Zebra Mussels - A Total Disaster, How To Keep The Spread?

[Fozzy]

I'm sitting here thinking, I live up on Pomme De Terre Lake. So far no rumors of Zebra Mussels here, or Table Rock, or Stockton yet...

I just got done running my Open bow boat on Pomme for the last time before winterizing it for the winter. I will fish the rest of the year with my outboard bass boat.

I'm sitting here thinking, most boaters & anglers lift their motors up and alot of water is left in the cooling systems of a boat right? Most raise the motors up while on the trailer in the water and leave it up till they lower it at the next lake! Doesnt' that leave water in the engine?? Say you boat on Taney then goto Pomme...(etc)

An Inboard/Outdrive Car engine Open bow boat would have alot of cooling water left in the block. I see several of those on Bull Shoals & Taney running around...I assume they get a motor filled with "larva" and BANG more infected lakes.

I am really really worried and saddened by this turn of events. I dont' see any way that they are not going to fill every lake down here...

Any thoughts?

[patfish]

Foz, that is most impressive, never even crossed my mind. Anxious to see what others here have to say.....

[MOBass]

I drop my motor down as far as it will go when I put on my transom straps to drain most of the water out. From what I have read the zebra mussels are tough little things and can survive in pretty marginal conditions. You would probably have to flush the motor to get the bulk of these things out.

I am working hard to keep the boat and trailer power washed before I hit another lake after fishing Taney. It would not surprise me if several area lakes are already infected because of the number of boats that come through from other areas and locals that fish elsewhere and return to the local lakes.

[Fozzy]

I'm just saying basically I don't see how we can keep the spread contained.....Lake of the Ozarks, Taney and bull shoals have them....

I know most anglers won't do nothing about it....and unknowingly spread them. However, to me it seems even with due dilegence, they will spread!

I'm really concerned on what will happen to our lakes and fishery...