"Dwayne E. Cooper" wrote in messageSNIP

Rather than bag limits not being as big...I would think that most
tournament fishermen wouldn't want to go there bc the rule could be
extremely frustrating to their fishing.

***It can be frustrating, and that's what I meant about not having big bags,
I should have said heavy bag limits. But, strategy can play into the
equation at the same time. A supremely confident angler might release that
14 1/4" bass, figuring he can do better, and then fall on his face, bringing
in less than a limit. Or, someone struggling finding bigger fish might
suddenly be catapulted into the lead because he did find five bass slightly
over 14 inches. It does make for interesting weigh-ins......

How many mornings..have we
had...when we got a small early limit...and used the rest of the day
to improve our limit? That's a very important part of tournament
strategy that is taken away by this no-culling rule.

***This is true, hence the attempts to change the regulations. But again,
see above....

Being able to
"better our catch" is a fundamental precept of fishing, IMO. This is
especially true since we're spending so much money and valuable time
in pursuing this sport.

***I'm not argueing that. I would like to see it changed, but I'm not going
to lose any sleep over it or avoid fishing here.


I think others would say "Avoid Wisconsin" because many just want
to avoid the hassle of going to a state that has archaic rules/laws
like this "no-culling" rule in Wisconsin.

***Unfortunately, or fortunately (depending upon how you look at it),
there's an awful lot of people that don't feel as you do. Wisconsin sells
more fishing licenses than all other states, with the exception of Florida.
It really only affects the tournament fishing enthusiasts, not the general
public.

If a state has 1 stupid
rule, it's likely to have a ton of them. Fishermen really want to be
warmly and welcomely greeted. Some states (Florida, Alabama,
Tennesee, Texas) do a good job of that and other states don't.
(Wisconsion, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Michigan, etc.)

***Nah, for the most part, that's the only stupid rule. There are some
rules that I don't agree with, but there's usually sound, biological
reasoning behind the regulations. Actually, when you think about it, the
no-culling rule for the general population is a good thing. We have a lot
of small to medium size lakes here in the state, and if people were allowed
to sort their catch, it wouldn't take long to seriously affect the
spawning/brood stock of a lake. Based on license sales, and based on the
number of Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana and Minnesota license plates I
see all summer long, we can't be too surly to out of state anglers.


And the negative effect is probably more than you might think.
Not only are you losing tournaments and fishermen that wont go there
(and the millions of dolllars in economic boost from hotels, gas,
meals, tackle and a ton of other sales)...but the unfriendly state is
building up a reputation that will deter fishermen for many years to
come.

***Oh, believe me, no one understands the trickle down effect of outdoor
recreation here in the state better than I do. Living in an area that is
fairly dependant upon tourism and recreation, as well as being a fishing
guide, I do understand the economic ramifications. Personally, I would like
to see a major BASS or FLW event here in Wisconsin, held on Lake Winnebago,
Chequomegon Bay, Sturgeon Bay or some of our other large bodies of water.
While I don't believe it would help me personally, the community that
sponsors the event would certainly appreciate the added funds such an event
would provide.


And it has been an issue in the Northwoods Classic...as its one
of the reasons (other than the fact I've got 2 small toddlers and the
high price of gas), I haven't made that trip yet...

***It really hasn't been an issue for the Northwoods Classic. I've heard a
few grumbles, a gasp or two of disbelief, but then I think about the number
of times a limit has been brought to the weigh-in and I have to say "I ain't
skeered." Why don't you come on up and prove us wrong? The high price of
gas hasn't really stopped me from going fishing, although it has curtailed
the amount of casual driving I do. I simply stop, think and plan my trips a
little better now.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com