Quote Originally Posted by Jfish View Post
Someone told me once that fishing for Smallies on the reefs during the spawn (DNR's season) is going to kill the fry and eggs because of the Round Goby.

When a lure goes over a nest, the bass will go after the lure trying to protect the nest, and then the Gobies just go to town. By the time the bass returns the eggs and fry are gone or greatly diminished. Therefore killing the Smallmouth population.

I love to fish for Smallies more than I like to catch Walleyes. If this is true, I don't have a problem waiting even to catch & release until the spawn is completely over. Just looking for some opinions.

Jfish
Sad but true. The smallies are also eating the gobies. The smallmouth population is strong but the DNR isn't sure of the direction it will go. As long as we catch and release, we shouldn't have a problem.