Why Does Fishing Continue To Decline In Our Rivers?

[Mitch f]

Perhaps because of poachers like this guy. This photo was taken at Gasconade Hills parking lot. As you can see, he has no regard for any regulations.

[Feathers and Fins]

Ok I only have a couple questions

1. How many people were in his group fishing?

2. What is the size limit on the smallies as obviously he had them

3. Why is his face blocked out

4. if he was over the limit and under the slot did you send this on to MDC face unblocked?

[Mitch f]

This has already been sent to MDC, no blocked face. It was also posted unblocked on Facebook.

I got the photo from a guide/friend so I don't know where he got it.

[Greasy B]

Perhaps because of poachers like this guy. This photo was taken at Gasconade Hills parking lot. As you can see, he has no regard for any regulations.

Why? This is exactly why.

[Feathers and Fins]

Ok so this person posted the evidence to facebook. LMAO I cant say im surprised after seeing so many other things but it does make MDC's job easier.

[fishinwrench]

MDC isn't going to bother following up on that one I don't think.

[ozark trout fisher]

What an idiot that guy is. Not only has no regard for the regs but the arrogance to take pictures and post them online. Hope (at the bare minimum) a hearty fine is headed his way.

As for whether there may have been others in the group.....barely matters. If it's all on one stringer, it's assumed under the law (I believe, anyway) that it's one person's limit of fish. Anyway, "pooling limits" isn't within the law.

[Mitch f]

Not only has no regard for the regs but the arrogance to take pictures and post them online.

.

I remember many years ago when the internet was a new thing, a guy from Illinois caught the world record Blue Cat out of the Mississippi River.

The guy was so proud of the fish (obviously) he took a picture holding up the 124 lb catfish up in the air. The problem was, he was on complete disability. When they saw the photo in the paper they forced him off of the government dole!

[fishinwrench]

OTF, Yeah I dunno about that as people give their fish to others all the time. I guess that would fall under the "possession limit" regs.

It's kinda hard to tell (for me) what is bass and what is goggle-eye in that pic.

[Old plug]

There arw many more fishermen on the rivers today who probably kill more smallmouth than is known by poor handling. Same thing happens on lakes. Then there is a lot of environmental impact from floater boaters and everyone in and his brother. There are so many problems with are so many problems with our lakes and streams it is hard to address them all.