As a frequent ice fishing angler. We as sportsman better start being wise on panfish harvest. I have seen much decline in lakes that produce very well.
Does anyone have opinions on WI going to a panfish slot size limit. Also lowering bag limits on certain waters. I have seen and fished other states that have done this change. It improves a system and its potential.
Anyone else see lack of mature panfish in lakes?
I agree with the 'limit' people. They act like its a measure of their manhood or something. If the fish aren't as big, they keep them anyways to get that magical limit. Then they can tell all their buddies.
I used to be that way myself when I was younger, then I guess I grew out of it. I also fish a lot so don't need a limit of fish each time. Now I just keep a handful of quality fish, enough for a meal. That looks better to me than a limit of dinks. Not that all limits are dinks, but you know what I mean.
I fish some 10/10/5 lakes with a limit of 25 total. I do like those, it prevents people from loading up on 1 species and typically you have to fish multiple spots to find different ones. Guys can't just park on the gills and hammer out 25 that way. Then if you are a person who doesn't fish a lot and would like a limit, you still have the option.
But like was said, every lake is different. Some are fine with the 25 limit now, some aren't. Some will be stunted, some won't. Definitely can't be a blanket rule.
While working an invasive program a couple years ago it was apparent that the same people came day after day fishing gills when they were on a bite. That along with the "I got my limit" people whom are keeping 5 and 6 inch fish to do so, I believe generally that the problem is with local anglers draining the waters of quality fish. This is just my observations from being at a launch most days one summer. Electronics also have a big impact on the panfish decline, especially cell phones when ice fishing. When gills are hitting just watch how many guys are calling their fishing friends who show up minutes later.
Svit, That would mean I can’t do my stringer mount with all 10+ Gills? Lol I’m just in the lake by lake regulations Group. They’re all a little different and always will be. If different regulations come out, I will abide by them. I understand the different opinions on the subject and believe it’s good for people and the fishery to have opposing views.
10 fish limit, slot size determined buy local lake biology’s! Recreational fishing cannot survive now with filling your freezer or feeding the neighborhood!just look at the Whitebass situation of Winnebago with COOLERS FULL OF FISH, AND THE NO SIZE LIMIT WITH WALLEYE. SYSTEMS CANNOT STAND THE EVER INCREASING PRESSURE !
BB if you fished the Mississippi under old rules, the most you could take home would be 50 unless you were eating them as you went. Now the most you could take home is 30 on Mississippi. Possession is 2 times daily bag. If people would follow the possession limit the fish limit issue wouldn't nearly be as big a deal. Or more could do what I do, and never freeze fish. If you're not planning on eating throw them back.
