Unbelievable.......shufflers

[Quillback]

I think Charo has a show there too. Man, that's entertainment.

Charo doesn't shuffle, but she "cuchi - cuchies"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRmZzekrpDA

[Feathers and Fins]

Not sure I understand where "chumming" is unethical it is the standard for many tournaments both fresh and saltwater.

[ness]

Charo doesn't shuffle, but she "cuchi - cuchies"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRmZzekrpDA

Nope. Can't do it. You called my bluff.

[ness]

[Greasy B]

Not sure I understand where "chumming" is unethical it is the standard for many tournaments both fresh and saltwater.

I guess it depends on the body of water and the nature of the fishery. In many salt water and some fresh waters the fish are scattered over such a vast area there may be no other way to have a chance than to chum. Shuffling is usually only effective in the first few miles of a tailwater or spring fed trout fishery, a very large quantity of fish in a very small area.

We all except the rules that we have to fish under because it levels the playing field and encourages the element of fair chase. When a trout fisher uses bait in an artificials only area he tips the scale wildly in his favor, ignores fair chase for the goal of accumulation.

When I started fishing White River in the late eighties it was a common practice to herd large brown trout into a very small area, hem them in that area with a strategically placed boat(s) and drop bait in front of their nose. This tipped the scale wildly in favor of the herders, skirted around the element of fair chase and harmed the fishery. Arkansas had the foresight to make this activity illegal. Cumming on White River followed much the same path from excepted behavior to unacceptable. When these laws were passed some who had fished this way thought the world was coming to an end. Over time the restrictions were accepted, people changed their behavior and the fishery benefitted.

I believe when people are exposed to sound ethical practices they begin to see that a level playing field is best for them and their sport. As evidence I see the long cherished practice of catching a limit of trout in the morning, consuming that at lunch then going out for another limit after lunch as a fading behavior in Arkansas. Change takes time, with sound science based fishing regulations, education and ethical practices our fisheries can be maintained and improved.

[Feathers and Fins]

Greasy you say " level playing field "! But who is the level playing field directed at?

I see any put n take fishery as a place people go to take fish that are put in by the state for that reason so there is no need for a " level playing field" as the concept is to take.

Now if it was a tournament I could see the "level playing field" as being needed for the {Ethics} of the tournament. But it doesn't fit in for put n take fisheries.

I understand this behavior is mostly confined on Taney at least to the trophy area, If MDC wanted to make it a true trophy area they would put far more strict regulations on the area. For instance Only 1 fish may be kept and it must be over 24'' in length and only Fly Fishing with single barbless hooks.

[jdmidwest]

Arkansas has a law against it in the books I think on White River and Norfork Catch and Release areas. They are dislodging scuds and other crustaceans generating a chum line to attract fish. It also disturbs the bottom and interrupts the stream bed development.

Per the Ark Fishing Regs

Chum in trout waters designated as catch-and-release
areas, artificial lures only areas and areas where natural
or scented baits are prohibited. Chumming is defined
as dislodging or depositing any substance not attached
to a hook, which may attract fish. One common
example of chumming is tossing canned corn into
the water to stimulate feeding. Dislodging material
from the streambed to attract trout by working or
shuffling one’s feet, known as the “San Juan Shuffle,”
is considered chumming. Dragging chains or anchors
is not considered chumming.

[Mitch f]

http://youtu.be/YriPIujLtsA

Is it just me or does he look just like Honey Boo Boo? Anyway, he made Salt Lake City proud!!

[Greasy B]

I've seen plenty of shuffling in the parks. Surely with the slot in place their must be some small albeit lame attempt to have some grow in between the put and the take.

"Put and take" three of the saddest words in Missouri trout fishing.

[Seth]

Every novice tailwater angler is entitled to catch boot feeders one time. if you have never see fish so thick that you stumble and trip over them it's really amazing the first time. After that any thinking angler should stop and ponder just what they value in their fishing experience. If all they value is catching one fish after the other well fine. To know no better level of success than mere accumulation is to miss the whole point, it's their loss.

Shuffling is chumming it is unethical, it should be discouraged or illegal when used to catch game fish.

Well said. Those sum up my thoughts on the matter as well. When I first started fishing on Taney, I admit that I shuffled a time or two because it was something new to me and I couldn't pass up the easy chance to catch a bunch of fish. A few times was plenty and then I started trying to catch them in a more sporting manner. I'd like to think this is how most anglers progress when fly fishing tail waters.