zebra mussles

[fishinwrench]

Mocarp, Not more skill, just "different skill". a TR fisherman is not likely to be very good at shooting jigs into 3 inch spaces between blocks of styrofoam without making a bunch of racket, or sneaking around docks skippin' under cables. And a LO guy is probably gonna suck at deep water drop-shottin' or Doodlin' worms. If I was in the mood to argue though I'd search and compare weigh-in results for the two lakes over the last 10 years...but honestly, who cares?

Truth be known, I would move closer to TR if given the chance

[CMAC]

Wrench,

Where else are you going to catch monster crappie on a stickbait, consistently!!

Can you say "Pointer"

Later,

[fishinwrench]

Yep, the Slabs eat jerkbaits here

I like the LC Pointer, but for two years running a buddy spanked my butt from the back of the boat with that &#!@*& "Yo-Zuri Crystal minnow"....the Crappie really love it, I think the thin profile seals the deal.

Nevertheless I'm sold on that jerkbait when it comes to big Winter Crappie.

(Man, we hijacked this thread "ATL style", didn't we?)

As the Zebra Mussels begin to clean up the water the jerkbait/Crappie bite will even get better....There, now we're back on track

[CMAC]

Oops, your right, back to zebra mussles, suppose to improve smallmouth populations?

[Kayser]

maybe good for walleye, too. I hear they like the somewhat cleaner water.

Rob

BTW- how do zebra mussels taste? might they become the LOTO oysters?

[fishinwrench]

Tastes like chicken

[CMAC]

FISHY?

[CMAC]

Okay, i will start this up again.

Zebra's on the half shell.

[SKMO]

Okay, i will start this up again.

Zebra's on the half shell.

Ok Guys –

Let me check in on this Zebra Mussel conversation.

I’ll throw out some random thoughts I have after listening to Stephan McMurray, the MDC Fisheries Research Biologist as he gave a presentation to the MNRC (Missouri Natural Resources Conference) at Lake Ozark , (Tan-Tar-A) last week. Please forgive me if I have some facts somewhat skewed but I’ll do my best.

The economic impacts of Z-Mussel infestation are horrendous. From a fisherman’s standpoint they are almost insignificant. Compared to the problems they create with water utilities and power generation facilities they are pretty minor. We are talking about hundred of millions of dollars to respond to the problems that zebra mussels create.

The main problem that Zebras present to fishermen is that they are razor sharp objects that cut fishing line. At least that is the initial feedback state agencies have gotten from fishermen, in their focused point of view, as far as their concern regarding the mussels. Not too concerned about overall biology, definitely concerned about losing baits.

The question that we all have as fishermen is not so much getting our baits cut off on sharp mussels, but what is this, might this, will this, do to our fisheries..

Here is the concern: Yes the mussels are filter feeders and might clarify the water BUT newly hatched fry of bass, crappie and other gamefish also feed on the same plankton.

I am sure you all have an opinion on this but the Biologists I have talked with are the first to admit they do not have a clue whether the Z will have a positive, negative, or neutral impact on LOZ.

[fishinwrench]

I am sure you all have an opinion on this but the Biologists I have talked with are the first to admit they do not have a clue whether the Z will have a positive, negative, or neutral impact on LOZ.

Well then, I find it hard to make myself worry about it......I've still yet to see my first one (ZM)......anywhere !