WARNING: Kind of rant…60 years old, fishing since 4 years old. In the early 70’s the fishing knowledge boom started by the written word, BassMasters, Fishing Facts, In-Fisherman etc. and we ATE IT UP! For those who remember, how crazy did you go waiting for your next bi-monthly copy of the In-Fisherman? By the late 80’s the technology started its climb and we got better and better at extracting fish more efficiently. Additionally in the 80’s, if you had the want/will, the industry was making ice fishing much easier to endure. The 90’s = internet…game over. Knowledge share and communication at light speed. I personally have introduced around 50 - 70 people to the sport. Shared spots, tried to pass along things learned and kept many fish (legally) along the way. We all see what’s happening to our fisheries in this state, they are being put to the test like never before. Example: I did an estimate on fish kept (walleyes) based on posts provided by 3 guides on a large central WI reservoir. The three boats took over 6000 adult walleyes from the system last year. Three boats…now throw in probably close to 20 other full/ part-time guide boats with 4 to six boards straining the flats, antiquated fish limits, tourneys, and general schmoes like me and quite frankly I don’t care how ”healthy“ people think a system is, this isn’t sustainable. Add to the list;
Lake Tomahawk / Fox Lake / Willow Flowage / McGrath /Little Arb / Bearskin / Ashippun, etc. all mere shells of their former selves. So watching this happen has led to writing local and state DNR who might listen and much stricter self imposed limits (if keeping at all). It really is up to us to be keepers of the gate. Good luck to all, it’s still the greatest sport in the world.
