Catch & Release

[Madd Matt]

The first thing that I would like to clarify is that the first part of this post is only my opinion!

I do not target the post spawn nor the prespawn females during the jig bite. I just go out and jig for walleyes and what ever I catch that is of legal size goes into the cooler as part of my legal creel limit for that particular day. It makes no difference if it is a jack or very large egg laden female which almost never happens........................?

Great post Wakina. I think I agree with everything you said. I would also reiterate your point about over-bagging. It's illegal to keep more than your daily limit, period.

I don't normally "fun-fish" after limiting. In fact the only times I have done this over 30 years is less than 5 times probably and it has always been on the jig bite. When we drive 5 hours to fish and we limit out on the reefs in 45 minutes jigging... It's tough not to stay out on such a fun bite and fun-fish for a while... Throwing back everything over our limit immediately regardless of size! I don't cull fish, especially walleye!

However, even though I do not AND WILL NOT cull walleye, I have heard from 3 different captains that in the charter captains classes that they are taught that it is perfectly legal to do so. One captain told me that it was a major discussion with many long time fisherman disagreeing with the instructor and that they finally had to concede because it is not a prohibited act. What I found amazing was that even if they are throwing back dead fish it is legal (supposedly). Again, this is what I have been told by captains as to what they are taught in their license classes. I have asked several about it after the first one told me this and they have all confirmed that while they don't practice it, it is legal.

I am not one to make stink about someone choosing to do something different than I would, as long as what they are doing is legal. However, I would frown pretty heavy and lose a lot of respect for anyone that is culling fish and throwing back dead walleye! Legal or not!

-Matt

[gregnwtf]

Great post Wakina. I think I agree with everything you said. I would also reiterate your point about over-bagging. It's illegal to keep more than your daily limit, period.

I don't normally "fun-fish" after limiting. In fact the only times I have done this over 30 years is less than 5 times probably and it has always been on the jig bite. When we drive 5 hours to fish and we limit out on the reefs in 45 minutes jigging... It's tough not to stay out on such a fun bite and fun-fish for a while... Throwing back everything over our limit immediately regardless of size! I don't cull fish, especially walleye!

However, even though I do not AND WILL NOT cull walleye, I have heard from 3 different captains that in the charter captains classes that they are taught that it is perfectly legal to do so. One captain told me that it was a major discussion with many long time fisherman disagreeing with the instructor and that they finally had to concede because it is not a prohibited act. What I found amazing was that even if they are throwing back dead fish it is legal (supposedly). Again, this is what I have been told by captains as to what they are taught in their license classes. I have asked several about it after the first one told me this and they have all confirmed that while they don't practice it, it is legal.

I am not one to make stink about someone choosing to do something different than I would, as long as what they are doing is legal. However, I would frown pretty heavy and lose a lot of respect for anyone that is culling fish and throwing back dead walleye! Legal or not!

-Matt

Under no circumstances have captains classes had anything to do with fishing and fishing laws. Captains classes are about boating, navigation and safety of paying passengers on a vessel whether inspected or non-inspected. Setting the record straight.

[mkalink]

Under no circumstances have captains classes had anything to do with fishing and fishing laws. Captains classes are about boating, navigation and safety of paying passengers on a vessel whether inspected or non-inspected. Setting the record straight.

I agree, the only discussion about fishing limits was smoke breaks during captains classes.

[MasterKraft]

What ever happenen to knute anyway? Hmmmmm.........

[wakina]

What ever happenen to knute anyway? Hmmmmm.........

He was logged on around 9:00pm this evening. LOL he is setting back laughing at the stew he started to brew!

He probably thinks catch and release takes place on the weekend at the local watering hole for the catch and the release takes place the next morning in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express. That's how those tuna fishermen are ya know!

[Madd Matt]

Under no circumstances have captains classes had anything to do with fishing and fishing laws. Captains classes are about boating, navigation and safety of paying passengers on a vessel whether inspected or non-inspected. Setting the record straight.

I have never been to a captains class, and I believe you that it has to do with navigation and not fishing laws.

However, what I said is that I have talked to 3 captains that have all said that a discussion on culling was had at their class. As to it being part of the curriculum, I don't know. Maybe they all had the same instructor and maybe a couple of them where in class together. All of them are members of this forum and I am not going to name any names.

My point of the post was not to infer that it was "taught" in the curriculum as a fact. My point was that I had a discussion with a group of captains who said that it was a discussion in their class.. maybe it was over cigarettes outside... I don't know. I apologize for mentioning the class.

In the discussion they all seemed to agree that if the fish where alive, then there didn't seem to be a law against it. They all agreed that you can't throw a dead fish back, and they all agreed that with walleye unless you have a good live well then almost any fish that is in the cooler for even minutes has a small chance of survival.

Secondly. Regardless of that discussion taking place, it does not establish the law. If fishing regs are not part of the curriculum then it would appear to be either an instructors opinion or a common discussion between captains. Either way, that doesn't make it the law.

I don't cull... So I don't care. However, I am curious as to the actual legality of it. I used the fact that the captains had told me that they believe it to be allowed (none of them agreed that it was a good practice and none of them where promoting it nor doing it) as enough to peak my curiosity.

-Matt

[Knute]

Hey Fella's. Thought I better check in. First thing, I want to thank everyone for their reply's & thoughts on my post !!! 2nd. I would like to tell you a little about myself. I am a local resident of Port Clinton, Walleye Capital of the world, and don't forget that !!! I have been fishing Lake Erie for sum 50 Yrs.
I have fished the good years and the bad. I have worked on the head boats, and the sport boats choosing to fish for fun, not the money. I do consider myself a good fisherman and outdoorsman. I believe most people who know me would agree. I am a new member to your forum but have followed on this site for awhile, also a member on Ice Shanty & OGF.
The reason for my post was to hopefully find out what happens to these fish that are being caught and released. Does it put undo-stress on a pre spawn fish ? Spawning starts in 45 days. Does handling, wiping the protective slime off, cause any harm ? I have over the years caught a lot of walleye that have what I call tumors or cyst, could this have anything to do with this ? If we have a biologist on board this forum, I wish he'd put his 2 cents in on this.
This is the information I am looking for. Not to interested in catching sheepshead , after my limit !!! If anyone would like to join our round table discussion at our local watering hole come join us. Bell Mell Tavern in PC. Dang good pizza & spirits !!!
Again Thanks to All !!!
Knute

[MasterKraft]

I have always been told them tumor like sores are injuries from the spawn. This is by no means coming from any facts, just what I have heard over the years. Whats your beef with sheephead? Lol

[Afishhawk]

I thought one of the you tube videos had a guy from Wisconsin out on Erie with Capt. Mike and he said they were "cold water warts". I have no idea as to the validity of his statement. I have seen them in the spring but only fish the jig bite.

[Jvgoofy]

a link to a little info on cold water warts
called "Lymphocystis"


http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7...6964--,00.html