allanwalker
8/12/2011 8:41:00 AMDear Ross Outdoor Adventure.
I have noticed this year quite a few posted from you with 22"plus walleye and several over 5 pound.
You are a good guide and fisherman for sure. BUT.
The pictures indicate they where taken at the ramps and the fish were dead.
I would suggest you discuss with your clients returning the larger fish to the lake alive and unhurt to spawn again as those larger fish are females and the future of the fishery.
They are the future of the fishery for your business and for all of us.
Respectfully submitted. Allan Walker
I have noticed this year quite a few posted from you with 22"plus walleye and several over 5 pound.
You are a good guide and fisherman for sure. BUT.
The pictures indicate they where taken at the ramps and the fish were dead.
I would suggest you discuss with your clients returning the larger fish to the lake alive and unhurt to spawn again as those larger fish are females and the future of the fishery.
They are the future of the fishery for your business and for all of us.
Respectfully submitted. Allan Walker
Ross Outdoor Adventures
8/15/2011 1:07:00 PMMr. Walker,
I have addressed this before and will do so again. I would prefer the big Walleye we are being blessed with this season be released to fight again over and over again as well. Each group of clients have a different goal as to what a great day is; some want to learn the lake, some want to catch some fish for a great meal or two, some simply want to fight a huge Walleye, take a few pictures, release the fish, and do it again. Clients are told that releasing these big fish is a great way to ensure that they can return to Potholes next year and for years to come and hopefully enjoy the quality of fishing we are enjoying now. I will not however shame a customer into releasing what is in some cases the best catch of their life.
We have a long tradition of fillet and release at Potholes, hopefully that is slowly changing. I here complaints that the slot should be changed back to one over 24'' or 2 over 22''. I would argue that the current slot is the correct one and I hope it is left alone. I would like to see SOME level of enforcement, too many cheaters know the chances of being caught are slim to none. I understand the budget and staffing issues but it seems the state and county would prefer to generate revenue through "discover pass", boating safety cards, and the all important "carbon monoxide warning sticker" citations rather than protecting our resources.
For the record we have released 514 Walleye this year of all sizes from 7'' to 33''
I have addressed this before and will do so again. I would prefer the big Walleye we are being blessed with this season be released to fight again over and over again as well. Each group of clients have a different goal as to what a great day is; some want to learn the lake, some want to catch some fish for a great meal or two, some simply want to fight a huge Walleye, take a few pictures, release the fish, and do it again. Clients are told that releasing these big fish is a great way to ensure that they can return to Potholes next year and for years to come and hopefully enjoy the quality of fishing we are enjoying now. I will not however shame a customer into releasing what is in some cases the best catch of their life.
We have a long tradition of fillet and release at Potholes, hopefully that is slowly changing. I here complaints that the slot should be changed back to one over 24'' or 2 over 22''. I would argue that the current slot is the correct one and I hope it is left alone. I would like to see SOME level of enforcement, too many cheaters know the chances of being caught are slim to none. I understand the budget and staffing issues but it seems the state and county would prefer to generate revenue through "discover pass", boating safety cards, and the all important "carbon monoxide warning sticker" citations rather than protecting our resources.
For the record we have released 514 Walleye this year of all sizes from 7'' to 33''