Introduction:

In my last post I presented my belief that research is warning us to protect our biggest fish. It suggests that the current quest for big fish can lead to a decrease in the quality of our fisheries. But I also belief that we can do some things to protect our big fish and still pursue them. It is not catching big fish that is the problem. The problem is targeting only the biggest fish in the fishery. But we need to understand the big picture problem first.

The Big Picture Problem: The Paradigm

We often focus on the wrong problem, which yields the wrong solution. That may be the case now. The real problem of targeting big fish is layered. First, anglers must recognize that it is a problem. Then they must be willing to engage in meaningful conversation about the solution. That discussion should not be an argument where both sides dig their heels in. And it should consider the fishery. But mostly, anglers must recognize that they want to catch big fish and really do not want to say that it is a problem. They really do not want to limit the pursuit of big fish in any way. That is where the discussion must start. That is the paradigm, the belief, that must change.

The Real Solution: A Changing Paradigm

Now we need another paradigm shift. When the fishing community changes the paradigm from targeting big fish to protecting big fish, it becomes easier to effectively implement actions designed to protect our fisheries. With that in mind, here are nine suggestions for protecting big fish while still allowing the opportunity to catch a big fish. (Note: Sources used in this post are listed below.)

1. Make decisions that you believe are responsible.
2. Create no fishing zones around bedding areas in addition to closing the season during the spawning period.
3. Do not fish active bedding areas.
4. Support the use of fishing slots that prohibit the harvesting of the biggest fish
5. Make tournaments catch-weigh-release.
6. Fishing organizations must lead needed paradigm shifts.
   • Eliminate the use of forward-facing sonar (FFS) in tournaments.
   • Eliminate rewards for biggest fish and the most fish
   • Avoid tournaments during the spawning season
   • Have constructive conversations about practices and policies

Let’s look at these ideas individually.

(1) Make Responsible decisions:

It is our obligation as anglers to make responsible decisions about our angling practices. Responsible decision making begins with consideration of the fishery. It is the most important thing we can do. It is up to each of us to make thoughtful, conservation minded decisions. And it is up to the tournament associations to protect the biggest fish.

Tournaments are a problem when they are managed poorly, when they ignore what is good for the fishery, and when individual anglers act irresponsibly in an effort to win. A recent 3-year study by Auburn University found that 45% of all fish weighed in at tournaments suffered pre or post release mortality, with rates reaching 50 to 80 % in warm weather. Big females were targeted because they are the biggest bass. They suffered a 50% higher mortality rate than males did. The study also indicated that recreational anglers only accounted for 2% to 4% of bass harvested. In response to these findings, Alabama has proposed a 14″ to 20″ tournament only slot limit for all lakes on the Coosa River. The expectation is that the number of bass over 20 inches will increase significantly with the implementation of this slot requirement. (See the link below for a discussion of this proposed regulation.)

While the study does not point a finger at recreational anglers, there are many recreational anglers who fish the beds and target big fish. Each of us must decide to be responsible in how we fish. We cannot blame the pros for our individual decisions. Nor can we justify our decisions because “everyone else is doing it”.

(2) Seasonal “Closed to all Fishing“ Zones:

Closing areas of a body of water to all fishing adds another layer of protection to bedding areas. Closing the season for a period of time does stop the harvesting of that species for the duration of the closure. But people may still disturb the beds by fishing over them for other species, or by “accidentally” catching the protected species. Dr. David Phillips reports that this has been successfully done on some Canadian lakes, and that angler reception and cooperation has been quite high. It should be. The end result will be a more viable fishery with more opportunity.

We should consider, and if necessary, close seasons for crappies, walleyes, and other species. In my home state there is a closed season for walleyes but not for crappie. Should there be a closed season on crappies? Fisheries managers routinely face these decisions. Anglers should consider them and let agencies know your thoughts.

(3) Do Not Fish Over Active Bedding Areas:

Use that time to fish for a species that is not spawning. That is a decision that we can make as individuals. Just because a season, or area, is not closed, it does not mean that we must fish there. The responsible decision is to not fish there.

(4) Support the use of Fishing Slots that Prohibit the Harvesting of the Biggest Fish:

Slots are used as a management tool in a lot of areas. Across Canada, a wide variety of slot limits exist. This allows managers to provide regulations that fit their particular body of water. Here is an example of a slot requirement that protects big fish but still gives you the opportunity to harvest one. One Ontario limit prohibits keeping walleyes between 16.1 and 22 inches. You can only keep one fish over 22 inches. This gives fish a chance to grow to be bigger but still allows anglers to keep a bigger fish. Another Ontario slot moves the release size to 16.9 to 27.6 inches and one fish over 27.6 inches. Slots are effective proven management tools and in the case of big fish, are more helpful than a just a minimum size limit. Tournaments could use the same slot approaches, limiting the number of truly big fish that are targeted. They could even just put a maximum size limit in place.

(5) Make tournaments catch-weigh-release

Catch-weigh-release is the practice of weighing fish immediately upon catching them, exposing them to air for a minimum amount of time, and then releasing them back to the water. This will greatly reduce the mortality rate of tournament aught fish. It requires a change in tournament rules and procedures. It will require the use of different strategies by tournament anglers. But it will also save fish and the quality of the fishery.

(6) Fishing organizations must lead needed paradigm shifts:

Fishing organizations of differing sizes and interests have been and are leaders in fisheries conservation and promoting our sport. The influence of these organizations is undeniable. Knowing this and with an understanding of the importance of big fish, and knowing the dangers of over-harvesting, it is time to take a serious look at policies, procedures, and philosophy. What organizations do is directly related to what they believe. Highly successful organizations are flexible and change as conditions demand. I am suggesting that the following practices be changed, modified, or at least reviewed and discussed.

*Eliminate the use of FFS sonar during tournaments. I have heard an argument that FFS does not significantly increase the number of fish caught. At least that is what a Texas study states, as well as many You Tube personalities. If that is true, then the outcome of the tournament does not depend on the use of FFS, so there is no need to use it. But the prohibition of it will prevent targeting big fish.

Using FFS in pre-tournament fishing has benefits. So, use it then. Learn all you can. Then use that knowledge to fish and win the tournament.

*Eliminate rewards for the biggest fish and the most fish. Seasonal or yearly contests that provide rewards and recognition for the biggest fish caught or the most fish caught served a good purpose at one time. They encouraged participation in the sport and helped the organizations grow. But I do not think that is necessary any longer. Being known and reaching out to members is easily handled through the media. Start a group on Facebook or publicize your most recent conservation effort on any of the media platforms. Given what we now know, there has to be a better way to recognize the accomplishments of members. What that is depends on your organization. It is a good item for discussion.

*Avoid tournaments during the spawning season. I see no good reason for tournaments during the spawning season. The research presented in my previous post is convincing to me.

The FFS Debate:

This blog is not intended to be a discussion just about FFS. This discussion is about the need to protect our biggest fish, but in that discussion, you cannot avoid talking about FFS. I am not against the catching of big fish, just the targeting of big fish. I am not against the use of FFS, just the misuse of FFS. I am not concerned with where people think I am on the FFS debate. I can clarify that. I am on the side of the healthy fisheries. If FFS can be used without threatening the fish population of a body of water, then use it. But if it cannot, then do not.

Our Inability to Discuss without Arguing:

If there is a problem bigger than the threat to big fish right now, it may be our inability to discuss the issue, or any issue. I have watched and heard the positions on both sides of the FFS debate. It is, more often than not, an argument rather than a discussion. Sides hear each other but do not listen to each other. Often it is an us against them debate and the only solution for our side is if we win and you lose. It seems to be the way that society approaches everything anymore. But reducing important issues to sandbox arguments has no benefit. Can we break that tendency and come to a compromise or a consensus so that we may do something other than argue? Can we disagree without argument or judgment?

Summary:

I believe that the fisheries quality and the angling opportunity in our waters is being threatened by the paradigm that drives anglers to fish for only the biggest fish available. I also believe that this threat can be nullified by a change in our fishing paradigm and a few simple actions like the ones I discussed. But our biggest challenge may be coming together at a table, all stakeholders, and having a productive discussion. When we listen to each other and discuss our differences we will find solutions .

In reality, angling behavior does not have to be legislated. It is within each of us to be part of the solution. We need to look within ourselves and be truthful with ourselves and each other. We need to ask ourselves important questions. What do we really care about? Is killing the biggest fish worth the risk of damaging the fishery? Is catching hundreds of fish worth the number of fish that you killed? Is destroying a nesting population worth the loss in recruitment and the resultant decline in the population? Is there a limit to what you will do to win a tournament or post a picture on Facebook? What responsibility do anglers have to the fish and the environment? Regardless of what others are doing, what will I do? The first thing we need to do to protect our sport is to think about the impact of what we do individually and collectively.

You may disagree with me. It is not my intention to fuel an argument. But it is my intention to get you to think about important issues and to be informed. My hope is that you will look at your own behavior, change it if you should, don’t if you need not, and speak up for what you believe is right. Go catch a big fish. I chase them, too. I am still looking for my first 50-inch muskie. And if I turn a 50-inch fish, yes, I will come back to that rock over and over again. Is that targeting? I don’t think so, since I cannot see the fish before I cast to it. And I will release it from the net, and the picture will be with the fish in the net. So, please catch a big one. I hope you do, if you do it ethically and fairly.

Conclusion:

It is time for us to quit targeting big fish in unreasonable ways. We are going to harm our fish populations, which hurts the fishery and our sport. Catch your big fish without targeting big fish. Catch a lot of fish and practice catch and release. Get a limit of great eating perch but do it legally. And leave some for the next angler.

Technology has provided anglers a great deal more success than we previously had. Big, fast boats, or stealthy kayaks, both loaded with GPS, sonars of varying types, super lines, lifelike baits, to name a few. It is a long list. We have come a long way from cane poles and bobby pins. But when technology puts the fish in an inescapable situation, fair chase does not exist anymore. And neither does fair play.

I hope you have an opinion about this essay. If you do, that means you thought about it. Please share your thoughts. We can agree to disagree.

Note: Most of the scientific material in this blog comes from podcasts. On the Doc Talks Fishing Podcast, Gord Pyzer and Liam Whetter interview well known fish researchers and talk about their findings. The information for this blog has been largely derived from three of their podcasts: E5 with Dr. Bruce Tufts on why big fish matter, E13 with Dr, Sean Landsman on muskie behavior, and E18 with Dr. David Phillip and the unique study of bass on Omnicon Lake. Also, Episode of 120 Outdoors, a podcast hosted by Don Clowes and Chris DePaula provided insights into the use of forward-facing sonar.

For a summary of the Auburn study and a discussion of the proposed regulation, copy and paste: https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=ec7143e9308ba3cbc4149a18427d85a9d22a4f78480c373c351bc721e679ac1aJmltdHM9MTczODQ1NDQwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=3e261900-464c-62d2-1a39-0d12424c6464&psq=https%3a%2f%2fwww.wired2fish.com%2fnews%2fwill-slot-limits-end-bass-tournaments&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2lyZWQyZmlzaC5jb20vbmV3cy93aWxsLXNsb3QtbGltaXRzLWVuZC1iYXNzLXRvdXJuYW1lbnRz&ntb=1

Next: The next post will be a discussion of the terminal tackle used for musky trolling. You can do everything right, but a failure to use quality terminal connections can result in massive failure. Learn how to avoid it in the next post.

Reminder: Put your life jacket on when you get out of the vehicle.

Have fun. Go fishing.