesting and at times downright humorous

Incredibly there has also been more than 2000 hits on this topic which I think shows the incredible amount of passion people have for the fishery. With this kind of passion I don't think Taney is in any immenent danger of going extinct.

It is true that I like to fish for trout and like you all I am intrested in the future of the fishery however, my real preference is RedEar or when I can find them big Bluegill. There is nothing quiet like catching a 2 lb RedEar on a 2 or 3 wt outfit.

Hope to see you on the water sometime.

[jscheetz]

fishin - I'm exhausted as well - it's been fun!

I will say one more thing - even though there may be things I would like to see changed and laws I'd like to see better enforced etc etc - the bottom line is this: There just are not many places I can go swing a flyrod all day and end up most days catching 20 or more fish. So I guess it's not all that bad

JS

[Phil Lilley]

Guys from MDC do read this forum and I bet there are some even registered "incognito" if you know what I mean.

I believe they may have be given some great ideas from you guys.

Thanks!

[gonefishin]

I figure they probably do read it. What I wonder is what they think when they do.

A lot of what I post are talking points. It doesn't do a lot of good to have a forum it no one is talking and if everyone is in 100% agreement then there isn't much need to have a forum either. So I try to post things that will get people talking. Sometimes it works sometimes it don't.

[Hayduke-2-O]

Just my opinion, fellas... didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. I respect everyone's opinions and will certainly consider much of what has been said before I stare too long next time . I also know how important it is to maintain a positive atmosphere on the water... especially at a place as crowded as Taney. But I am a long way from just tolerating violations on the off chance I might upset someone. Besides, those who take legally should be confident with what they keep as well as why they keep it. They are just as entitled to do what they like as anyone (provided it's legal). It's been a hoot. Out.