January Walleye is in the Boat !

[Walleyedmike]

4 hours ago, bfishn said:

There aren't a large number of monsters around... there never was. On the rare occasions they present themselves they do so en masse, and are understandably vulnerable. A few boats in the right place the right time could end any hopes of 10s for a long time.

 

 

1 hour ago, nomolites said:

Spot on; most dedicated walleye fisherman release all big females caught, or do not fish these areas at all when the females are vulnerable. Those big girls are important to the health of the fishery....C & R!

Mike

Great points guys. I really wish a seven pound walleye received the kind of respect that a two pound bass does. Doesn't matter what the species is, a trophy fish is a trophy fish. Whether it was stocked by the MDC or is a species that has to rely on natural reproduction, it can't be enjoyed by others unless it is released. I've fried a few that I wish I'd have released and after thinking about that stuff over the years, nothing would make me happier than to catch a ten pound walleye out of Stockton and find it was later caught by Dan Hufferd to be released again to be caught by lmt out and so on, and so on. I think the 16-20 inchers are better eating anyway. My two cents...rant over!

WM

[Dirtracer35]

Can't truly remember how big this guy was. But I wanna say close to 8. Windy Spring day with my dad  

[rps]

16 hours ago, dan hufferd said:

Sauger over 5 pounds, you are the man...man !

Actually, my fat finger was trying to hit 4 not 5. I did not catch the error before I posted. Boy I feel dumb.

[dprice]

Hufferds is on his way   I beleive 

I like the way he breaks the water down and the way he thinks about his next trip     I bet he is within 1/4 mile of one every trip !

sometimes I think if you had 4000 18 inchers growing to 10 pounds those odds would be better than saving the 10 -10 pounders  

i not sure if this relates to walleyes  but seems highly meritable thought on my  query 

However i let every bass I caught this year over 5 back in water 

I know these 3 are still there some where

 

 

[Hammer time]

I've never keep a bass Ever, have caught them up to 11 lbs and released ever single one so next year I hope to catch em 2lbs bigger! Have never eaten a mess of spots or any species bass. Not in my dna. Crappie and walleye are continually stocked and keep my share of those for eating. 

I have released many many huge female crappie to hopefully have a successful brood. 

Of my huge eyes, I ate the 10.79, but since any big girl over 7 I let go so hopefully she can raise a brood.

[dan hufferd]

5 hours ago, rps said:

Actually, my fat finger was trying to hit 4 not 5. I did not catch the error before I posted. Boy I feel dumb.

Still a very large sauger !

[dan hufferd]

In my younger days I have eaten bass from the creeks, it has been years ago, they were good !

Now I never keep them, but if I know a fish is not going to make it, I will take it home and get some use out of it. 

I am not against tournaments, they bring many dollars to the communities around the lakes, but I have seen several bass floating after a weigh-in. I thought just take them and eat them.

Anyway, thank you all for the info and encouragement it is wonderful. 

[dprice]

I heard once sauger don't reproduce ?     I heard they stay shallower than walleye also !  What's the story with them while we have this RPS on here.    I know I'm making him sound like al Linder  but I think he knows more 

[dprice]

For what ever reason. I eat bass and a bunch of them .  I like them very much.   I only eat bass from Stockton and prefer them from rock banks as well  I'll eat a flat head every know and then.  Like them also.  Walleye are delicious but. With bass 6 makes a table ful.  .  And my entire family men and women will come running for them,       I think blue gills are tasty but hard to mess with. I plan on taking mary bluegill fishing a few times this summer 

i watched a fish skinner  for them on utube .  But was 150.00.     Open to ideas here from experienced  people also please !

 

[MOPanfisher]

I have eaten and will likely eat some more bass.  Certainly not my favorite but since there is certainly not a shortage of just keeper size I don't feel bad at all for it.  If I am hungry for fresh fish and bass are what is cooperating well they get invited to dinner, with the exception of creek fish, I seldom ever keep them unless it's all I can get on a float for supper.  I love bluegill and now that my kids are grown and grandson isn't big enough I may take my wife and hit them a time or two this year.  I fillet them just like anything else, with my electric fillet knife, it has a fairly narrow blade and yes they are are bit of a pain to fillet, but oh my are they tasty.