Mega Longear Sunfish

[MOPanfisher]

Sweet!  So if I take up diving and then spearfishing if I can see a big walleye I can shoot it, easy peasy.  Just like deer I guess, because nobody ever sees a big deer that they are not able to kill if they want to.😄

[Flysmallie]

1 hour ago, MOPanfisher said:

Sweet!  So if I take up diving and then spearfishing if I can see a big walleye I can shoot it, easy peasy.  Just like deer I guess, because nobody ever sees a big deer that they are not able to kill if they want to.😄

You alone would be able to end all fishing in Missouri. Well only if you don't shoot yourself in the face. I surprised that any spearfisherman are alive since its so dangerous. 

[Quillback]

"people also do not know of kill tourneys...FWFS, USOA Spearfishing Nationals 2016 Beaver Lake Arkansas is an example "

Interesting, Beaver is fishing better this year than it has in years, at least in my humble opinion.  So making a huge assumption that the tourney had an impact on the Beaver fish population, it appears to be a net positive.  

Maybe it should be an annual event?

[Devan S.]

9 hours ago, MoCarp said:

unless the state tracks this..no one can say,  IMHO I'd say yes it effects the larger less numerous fish in the population

people also do not know of kill tourneys...FWFS, USOA Spearfishing Nationals 2016 Beaver Lake Arkansas is an example

from the videos looks like point blank shooting....love to see bass guys wade in here

 

YAY! You kind of answered it. Your right unless someone tracks this you have absolutely no way of knowing. If AGFC came out and said we have data to show it causes no harm would you change your tune? The only caveat to my question was as compared to rod and reel fishermen. Of which, I believe we can safely establish that most of those that catch a legal walleye or legal striper or legal large bream,(assuming they are targeting them and not a by catch) are keeping them. That completely changes the narrative of the the question and would completely change most peoples answer to the question but likely wont change yours. Why? You're frankly to far into this to turn back now whether it does or doesn't change your answer.

You exactly right it is fish hunting. 

Answer this question very clearly as well:

What is the specific delineating feature that makes you okay with any form of legal hunting but not spear fishing? 

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

i guarantee more fish die per day from being deep hooked than from a spear on any lake in Arkansas

[BilletHead]

28 minutes ago, aarchdale@coresleep.com said:

i guarantee more fish die per day from being deep hooked than from a spear on any lake in Arkansas

I was patiently waiting for this. This is a fact. Bookoos more fish killed by rod and reel fisherman. Fish of all sizes.

  BilletHead

[tjm]

I am semi opposed to catch and release because of all the released rod and reel fish that I've seen dead. We talk about fish handling and care but there are dozens of anglers that have no idea what that means, many think they are doing good when they are in reality wasting a fish that is slowly dying.

If I had MoCarp's zeal and energy I would campaign for regulations that made every one eat every carp they catch.  And only allow certified anglers to release bass under 20".

[Flysmallie]

29 minutes ago, tjm said:

If I had MoCarp's zeal and energy I would campaign for regulations that made every one eat every carp they catch.  And only allow certified anglers to release bass under 20".

Well when you get up the strength to do it please do it someplace else. 

[tjm]

maybe on a carp forum

[BilletHead]

9 minutes ago, tjm said:

maybe on a carp forum

   Knock yourself out and take your buddy with you please 🤐.