I'm getting really annoyed with all the pictures and talk about bass fishing on Instagram and Facebook here in michigan. One guy was posting pics of smallies he caught on jerkbaits, claiming he was going after steelhead. Another claiming to be crappie fishing and has a pic of a smallie caught on a DS with a 6inch DS worm hanging out of its mouth. It's a ridiculous law to begin with but to have people out targeting bass must mean they know the DNR will do nothing about it. The part that really bugs me is if you claim to be a sportman of our state at least follow the rules
I just posted something like this id fish... just no pictures please!
We have this every year. Some people just don't care, as long as they get to do what they want to do.
Yeah... I get to pay $25 for a trout license, and I don't need or want it... That's what I get. ::)
If guys wanna go break the rules then go for it, don't put it on the internet with comments and pictures. Makes me (someone who waits till C&R) think twice about staying home when the weather is perfect outside. At least man up and say your bass fishing, I don't want to hear this "crappie fishing" bs
While I think rules are rules... When you catch 3,000 bass a year and let them all go no matter the season, I don't see much difference. The season is to protect the spawn and stop the harvest of fish.
We are not harvesting.... But the catch and release is during the spawn... ::)
I find this rule for us "Bass fisherman" that release all year nonsense... We put more money and effort keeping this sport and sport fish at the top.. We promote catch and release all year more than any other species.
Anyway... Rolling through a stop sign. parking near a fire hydrant, speeding, not using your turn signal 100% of the time rank the same rule/ethics to me....
You break the rules you want, and let others break the rules they want.... Your no better. :-*
why does it matter if they post pics? If someone wants to break a [ridiculous] law then they should be prepared to face the consequences. I wholeheartedly support them. It just drives the point home that it's a useless, unenforceable law. I suspect that many of the folks fishing bass right now are perfectly ethical, honest sportsmen. If the DNR and state gov't want to make criminals out them, then they should think long and hard about what's most important - recruiting and maintaining a community of ethical and passionate fisherman, or taking those that would promote conservation, C&R, and scientific fish management and revoking their privileges. It's a bit idealistic, but we live in a country where at one point, idiotic and overreaching govt was met with rebellion. I'll chalk it up to civil disobedience. Do it or don't - it's your choice. The ones who look stupid are the DNR and the legislation that have done nothing to either enforce or change the law. While we sit in a perpetual gray-area of indecision, i can hardly fault anyone for wanting to get their money's worth out of the license and boat registration they purchased for the "privilege" of using it. Our gov't should should be a servant of the people and i see this closed-season nonsense as pure laziness on their part. I'd encourage everyone to go crappie fishing right now and post as many pics of your accidental bass catches you want - it just further drives the point home.
For anyone with issue it, let he without sin cast the first stone. I'm sure no one has ever done 71 mph on the freeway....
Well said.
thedude for president!
Like Mike said this comes up every year. I live on a very popular lake. There have been bass boats out fishing since the ice went off. There is no way to tell if they are bass fishing. It is not illegal to fish. Posting bragging photos is there own right. They want to brag about breaking the law it's fine with me. I can catch some nice perch this time of year and will be out there. This computer fishing is getting old. I might take a break for a while.
See ya on the lake.
Until the law changes I support it!
C&R is just around the corner, I can wait..
Plenty of panfish to go around!
The law for us bassfisherman is complete garbage. We release all year round and do more for our sport that any law by the DNR. This law is so pointless and it's not really enforced anyway, I've never heard of anyone being caught
Until it's changed I will wait for C&R, if I'm on the water I will be targeting panfish. I don't want to see your picture tho of crappie fishing when that is clearly not what's happening
May as well go pike or walleye fishing!!! It's closed season..who cares ??? May as well go poach a deer too. The law is the law period. This is a very good reason that us bass fishermen have a negative perception of entitlement to all other fishermen. Everyone has their own opinion and I will stick to mine. I will not be one of those bass anglers that get looked down on. If I'm in the minority, so be it
Dave
Quote from: PineLk 49 on April 14, 2014, 10:13:21 AM
May as well go pike or walleye fishing!!! It's closed season..who cares ??? May as well go poach a deer too. The law is the law period. This is a very good reason that us bass fishermen have a negative perception of entitlement to all other fishermen. Everyone has their own opinion and I will stick to mine. I will not be one of those bass anglers that get looked down on. If I'm in the minority, so be it
Dave
I believe we have "negative" perception because we complain, but for good reason. How is it fair walleye and pike fishermen can fish year round but we can't?
Ross, I believe pike and walleye actually start a closed season on March 15th and it runs till the opening of bass C&R. The Great Lakes are the only waters that walleye stays open year around. Someone correct me if I am wrong
Ethics and laws are 2 very different things. Obeying the law does not automatically make you an ethical person - nor does breaking it make you unethical. There are common values as sportsmen/women we can all agree upon - the crux of which is to not do anything to that will be a detriment to the resource. Laws that protect against the abuse of a resource (such as poaching or game limits) are something that most can get behind from an ethical stand point because there is at least some generally accepted (and scientific) rationale behind them - so in that case ethics and laws overlap and seem to be the same. I don't see C&R fishing out of season as being the same thing ethically. I see a law that has everything to do with politics and bureaucracy and nothing to do with promotion of the sport or any intention of protecting the resource. I think it's unamerican to blindly accept what our gov't feeds us and that extends all the way down to the most trivial of fishing laws. I will let science and common sense dictate my ethics, not gov't agencies.
It goes both ways - there's plenty of legal things we can do that aren't exactly ethical in most peoples eyes - shooting a 6 month year old deer, catching a 7lb smallie on a bed in june and eating it, catching salmon in the big lake and throwing them back after a long fight & netting them (they die after release) and so on.
If you want to get on a moral high horse over the issue, then "because its a law" is not an argument. There really is no ethical argument against C&R before the opener. There's a legal one, and IMHO if someone wants to break the law then it's is their problem to deal with the repercussions and no one elses. If it's that big of an issue to you personally, you should report the pictures to your local CO and be done with it. As I stated earlier, i'm extremely happy people break this law. It illustrates its ineffectiveness and uselessness. If it were important, i want to see it actually enforced and i want to see those responsible for dropping the hammer to pay the political cost - or those same people can just acknowledge it and make the change instead of leaving us in a no-mans land where otherwise law-abiding citizens have to make a judgement call as to if they want to gamble on what side of the law they will fall on.
Well said, maybe Ill put a vote down for thedude for president ;D
i found a quarter on the ground yesterday and im going to claim it as income because thats the legal thing to do. i may be in jail by then though because I pulled out of my driveway and drove two houses down without my seatbelt. Ill be turning myself in later today. what i did was clearly unethical and i should be either shot, or jailed for what i did
$140.00 or more if you get caught and they will give you the ticket if they see you. They use video cameras to catch you.
Thought you can fish for dog fish any time of the year?
Had to join the train...
Water is 42 degrees and most of the fish are in 25-30 FOW. Not exacly protecting a spawn right now, but of course, there is never a need for a bass season. Dumb law, and like I always do, I won't spend 1 dime on fishing related stuff in Michigan until the season is wide open (C&R still is a 'season'). I can't change the law, so at least I can vote with my wallet. Ordering boat parts and tackle from out of state until tx season.
yesterday 50 degrees. bass cruising in 1 to 2 fow, all the way out to 12 fow. nothing under docks though, just cruising around
Frank... Where are you talking about? 50 degree water temps? Huh?
Every year some bass fishermen pee and moan over the same sets of rules. Although I do not agree with the season rules. The DNR must have their reason for closing bass at certain times of year. We have some of the best smallmouth and largemouth fishing in the midwest, here in Michigan. It is what it is.
Watkins Lake, in Waterford
As far as I can tell the 6 lakes on the DNR's test list from several years ago are still fishable all year long for C&R. So hit Muskegon or Hardy pond all you want. Post pics all you want.
Just be patient guys, it appears that come 2015 we will be able to target bass all year long. Attend one of the "coffee with the DNR" meetings being held around the state and you will come to the same conclusion. All of Dan's hard work is looking like it will finally be paying off.
Quote from: Got Fish?? on April 14, 2014, 04:48:44 PM
Every year some bass fishermen pee and moan over the same sets of rules. Although I do not agree with the season rules. The DNR must have their reason for closing bass at certain times of year. We have some of the best smallmouth and largemouth fishing in the midwest, here in Michigan. It is what it is.
Oh they have their reasons. All of them seem to be based on politics dating back decades. They have ignored their own scientific study from several years ago (they say they lost all the data... not sure what to believe on that one) on 6 lakes around the state that they allowed open fishing all year long. They found no adverse effect on the bass population in these lakes. No one can answer the "why" question though. WHY don't they follow their own scientific findings??? Easy... politics and "feelings." Scientists are not supposed to base their recommendations on "feelings" and politics and yet they have been doing it for decades. Makes me wonder how they keep their jobs.
"Scientists" don't make the rule changes, they just do the studies, run the findings, and make the report. "Politicians" read the reports, understand little of it, and then make the rules. Occasionally this occurs in a different method, but only when someone has a sharp elbow they have been rubbing up against people with.
1jav
Quote from: PineLk 49 on April 14, 2014, 10:13:21 AM
May as well go poach a deer too.
Dave
That's one of the most ignorant things I have heard... Would it be considered poaching for deer if you hunted them with a camera out of season? How could you use this as a comparison? ::)
Were not "Harvesting" bass....
Your mentality could be some of the reason the Law/Rule exists... ::)
Quote from: 1javelin on April 14, 2014, 06:31:15 PM
"Scientists" don't make the rule changes, they just do the studies, run the findings, and make the report. "Politicians" read the reports, understand little of it, and then make the rules. Occasionally this occurs in a different method, but only when someone has a sharp elbow they have been rubbing up against people with.
1jav
But those scientists make the recommendations the politicians base their decisions on, and several of those scientists seem to refuse to see the truth.
The current bass season is based almost completely on politics. They want to boost tourism on the Memorial Day weekend so they set the open date for that weekend. It does NOTHING to protect the fish. The biologists are so focused on the put and take species that bass get put on the back burner and it seems like they make snap decisions. Thanks to people like Dan Kimmel and several members of this website those decisions are getting more scrutiny before being made into law. The politicians are finally seeing the economic benefits of a longer bass season.
Quote from: 21XDC on April 14, 2014, 06:44:58 PM
Quote from: PineLk 49 on April 14, 2014, 10:13:21 AM
May as well go poach a deer too.
Dave
That's one of the most ignorant things I have heard... Would it be considered poaching for deer if you hunted them with a camera out of season? How could you use this as a comparison? ::
Were not "Harvesting" bass....
Your mentality could be some of the reason the Law/Rule exists... ::)
Listen up wise guy... I'm only going to respond to this because you crossed the line and your getting a response your looking for. The point I'm trying to make is that a law is a law. It doesn't matter what you plug in there,twist it, spin it, or turn it any way you want. It's still a law. I don't like the closed bass season anymore than you, but it's still a law and I choose to obey it. Maybe I could have chose something a little less colorful than poaching, but it's still a law and fishing out of season is too.
If we as bass anglers set the standard that it's ok to fish out of season to other fishing groups such as pike,walleye and trout, then why have any laws. In my previous post, I mentioned negative perception of entitlement. You!!! Mr. 21 are exactly who I am referring too. Instead of coming on a public forum and whining about the law, why don't you go to Lansing and put some constructive time there and BE THE CHANGE. I will personally shake your hand and congratulate you. Until the bass season is changed, I will choose to obey the law. If some of you guys choose to fish out of season, I don't condone it. Have at it!!!
Dave
Quote from: ROI Outdoors on April 15, 2014, 12:50:50 PM
I caught my biggest crappie ever on a senko so if I throw a senko before the bass season "opens" am I breaking the law? Can you prove intent? Can the video camera prove intent? Can the DNR read my mind?
Good luck with year round C&R - it's just not going happen anytime soon and I don't know where you guys are getting the information that it is. Like I've said before the only change you'll get most OTHER groups to go along with is a uniform bass, pike, and walleye season - to me that's the fairest compromise. But I bet there's plenty of people on this site that won't even want that because then there will be "to many tournaments".
Straight from the DNR biologist that was at the meeting at D&R sports 2 weeks ago. He said it plain as day that it was looking like 2015 would be a year of change and that we bass fishermen would probably (not 100%) get to fish year long.
Quote from: 21XDC on April 14, 2014, 06:44:58 PM
Quote from: PineLk 49 on April 14, 2014, 10:13:21 AM
May as well go poach a deer too.
Dave
That's one of the most ignorant things I have heard... Would it be considered poaching for deer if you hunted them with a camera out of season? How could you use this as a comparison? ::)
Were not "Harvesting" bass....
Your mentality could be some of the reason the Law/Rule exists... ::)
Let's try to keep it civil and impersonal please. Thank you.
Quote from: PineLk 49 on April 15, 2014, 08:10:49 AM
Quote from: 21XDC on April 14, 2014, 06:44:58 PM
Quote from: PineLk 49 on April 14, 2014, 10:13:21 AM
May as well go poach a deer too.
Dave
That's one of the most ignorant things I have heard... Would it be considered poaching for deer if you hunted them with a camera out of season? How could you use this as a comparison? ::
Were not "Harvesting" bass....
Your mentality could be some of the reason the Law/Rule exists... ::)
Listen up wise guy... I'm only going to respond to this because you crossed the line and your getting a response your looking for. The point I'm trying to make is that a law is a law. It doesn't matter what you plug in there,twist it, spin it, or turn it any way you want. It's still a law. I don't like the closed bass season anymore than you, but it's still a law and I choose to obey it. Maybe I could have chose something a little less colorful than poaching, but it's still a law and fishing out of season is too.
If we as bass anglers set the standard that it's ok to fish out of season to other fishing groups such as pike,walleye and trout, then why have any laws. In my previous post, I mentioned negative perception of entitlement. You!!! Mr. 21 are exactly who I am referring too. Instead of coming on a public forum and whining about the law, why don't you go to Lansing and put some constructive time there and BE THE CHANGE. I will personally shake your hand and congratulate you. Until the bass season is changed, I will choose to obey the law. If some of you guys choose to fish out of season, I don't condone it. Have at it!!!
Dave
I completely understand why you replied. But none of us have to 'take the bait' if we don't want to.
Dan's todo list:
1. Change every fishing law and/or regulation that causes anglers (and hunters next) to argue and fight amongst each other every season (especially winter and spring).
2. Go fishing.
Quote from: gmetime24 on April 14, 2014, 11:17:19 AM
Ross, I believe pike and walleye actually start a closed season on March 15th and it runs till the opening of bass C&R. The Great Lakes are the only waters that walleye stays open year around. Someone correct me if I am wrong
There are also inland waters where you can pike and/or walleye fish all year or for an extended period of time.
We should all carefully read the latest MDNR Fishing Guide (http://michigan.gov/fishingguide) each year a new one comes out.
Sorry Dan I didn't want this to turn into anything other than a civil conversation about this topic. Let's not get too mad about this discussion fellas, most of us want to see the same thing happen anyways
Quote from: dartag on April 14, 2014, 09:44:58 AM
Like Mike said this comes up every year. I live on a very popular lake. There have been bass boats out fishing since the ice went off. There is no way to tell if they are bass fishing. It is not illegal to fish. Posting bragging photos is there own right. They want to brag about breaking the law it's fine with me. I can catch some nice perch this time of year and will be out there. This computer fishing is getting old. I might take a break for a while.
See ya on the lake.
Don't give up on the computer fishing - there's a variety of things to read. But do go fishing for whatever is open when you get the chance. Life is too short not to take advantage of fishing opportunities.
Quote from: gmetime24 on April 15, 2014, 01:39:23 PM
Sorry Dan I didn't want this to turn into anything other than a civil conversation about this topic. Let's not get too mad about this discussion fellas, most of us want to see the same thing happen anyways
Happens every year on fishing websites all over about Michigan. Anyone brings it up it goes down this same old road every time.
I've been on this road for 30+ years. I wish it wouldn't happen. I try to take some of my personal time to make that reality.
Been hard on me too because the MDNR Fisheries Division chief Kelley Smith at that time of the last change in 2005 asked me to set an example by not fishing before the Michigan catch-and-release bass opener. I've tried to honor that for 8 years now. And people wonder why I have little patience when they tell me I need to give it more time. Wait until we 'know' it is okay, etc. etc...
I effectively can't go fishing in the spring on most of my favorite spring waters without having my fishing interrupted by a CO or someone on shore yelling at me because of 'guilty by bass boat.' I can't afford another boat just so I can go fishing for something that is open without getting hassled. One of the last times I went to one of my favorite spring lakes in my bass boat to crappie with (with small bobbers and 1 inch tubes) a riparian called the MDNR and a CO drove to the lake and launched to check us for illegal bass fishing. We were the only boat on the lake. Even some MDNR people I tell that to chuckle and say something like 'you can still catch bass on that can't you.'
Guilty by bass boat. It has to end.
Quote from: ROI Outdoors on April 15, 2014, 02:17:10 PMSo because 1 biologist said that it's going to happen? Try telling the steering committee that.
Well Dan Kimmel was there as well and concured with his statement. And this guy (Jay was his name I believe) seemed to be very informed on the subject... he didn't deflect any of the questions asked of him. He put several names out there that were also in favor of this change. Stated that the only real nay-sayers were a couple of the older biologists and that the legislators saw the benefits of a longer season. Before you doubt me Luke, attend one of the meetings and ask your own questions.
Kimmel has put a lot of time and effort into changing the bass season, and it looks like his work is finally going to pay off. The only thing that could delay it is if they don't get off their duffs and get it done before the 2015 Fishing Guide is printed.
No harm meant... ;D But comparing killing an animal out of season to catching a bass and immediately releasing it alive and well, is ignorant no matter who said it... Please don't take offense to that. ;D
I don't have a problem with anyone that catch's walleye, pike, or anything out of season if it's released... The "Season" is for "Harvesting" your limit.... The limit is 5 bass per day to kill and eat during the season, While fun fishing and catching 100 per day is no different in my mind. Should we stop fishing after catching 5?
I think there should be no season for "fishing any species".... I'd like to see some more effort catching the average bucket fisherman that fills the bucket up with everything they catch, including 6 inch bass, etc... These are the ones hurting the species.... It sure isn't us.
I LOVE LAMP!
That escalated quickly
We actually turned in a 2nd proposal that asks to change Michigan to remove the language about attempting to take, catch, etc. That proposal was not taken up at this time because the MDNR Warmwater Resources Steering Committee response said it was too difficult and would take 5 years. They did say that if we get enough of the major fishing groups to support that proposal they would reconsider. We have not wrote that proposal off. We are just concentrating on the bass season proposal right now since the MDNR is working on that one and we have lots of support for it.
I will update everyone on the SB 869 hearing tonight or tomorrow - I just received the recording of that hearing yesterday (it was televised). I'm still working on things from an all day Lake Erie St. Clair Citizens Fishery Advisory committee meeting yesterday at Belle Isle.
I think Dan just stabbed a guy with a trident
Try catfishing. Ice goes out on Wed. catch 11 amongst ice flows, 30 Fri. open water, 55 actual count on Sat. Alot of fun and didn't have to leave the yard. Beer fridge only few steps away. A fun way to start the season, no hassle.
Vary well said pinelk49, i would like to shake your hand!!
Quote from: Waterfoul on April 14, 2014, 05:48:35 PM
As far as I can tell the 6 lakes on the DNR's test list from several years ago are still fishable all year long for C&R. So hit Muskegon or Hardy pond all you want. Post pics all you want.
Where can you find this list of lakes?? This is pretty cool I had no idea test lakes had be chosen.
Quote from: gmetime24 on April 15, 2014, 04:53:16 PM
Quote from: Waterfoul on April 14, 2014, 05:48:35 PM
As far as I can tell the 6 lakes on the DNR's test list from several years ago are still fishable all year long for C&R. So hit Muskegon or Hardy pond all you want. Post pics all you want.
Where can you find this list of lakes?? This is pretty cool I had no idea test lakes had be chosen.
I asked the DNR about them today. Here is their response:
The answer to your question is "no" - You may not fish for bass year round. There is a Catch-and-Immediate Release season. You will find the following in the 2014 Fishing Guide. The section in red refers to Muskegon Lake and Hardy Pond which are in the Lower Peninsula.
Catch-and-Immediate-Release seasons: On the following waters, bass may be caught and released during the seasons listed. All bass caught must be immediately (see common terms) returned to the water: L. St. Clair, St. Clair R. and Detroit R., from the last Sat. in Apr. – Fri. before the 3rd. Sat. in Jun.; All Lower Pen. waters including Great Lakes: Last Sat. in Apr. – Fri. before Memorial Day; All Upper Pen. waters including Great Lakes: May 15 – Fri. before Memorial Day.
Thank you for submitting your question.
So you can no longer fish the 6 lakes year round.
Science is what this should be all about. Not "feelings" or "politics" or "what's popular". It shouldn't be about one man's opinion either just because he is the leading angler on the professional tour. That's just ludicrous. Pretty narrow thinking in my opinion.'' The Governor should just sign it into law like he did so many other things like Right to Work for less and the taxing pensions. He shoved those issues down our throats. A year round bass fishing season is one I'd like shoved down my throat and I'm sure a lot of the rest of you would mind that one either. I wouldn't complain about a year round season on bass.
BD ;D
Quote from: Genie on April 15, 2014, 03:16:55 PM
I think Dan just stabbed a guy with a trident
You had me at I LOVE LAMP !!! LOLOLOLOLOL :D
OMG Kimmel....... You did it !!! Holy Shipwrecks!
Senate Bill 869 (as introduced 3-12-14)
Sponsor: Senator Goeff Hansen
Committee: Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
Date Completed: 3-20-14
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 487 (Sport Fishing) of the Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection Act to eliminate the prescribed open season for black bass.
Part 487 prohibits a person from taking, catching, or killing or attempting to take, catch, or kill any fish of certain species in any waters over which the State has jurisdiction except during prescribed open seasons.
Generally, the open season for largemouth and smallmouth black bass is from the Saturday immediately preceding Memorial Day to December 31. In Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers, however, the open season is from the third Saturday in June to December 31. The bill (SB 869) would eliminate these provisions (allowing a person to take largemouth or smallmouth black bass at any time).
IMHO
They should amend (the new) part A to include Black Bass with Sunfish And Bluegill so that CO s cant say No Bass Fishing Anytime ! Because in this language, Bass aren't mentioned at all (in the section for fish covered) under the provision......
Dan Good man, darn Good Man
Quote from: Genie on April 15, 2014, 03:16:55 PM
I think Dan just stabbed a guy with a trident
More like snapped with a wet towel... ;D but I always wanted to throw the trident in my younger days trying my hand at track and field. (that's a track and field event right - throwing the trident?!?)
Quote from: Waterfoul on April 15, 2014, 07:49:32 PM
Quote from: gmetime24 on April 15, 2014, 04:53:16 PM
Quote from: Waterfoul on April 14, 2014, 05:48:35 PM
As far as I can tell the 6 lakes on the DNR's test list from several years ago are still fishable all year long for C&R. So hit Muskegon or Hardy pond all you want. Post pics all you want.
Where can you find this list of lakes?? This is pretty cool I had no idea test lakes had be chosen.
I asked the DNR about them today. Here is their response:
The answer to your question is "no" - You may not fish for bass year round. There is a Catch-and-Immediate Release season. You will find the following in the 2014 Fishing Guide. The section in red refers to Muskegon Lake and Hardy Pond which are in the Lower Peninsula.
Catch-and-Immediate-Release seasons: On the following waters, bass may be caught and released during the seasons listed. All bass caught must be immediately (see common terms) returned to the water: L. St. Clair, St. Clair R. and Detroit R., from the last Sat. in Apr. – Fri. before the 3rd. Sat. in Jun.; All Lower Pen. waters including Great Lakes: Last Sat. in Apr. – Fri. before Memorial Day; All Upper Pen. waters including Great Lakes: May 15 – Fri. before Memorial Day.
Thank you for submitting your question.
So you can no longer fish the 6 lakes year round.
Part of the whole 2006 statewide catch and release bass season deal was to give up the April 1st catch-and-release opener on the 6 test lakes (that have now had spring catch-and-release bass fishing every year since 1988 - 26 seasons. And they still have bass...)
Quote from: Firefighter Jeff on April 15, 2014, 08:50:51 PM
Quote from: Genie on April 15, 2014, 03:16:55 PM
I think Dan just stabbed a guy with a trident
You had me at I LOVE LAMP !!! LOLOLOLOLOL :D
I can't tell you how many times I'm sitting in an exhilarating meeting and 'I LOVE LAMP' just pops into my head... it's been that way for a long, long time too... ::)
Quote from: rustydog on April 15, 2014, 03:21:16 PM
Try catfishing. Ice goes out on Wed. catch 11 amongst ice flows, 30 Fri. open water, 55 actual count on Sat. Alot of fun and didn't have to leave the yard. Beer fridge only few steps away. A fun way to start the season, no hassle.
Wait a minute!! How come I'm just finding this out now for the first time?!? Other than the beer, that sounds like a lot of fun!! (you can have my beer)
Quote from: Mojo on April 15, 2014, 09:37:04 PM
OMG Kimmel....... You did it !!! Holy Shipwrecks!
Senate Bill 869 (as introduced 3-12-14)
Sponsor: Senator Goeff Hansen
Committee: Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
Date Completed: 3-20-14
CONTENT
The bill would amend Part 487 (Sport Fishing) of the Natural Resources and Environmental
Protection Act to eliminate the prescribed open season for black bass.
Part 487 prohibits a person from taking, catching, or killing or attempting to take, catch, or kill any fish of certain species in any waters over which the State has jurisdiction except during prescribed open seasons.
Generally, the open season for largemouth and smallmouth black bass is from the Saturday immediately preceding Memorial Day to December 31. In Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers, however, the open season is from the third Saturday in June to December 31. The bill (SB 869) would eliminate these provisions (allowing a person to take largemouth or smallmouth black bass at any time).
IMHO
They should amend (the new) part A to include Black Bass with Sunfish And Bluegill so that CO s cant say No Bass Fishing Anytime ! Because in this language, Bass aren't mentioned at all (in the section for fish covered) under the provision......
Dan Good man, darn Good Man
Okay... hang on a minute... I really need to get caught up more on updates and information. Too many meetings with too much info... There's a 2nd assessment that clarifies the actual intent of SB 869 which is to fix state law so the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has the proper legal authority last year's Public Act 21 gave them to set the bass season based on sound science and input from the MDNR and fishing groups. Your suggestions about the part A aren't necessary because Public Act 451 of 1994 is very big and has sections that already cover our other needs about game fish species and authorities. I have actually gone through large chunks of the existing law twice in the past two weeks looking for issues, conflicts and things that are already allowed along with study related to many other issues that are coming and going as we go through lots of discussion about lots of change. Plus, most CO's I talk to are pretty reasonable people. I've had great discussions with the Law Enforcement Division chief and assistant chief.
We do have to remove the language from state law (Public Act 451 of 1994) that specifically limits the regular Michigan bass season to Memorial weekend statewide and the 3rd Friday in June for Lake St. Clair first. Public Act 21 of 2013 gave the NRC the authority equal to the Michigan Legislature to name fish and game species but it did not fix a number of technical issues still in state law such as the specific bass season limits. Passing SB 869 into law would fix the bass season limit problem giving the NRC legal and technical authority to create a different bass season.
SB 869 is now in the Michigan House Natural Resources Committee after being passed unanimously by the Michigan Senate 37-0 (1 excused) and so far it is not scheduled to be heard before the committee yet. I've been told by Rep. LaFontaine's (the committee chair) legislative aide they will let me know when it is scheduled so MUCC, the MDNR, Michigan B.A.S.S. Nation, etc. can go testify. MUCC's legislative liaison Matt Evans is helping keep an eye on things for us.
SB 869 has to be passed out of committee to the full House, and then passed by the House, and then signed by the Governor before the NRC can create a longer bass season, hopefully this fall in time for 2015.
Once you see the testimony from the March 20th Senate Outdoor Recreation and Tourism committee you will see we have very good support from the Senate, MUCC
AND the MDNR leadership.
I'm as positive as ever that we are getting a longer Michigan bass season in 2015. The Senators definitely support it. I still don't know exactly what it will be. There's still lots of work to do.
NOW - if you want the NRC to
KEEP the authority we are fixing for them to give us the longer bass season you need to get all the registered Michigan voters you know to sign - one time only before the end of this month - our The Scientific Fish & Wildlife Conservation Act petition! Otherwise Michigan citizens could vote that authority away in November thinking they are saving the wolves, and all this hard work goes out the #$%#$% window!
Go to www.citizenswildlife.com (http://www.citizenswildlife.com/) and get a petition to sign. Do it now if you haven't done it yet! Get your friends, neighbors, family, whomever you can, to sign it too!
I need an intern... ;D
It's good to see in this country that citizens can still have a voice...It just takes ambition and positive direction,,,,
The closed season doesn't really bother me.....It forces me to fish for other species and the patterns that you would find probably wouldn't apply to most tournaments...
My buddies are catching nice limits of Walleye on the Detroit river and other friends are killing the Crappie....now that is fun fishing and good eating...I have from memorial day on to chase bass but the walleye fishing gets a little tougher out of a bass boat as the season progresses...
Also winter and the Closed season helps to cut down on my fishing expenses...If I could fish year around I would be broke.. ;)
I look how crappy the fishing is in some of the other states in the region and I know there is a host of factors but things are going well here in Michigan...Tournament weights are higher than they have ever been and opportunities are pretty much limitless on both the great lakes and inland waters....It is pretty hard to argue that increased pressue over a longer period of time could have a negative effect...
It's all good and everyone has a different agenda......I tend to agree that I will not blatantly break a conservation law and will take it as it comes....If it changes great, if not whatever, life goes on...I'll still be enjoying the Michigan outdoors in some way....
Quote from: JBASS on April 14, 2014, 01:00:17 PM
Thought you can fish for dog fish any time of the year?
Had to join the train...
You can fish for dogfish or catfish any time of the year. But if you do it in a bass boat you will still get accused of bass fishing out of season on many waters.
Having some fish open all year and some fish closed for part of the year on the same lakes that will hit the same baits isn't the most feasible way of managing things. Another reason why most states don't do this.
I'm hoping this is the last year we have to put up with 'guilty by bass boat' in Michigan.
(http://www.clipartbest.com/cliparts/xig/KrA/xigKrAa4T.gif)
I think this is the 5th or 6th year I've seen this topic now. Lol! Every year the read gets better and better. Maybe next year if the bass season is changed, we can start bickering over who drives their boat over 55. That's breaking the law too, and I bet there's plenty of us on here who don't break the law but run their boats as fast as they can. Just saying.
Used to be the Drop Shot Debate before it was legal.
Not sure how fast my boat will go. I am usually in the right lane with my blinker on.
Quote from: Mike S. on April 20, 2014, 07:42:20 AM
We can start bickering over who drives their boat over 55. That's breaking the law too, and I bet there's plenty of us on here who don't break the law but run their boats as fast as they can. Just saying.
I break that law 1/2 throttle.... :P
But this is the point I was trying to make earlier... :-*
Maybe it is just me...but I look at someone differently that gets a speeding ticket VS someone that purposely violates a game law......It's comparing apples and oranges....
There are lots of laws I don't agree with....Hell, To be honest I would smoke Marijuana if it was legal...but it isn't and after 23 years in the military I haven't touched it since I was in College....but laws are laws and thank God we have citizens like Mr Kimmel that are willing to stand up and work through the system to bring some common sense to the Government agencies...
http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608014064671329420&pid=15.1
AWESOME!!!
It wouldn't look good for my sponsors if the DNR fined or confiscated my gear..... Sorry if I'm not rolling with the crowd on this one. I can wait for 2015.....
This thread will just not die. It's like a can of gas that just keeps leaking. Did you fire this back up DK? :) Thank you for clarifying Conservation Law for me motocross. By the way guys and gals... it is about a 50/50 split on what our feelings are on this subject.
I have been avoiding this example, but no one will put that can of gas in their boat and JUST GO FISHING ( Out of sight, out of mind aye?).
Example... A guy decides to go bass fishing out of season(with a very fast boat I might ad ;D). He is just whacking the smallies on blade baits, jerk baits and crankbaits (double treble hooks). This guy says he catches over a 100 bass and immediately releases those fish. Now we all know probability of all these fish surviving is 0 because some of these fish have choked the bait and 2 or 3 are going to die. My question is this:
A. Do I keep these fish and harvest them?
B. Do I release these fish and let them sink to the bottom? (I don't think anybody seen me)
Guys... just go fishing. Why bring this negative attention to our great sport?
Dave
Quote from: Mojo on April 20, 2014, 11:31:05 PM
It wouldn't look good for my sponsors if the DNR fined or confiscated my gear..... Sorry if I'm not rolling with the crowd on this one. I can wait for 2015.....
You and I are on the same page.
Quote from: PineLk 49 on April 21, 2014, 10:41:11 AM
This thread will just not die. It's like a can of gas that just keeps leaking. Did you fire this back up DK? :) Thank you for clarifying Conservation Law for me motocross. By the way guys and gals... it is about a 50/50 split on what our feelings are on this subject.
I have been avoiding this example, but no one will put that can of gas in their boat and JUST GO FISHING ( Out of sight, out of mind aye?).
Example... A guy decides to go bass fishing out of season(with a very fast boat I might ad ;D). He is just whacking the smallies on blade baits, jerk baits and crankbaits (double treble hooks). This guy says he catches over a 100 bass and immediately releases those fish. Now we all know probability of all these fish surviving is 0 because some of these fish have choked the bait and 2 or 3 are going to die. My question is this:
A. Do I keep these fish and harvest them?
B. Do I release these fish and let them sink to the bottom? (I don't think anybody seen me)
Guys... just go fishing. Why bring this negative attention to our great sport?
Dave
Nope. I didn't fire it up. At least, not on purpose..? I'm sure I'd have more members if I had more of these kinds of posts, at least if they were allowed to get more 'Springer-esque' but I've never enjoyed that and you are all too mature. They wouldn't be the right kind of members generally anyway. Not all of them.
I always call this cabin fever though that's not really fair. I've already said this kind of stuff is a good example of why I personally want to change unnecessary, social regulations. I love fishing and want to help make the world a better place by getting more people into fishing.
We haven't gotten on the topic of what to do about fish that die yet. Don't worry, they are 'debating' that on other websites ;D The answer I've always gotten from the MDNR is if they aren't in season you have to release them. Luckily, spring, cold water mortality is generally very, very low due to the low water temp.
I've also recently been in some discussions about the muskie anglers who try to revive a tired muskie in their livewell before releasing it. Technically, some consider that muskie in possession though possession is not defined directly anywhere in Michigan law. The MDNR changed the fishing guide this year to read that you would need to tag such a muskie - must be tagged unless released immediately - and you only get one tag a year. There's actually an angler pushing really hard to get the MDNR to interpret that once/if you use your 1 tag per year you can't fish for muskie anymore in Michigan. I think that is ridiculous and stupid. But he sure believes he's doing some good...
Different folks. Different strokes... or, they say it takes all kinds... I just want to go fishing.
Quote from: PineLk 49 on April 21, 2014, 10:41:11 AM
This thread will just not die. It's like a can of gas that just keeps leaking. Did you fire this back up DK? :) Thank you for clarifying Conservation Law for me motocross. By the way guys and gals... it is about a 50/50 split on what our feelings are on this subject.
I have been avoiding this example, but no one will put that can of gas in their boat and JUST GO FISHING ( Out of sight, out of mind aye?).
Example... A guy decides to go bass fishing out of season(with a very fast boat I might ad ;D). He is just whacking the smallies on blade baits, jerk baits and crankbaits (double treble hooks). This guy says he catches over a 100 bass and immediately releases those fish. Now we all know probability of all these fish surviving is 0 because some of these fish have choked the bait and 2 or 3 are going to die. My question is this:
A. Do I keep these fish and harvest them?
B. Do I release these fish and let them sink to the bottom? (I don't think anybody seen me)
Guys... just go fishing. Why bring this negative attention to our great sport?
Dave
It's pretty simple......what do the current DNR regulations tell you to.do?....It really.doesnt.get more black and white.then that...
Everyone has to make their own moral and ethical decisions where they draw the line in life...
A common sense exchange on this forum with no personal attacks far from sheds a bad light if you compare to Tournament anglers.fishing out of season under the pubc.eye...
All you have to do is check out the forums over at lakestclair.net if you want to see some
general disdain towards us evil toirnament fisherman......Fishing out of season, moving into
Their fishing area, Power loading, driving too fast,arrogant guy in the fancy jersey, poor.fish care, Ive seen it all posted over there.....So we are being watched and some are loking for a reason to give us a hard time and put a huge damper on our sport..
Some will find two things wrong a year and paint the whole bass boat nation with that brush too. In the old days I used to lecture a lot more at the federation meetings because I know how much we stand out, and that this is human nature, but I realized I was preaching to the choir more often than getting to the root of the few bad apples problem.
It is important to remind each other that these perceptions do exist, and more important for all of us to set a good example.
I don't get after people fishing out of season much because not all people in a bass boat are targeting bass out of season. If we can get the season fixed (because it is broken) then none of us have to worry about 'guilty by bass boat' anymore. I'm sure we can find something else after that... ;D but maybe we can fix that too!?! And then fix the next thing, and the next thing... :)
Excuse the typos...hate typing on my cell
That's a lot to type on a phone!
DK and motocross.... you are 100% correct. I let my judgement get clouded by getting to personal. If I'm ever in the wrong I will be the first to admit it. So I will publicly apologize for being to insensitive and HOPE that those offended will understand I was just venting a little steam.
Sometimes I make the mistake of jumping over the fence, rather than just walking around it. Again, another lesson learned the hard way.
Dave
I know I wasn't thinking about anyone in particular when I wrote my latest comments. I was just doing what I usually do - sharing my thoughts with everyone who comes along and reads. I didn't have a problem with any of your particular posts. I don't have a problem with people sharing their opinions on various topics. I'm sure glad we all do that pretty good on here.
I vent too. Probably as much or more than anyone. I keep forgetting that sometimes people will even think I'm venting towards them when I don't mean to.
Its all good...I have seen these discussions deteriate rapidly on other forums but the members here do a great job of not letting things get personal....This is America we arent all suppose to have the same opinion, it is all about tolerance and how you express yourself....
One good thing about all of this...It was a pretty short time between ice out and the Opener of C and R.......Last I heard the Lakes up north still were pretty well covered...Some of our up north friends may have to use their spuds for opening day.... ;D
My thoughts are
For the most part. I don't fish bass early
But there has been a few trips. I just think of it has trophy crappie fishing.
The speeding part
We all know the law, And yes I speed to and from work every day
On the water, It's the same thing. We all know (or should know) the law
Here's the debate that get's brought up (more on the Walleye sites)
If the rule says your allowed 2 days possession of walleye
Are they talking about in the cooler (or being transported) or the house freezer.
It would be the same debate. Follow the law / regulations or don't. It's been shared on here a number of times, and shared all over the Internet in other places - the total possession limit is interpreted as in your boat, in your cooler, in your car/truck/camper, at home in your freezer and everywhere else that you keep fish.
You can't legally have 500 bluegill fillets in your freezer that you caught in Michigan, or 25 filleted walleye in the combination of all the places you store fish you caught in Michigan.
People talk about it all the time. Many seem to believe that is incorrect but all you have to do is ask a Conservation Officer to get the answer above. I see 'experts' sharing their opinions on websites all the time who have obviously never read the Michigan DNR fishing guide (http://michigan.gov/fishingguide) let alone spoke with a Conservation Officer or the Lansing office.
Will they raid your home and count your perch fillets? Probably not. Though, if you're selling perch to restaurants and/or someone reports that you're keeping huge numbers of Michigan fish it is possible.
They just reported at the last citizen's fishery committee I attended on busting a ring of anglers up north who were selling sport caught fish to local restaurants.
I just chimed in for the fact that people get caught up in worrying about what the next guy is doing, and trying get to paint the perfect picture, that they forget that they too may break a law here and there as well. Do t take it personal anybody, because I don't really care what the next guy does, as long as he's not hurting me. If you get caught breaking the law, that's on you. I saw so many comments about "I just don't break the law", that I had to chime in.
Good news is, next year we won't have anything to bicker a out other than ice on the lakes when we could be bass fishing.......hopefully.
Quote from: djkimmel on April 21, 2014, 08:48:53 PM
It would be the same debate. Follow the law / regulations or don't. It's been shared on here a number of times, and shared all over the Internet in other places - the total possession limit is interpreted as in your boat, in your cooler, in your car/truck/camper, at home in your freezer and everywhere else that you keep fish.
You can't legally have 500 bluegill fillets in your freezer that you caught in Michigan, or 25 filleted walleye in the combination of all the places you store fish you caught in Michigan.
People talk about it all the time. Many seem to believe that is incorrect but all you have to do is ask a Conservation Officer to get the answer above. I see 'experts' sharing their opinions on websites all the time who have obviously never read the Michigan DNR fishing guide (http://michigan.gov/fishingguide) let alone spoke with a Conservation Officer or the Lansing office.
Will they raid your home and count your perch fillets? Probably not. Though, if you're selling perch to restaurants and/or someone reports that you're keeping huge numbers of Michigan fish it is possible.
They just reported at the last citizen's fishery committee I attended on busting a ring of anglers up north who were selling sport caught fish to local restaurants.
Last year I saw a post on Craigslist from a guy that was selling filets of smallmouth and Walleye fresh caught from LSC...Guys at LSC.net were all over it and it was off craigslist in a few days...
Those the are the types of guys we as anglers need to band together to hammer.....There just aren't enough LEOs out there so we need to self police to a point....
Mike S. (and everyone else) I always think of the ancient saying of 'let he who is without sin cast the first stone.'
moto (and everyone else) There will probably never be 'enough' Conservation Officers considering all the things they need to cover. I continue to believe one of the best solutions is to stop trying to regulate fish species with closed seasons when other fish that will hit the same lures are open. The water either has to be completely closed to ALL fishing, OR open to all legal fishing with only the clarification of which fish you can keep and which fish you need to release.
I've been cruising the fishing web the past week or so and seeing the same posts (bickering) I see every winter and spring. I especially love all the 'non-bass' anglers accusing anyone in a 'bass boat' of breaking the law on the Mile Roads KNOWING those persons are making the judgment that IF you're in a 'bass boat' fishing the Mile Roads you're a scummy lawbreaker BUT if you're fishing the EXACT same Mile Roads in a 'non-bass boat' you're 'legally' fishing for open pike, walleye or other open fish - no judgment based on what you're catching or using to fish with half the time either - just based on the 'type' of boat you own.
Man! Am I sick of that... Like I said, guilty by bass boat has to end. I see the exact same thing for years now over pike verses muskie anglers. If people see you out fishing on Lake St. Clair before June 1 and they know you like to muskie fish you're a lawbreaker. If they don't know you like to muskie fish, you can fish the same exact places with the same exact lure and you're a fine, decent upstanding citizen angler.
What a waste of energy and a major way anglers don't help each other when we most need each others help.
Considering we need anglers buying fishing licenses to fund the MDNR I feel the clear choice is to create common sense, non-infighting fishing regulations that make it easier for people to just go fishing. Whenever they can.
Only 3 days to go. Put my pontoon in yesterday and cruised around. Saw some fish suspended along the breaks but nothing shallow where they will be in 2 weeks. water is still cold.
That's enough info to get people that much more excited about opening day! Thanks!
I don't think Muskegon is going to be much fun this opening weekend. It is tore up from the river flooding. I don't know where I'm going to fish yet.
I got the boat out of my garage last sun and dropped it into Howell lake. I wanted to make sure everything was fine before my annual trip to KY lake on May 1st. I can see both sides of the debate and for me it's simple as many have said. If the law say's I can't fish for bass then I'm not. What i did do on sun was something I have never done in the past. After make sure the boat ran and cking everything else out I spent an hour learning more about my electronics. I spent time learning how to split the screens on my units and cruised around looking for fish. I was actually quite pleased with myself for doing that.
As far as speed goes the older I have gotten my need for speed is not what it was. I do however love KY lake in the early morning and later in the evening. That lake gets smooth as glass and there is plenty of room to stretch a boat out for miles. I get my yearly fix for speed at that time. Many of the inland lakes here are too small or busy to speed. The other thing is I have never been on LSC when it is smooth. The fastest I have ever gone on that lake is 50 mph but then again I only fish it about 10 times a yr.
Good luck to all who venture out this sat. I read the blog about White Lake. I went by the ramp last thurs and cannot believe how small it is. Sat weather looks to be cool.
Mark
Which White Lake are you refering too?
We were talking about the one in Oakland Co, but now it looks like nobody is going. We have always had lunch at the White Lake Inn, which is on the water.
I was told that our White Lake, in Muskegon county, just lost its ice last a week or so ago. It stayed way longer than Muskegon's did.