Sturgeon Bay Open

As tournaments go, this is a good one. Run well and they "do" make an effort to get the fish back to a variety of areas. BUT, that being said, it's too bad the tournament is hitting with the fish on beds earlier than normal. Bed fishing won't win the tournament, but, there will be lot's of guys who will bed fish to get their limit. These, mostly males, will not get back to beds that are now ruined! This tournament has an reasonable impact on the communities economy, but I strongly feel that "once" this tournament is run, Door County should be "catch and release" until July 1st. I talk with many who agree, but I'm sure those who keep smallies, which I see on the water would disagree. My sense is that many of the "catch and keepers" are locals. I feel that catch and release until July 1st would enhance an already great fishery to one of the very best in the country for truly big fish, which would enhance the efforts of all the guides. That's why I've been a little surprised that the guides haven't come together and worked on this effort. Anyway, some thoughts, and "just" my opinion. I hope all at the tournament have fun and "try" to fight the urge to fish beds! SR

For our anniversary, my wife and I planning on visit sturgeon bay in next couple weeks. And I was wondering, If there is a nice area to fish from shore? doesn't matter what the fish is, we just like to catch some fish , including catfish, perch , crappie or bluegills. I don't want to ask for your hot spot but, if you don't mind I would appriciate some hints. Thanks my PM is ON too.

Winning average bass weight in 1992 was 2.99 lbs. Last year was 5.5 lbs. Bed fishing in catch and release tournys does not hurt the fishery. The meat eaters hurt the fishery more than tournys.

Smoker: I fish the area 10-20 days in May and June and the fish guarding beds are bigger, but you probably won't be pulling 5 pounders off beds. Lizardman: You should sign up so people could PM you. In my opinion, bed fishing in clear shallow water takes "no" skill. Certainly bed fishing and immediately relaeasing the fish is better than a meat eater doing it. As noted, thankfully it's windy in DC and many fish are bedding deeper than ever.

ditto,I do think the numbers are down,I have fished the Bay from the early 70's.I think the numbers peaked in the early to mid 90's.Smallies have gotten bigger out there though and numbers are still good,just not what they once were.

Smallie, do you ever do anything but whine about bed fishing???

I agree, they are getting bigger each year. I think it's directly related to Gobies. Mother Nature has a way of making the best out of almost all invasive species. And Gobies have to be easy to catch and must taste ok. (big head carp being the only battle I think Mother Nature would lose but that's a different post) I've said for years GB will produce the next world record in either walleye, SMB, Pike or Musky. And that's a huge statement for one body of water to have the potential for 1 or more of 4 species, but I believe it's true. I also agree with the beds moving out deeper. I just heard the majority of SMB spawn in 9-12fow in GB. That seems deep to me? But? with the zebra mussels and clearer water....it makes sense. Having said that, those who fish the area know how many beds are in shallow as well! and All tournament guys will pull a 5#+ fish off a bed when given the chance. Ditto: to my knowledge, there's not been a reduction in SMB population. It's the same bottom line as always....we as fisherman have to rely on the dnr to set the regulations that keep our fishery healthy.

I go up the the Bay once a year or tow for Smallies but I haven't really seen a reduction in the numbers over the last 10 or so years I've been going up there. For those who fish it more often than I do has there been a drop in numbers? And if so is there a direct corrilation to the drop and bed fishing?

Smoker: Good comments. And, you're right about the yearlong anlgers. The females are in and then out pretty fast, so it's mostly males. And, over the past 17 years that I've been fishing DC, they are getting bigger each year. Two fortunate things are: More and more beds are in deeper water, which makes bed fishing tougher and "wind", which makes bed fishing very tough, if not impossible. I made the decision back in the late 90's not to bed fish. It just is not as much fun as "not" knowing when your lure is going to get slammed. I would argue that a June 1 catch and release is not late enough. I've spent many days in DC in June and up and down the peninsula bass can be spawning well into late June. SR

As my post from today mentions, my guess is the females will be on beds today or tomorrow. Certainly there will be some there by this weekend. As far as the tournament goes, it can and has been won in the past bed fishing. Tournament "money hungry guys" will do what ever it takes to win. Every single year there's guys bed fishing! If it's not ok to take fish off beds, male or female then it shouldn't be ok for anyone to do it. Tournament guys, weekend fisherman or locals. It's been my experience there's not enough SMB "Meat eaters" to cause a problem to the fishery as a whole. But if you're concerned about bed fishing, make the tournament date post spawn! AND CPR till June 1st. "This tournament has an reasonable impact on the communities economy, but I strongly feel that "once" this tournament is run, Door County should be "catch and release" until July 1st." The Sturgeon Bay SMB Tourn. is a drop in the hat to the financial gain of the area. There are many more Locals and all year long weekend fisherman providing $$ to the communities. The Tournament is only important to those who fish in it.