To Many Dead Muskies

[Deadeyemark]

Folks,
Just a short note concerning proper handling of your fish. I know it's tuff sometimes to get a lure and hooks out of a fish's mouth and the net. I try to do this while keeping the fish's head under water. A good rule of thumb for the fish's time out of the water is as long as you can hold 'your' breath.
Many of us have found quite a few dead muskies this year at Lk Tapps. Some are decayed enough that it's not easy to see why they died. A few have been found with knife cuts on them.
I have spoken with two Chapter 57 members lately that have witnessed two men bowfishing for carp supposedly. Two men were seen bowfishing on Lk Tapps and when confronted and their boat numbers written down they took off in a hurry and took their boat out of the lake via the private launch south of Bankers Island. There are carp in Lk Tapps. That's why the muskies were stocked to begin with. Why then, did this duo scramble to get off the water??? This Chapter 57 member had just seen a musky at the location of the bowfishermen. He then approached them and asked them about their intentions. They studdered for the proper response.
Another Chapter 57 member witnessed two bowfishermen spotlighting while supposedly bowfishing carp at Mayfield Lk. They to were witnessed in the immediate vicinity of a spot a couple muskies had been seen laying earlier in the evening. THERE ARE NO CARP IN MAYFIELD LAKE. They were witnessed shooting at something in the water but denied shooting at muskies when confronted by the Chapter 57 member. They could not even match their answers between themselves.
Folks, I hate to say it but I've got a very bad feeling about this. If any of you see anything suspicious like this, please write down their boat numbers. Take a picture better yet. If you witness an actual violation, call 911. This is a crime in progress and should be reported on a 911 call just like any other crime. The police will take your info and pass it along to the WDFW enforcement. I have done this myself twice so I know it works.
I really do not understand the animosity of some people toward the musky. Their own ignorance is their own worst enemy. These fish are helping the fishery besides providing us with another game fish to pursue. The kokanee fishery has exploded in Merwin. The carp populations is being reduced in Tapps which is greatly improving the bass fishery. The trout and largemouth bass fishery has improved in Curlew. I'm sure the other musky stocked lakes have shown impovement also, I just don't have the data in front of me.
We're all fishermen. Maybe we fish for different fish but we're still all fishermen and need to stick together. Destroying each other's game is certainly no means to improving anything.
I'm hoping my pic will get posted under this blog. My partner and I found this dead musky while fishing Tapps last Sunday. No obvious cause of death. Just a reminder that this is a fragile fishery and we need to take good care of it.
Thanx for reading.

[kevinb]

Deadeye's pic

[outfishUnetime]

Same as in Merwin. When first planted there is an abundance of prey[-o< . Musky are voracious eaters and, in as little as a few years, eat themselves right out of ample food. The lake can then support less and less large adults. In Merwin it is/was squawfish. In Tapps it's carp, which are much slower breeders than squawfish , especially in the environment of Tapps. So, you can expect a die-off of the Muskies in Tapps similar to Merwin. It's expected when you introduce predators into an environment that's overpopulated with prey[-o< . The fishery will continue. It will just balance itself, depending on what the new drinking water consortium, that just purchased the lake, does with the lake in the future[-o< . If you want a great Musky fishery=p~ , put'em in Lake WA[-( and Samamish. They would, however, eventually balance out there also. I guess you could then feed the Muskys somehow:scratch: ? Maybe raise sterile carp in bio-water treatment ponds for Musky food:study: . lol (it might just work, and I bet you could get some grant $$$ for the project) "Save the Sockeye from the squawfish." =d> Seattleites would donate $ millions!:money:

I know there is a few jerks:ncool:[-x out there, though, and they should get what's coming to them:shaking2: . Keep up the vigilance.:rambo: If we don't, no one will.

[ProAngler'sDaughter]

The key point of a catch and release is what to do just following the netting of the fish (if you chose
to use one). A responsible muskie angler will make sure that they have the proper "tools" on board to
accomplish the catch and release task.

The newer muskie nets are more fish friendly. They are coated with netting to prevent the lures from
getting tangled. The Stowmaster or Beckman muskie nets are the best around. They allow the fisherperson
to leave the fish in it environment, the water, at the side of the boat. Other tools, such as the Baker Hook-out
and a good set of small bolt cutters are also a necessity. The hook-out allows one to get the hooks out without
getting your hands too close the muskies sharp teeth or gills. For fish that are hooked too solidly to remove
with the hook-out, the bolt cutters can be used. A 25 cent hook is a small price to pay for the safe release of the
Masterful Muskellunge!

Some angler use a "fish glove" to help handle the fish and hold it for a QUICK photo session, my dear ole' dad
STRONGLY recommend the Musky Armor Gloves (www.muskyarmor.com), for no more gill raker cuts on the
backs of your fingers!

Prepare ahead of time for your catch. Before you remove your fish from the net, make sure to have the
camera ready. An earlier post was correct: don't keep the fish out of the water longer than you can hold
your breath! Also, don't place your fish on the bottom of the boat (whether in or out of the net). This will
remove the layer of protective slime on the fish that protects it from bacterial disease. Additionally, they will
often thrash around and injure themselves when out of the water and in the boat. This can create havoc with
tackle as well.

After you've made your Kodak memories, gently place your muskie back in the water and hold them upright. If, as
you are preparing to let them go they turn sideways or upside down, they may need to be "burped" (as my dad calls it).
The swim bladder of the Muskie is below center, and some tired muskies cannot overcome excess air. If this is the case,
hold your fish's back against the side of the boat bythe tail and using the other hand, gently press the stomach starting
near the anal fin and push along the stomach towards the head. This will help to remove the excess air from the bladder
and give the muskie a much better chance of regaining its equilibrium and swimming away in good shape.

Even with the best of intentions, a released muskie's chances of survival after release are only as good as the methods
you use. Take the extra steps necessary and make sure you have the proper tools before leaving the dock, so when I catch
your release it will be "my" fish of a lifetime! And I can start the release process all over again...

There were many years when catch and release wasn't even considered. Because of that the size of fish dwindled. Now with over
20 years of a high rate of catch and release, the fish are growing and growing. The world record fish is just within your cast. (Excerpt from-LR)

Happy Fishing, Prideful Release!

PAD

[kevinb]

[quote="outfishUnetime"]Same as in Merwin. When first planted there is an abundance of prey[-o&lt]

Tapps has an abundance of carp still. Do carp carry knives and bows?
I've been personally working with WDFW Officers and at this time their is an ongoing investigation.
Tapps has poacher(s)

[kevinb]

The key point of a catch and release is what to do just following the netting of the fish (if you chose
to use one). A responsible muskie angler will make sure that they have the proper "tools" on board to
accomplish the catch and release task.

The newer muskie nets are more fish friendly. They are coated with netting to prevent the lures from
getting tangled. The Stowmaster or Beckman muskie nets are the best around. They allow the fisherperson
to leave the fish in it environment, the water, at the side of the boat. Other tools, such as the Baker Hook-out
and a good set of small bolt cutters are also a necessity. The hook-out allows one to get the hooks out without
getting your hands too close the muskies sharp teeth or gills. For fish that are hooked too solidly to remove
with the hook-out, the bolt cutters can be used. A 25 cent hook is a small price to pay for the safe release of the
Masterful Muskellunge!

Some angler use a "fish glove" to help handle the fish and hold it for a QUICK photo session, my dear ole' dad
STRONGLY recommend the Musky Armor Gloves (www.muskyarmor.com), for no more gill raker cuts on the
backs of your fingers!

Prepare ahead of time for your catch. Before you remove your fish from the net, make sure to have the
camera ready. An earlier post was correct: don't keep the fish out of the water no longer than you can hold
your breath! Also, don't place your fish on the bottom of the boat (whether in or out of the net). This will
remove the layer of protective slime on the fish that protects it from bacterial disease. Additionally, they will
often thrash around and injure themselves when out of the water and in the boat. This can create havoc with
tackle as well.

After you've made your Kodak memories, gently place your muskie back in the water and hold them upright. If, as
you are preparing to let them go they turn sideways or upside down, they may need to be "burped" (as my dad calls it).
The swim bladder of the Muskie is below center, and some tired muskies cannot overcome excess air. If this is the case,
hold your fish's back against the side of the boat bythe tail and using the other hand, gently press the stomach starting
near the anal fin and push along the stomach towards the head. This will help to remove the excess air from the bladder
and give the muskie a much better chance of regaining its equilibrium and swimming away in good shape.

Even with the best of intentions, a released muskie's chances of survival after release are only as good as the methods
you use. Take the extra steps necessary and make sure you have the proper tools before leaving the dock, so when I catch
your release it will be "my" fish of a lifetime! And I can start the release process all over again...

There were many years when catch and release wasn't even considered. Because of that the size of fish dwindled. Now with over
20 years of a high rate of catch and release, the fish are growing and growing. The world record fish is just within your cast. (Excerpt from-LR)

Happy Fishing, Prideful Release!

PAD

Great advice

I'm always prepared with camera and all that good stuff.The problem is catching muskies...

[muskyhunter28]

What are the laws regarding shooting Poachers, on sight?

All Im saying is they are ARMED with a BOW!!!
That is a Deadly weapon, and when you approach them they turn to you.......and BAM!!!!


You have ther right to deffend yourself?

[kevinb]

What are the laws regarding shooting Poachers, on sight?

All Im saying is they are ARMED with a BOW!!!
That is a Deadly weapon, and when you approach them they turn to you.......and BAM!!!!


You have ther right to deffend yourself?

I suppose you would have the right to shoot if the situation is justified. Removing a threat with the intentions of bodily harm.

[ProAngler'sDaughter]

No doubt kevinb...if only they would just jump in the boat and pose for us!!

As far as shooting poachers, the fish aren't talkin!

[SPARKY101]

The key point of a catch and release is what to do just following the netting of the fish (if you chose
to use one). A responsible muskie angler will make sure that they have the proper "tools" on board to
accomplish the catch and release task.

The newer muskie nets are more fish friendly. They are coated with netting to prevent the lures from
getting tangled. The Stowmaster or Beckman muskie nets are the best around. They allow the fisherperson
to leave the fish in it environment, the water, at the side of the boat. Other tools, such as the Baker Hook-out
and a good set of small bolt cutters are also a necessity. The hook-out allows one to get the hooks out without
getting your hands too close the muskies sharp teeth or gills. For fish that are hooked too solidly to remove
with the hook-out, the bolt cutters can be used. A 25 cent hook is a small price to pay for the safe release of the
Masterful Muskellunge!

Some angler use a "fish glove" to help handle the fish and hold it for a QUICK photo session, my dear ole' dad
STRONGLY recommend the Musky Armor Gloves (www.muskyarmor.com), for no more gill raker cuts on the
backs of your fingers!

Prepare ahead of time for your catch. Before you remove your fish from the net, make sure to have the
camera ready. An earlier post was correct: don't keep the fish out of the water longer than you can hold
your breath! Also, don't place your fish on the bottom of the boat (whether in or out of the net). This will
remove the layer of protective slime on the fish that protects it from bacterial disease. Additionally, they will
often thrash around and injure themselves when out of the water and in the boat. This can create havoc with
tackle as well.

After you've made your Kodak memories, gently place your muskie back in the water and hold them upright. If, as
you are preparing to let them go they turn sideways or upside down, they may need to be "burped" (as my dad calls it).
The swim bladder of the Muskie is below center, and some tired muskies cannot overcome excess air. If this is the case,
hold your fish's back against the side of the boat bythe tail and using the other hand, gently press the stomach starting
near the anal fin and push along the stomach towards the head. This will help to remove the excess air from the bladder
and give the muskie a much better chance of regaining its equilibrium and swimming away in good shape.

Even with the best of intentions, a released muskie's chances of survival after release are only as good as the methods
you use. Take the extra steps necessary and make sure you have the proper tools before leaving the dock, so when I catch
your release it will be "my" fish of a lifetime! And I can start the release process all over again...

There were many years when catch and release wasn't even considered. Because of that the size of fish dwindled. Now with over
20 years of a high rate of catch and release, the fish are growing and growing. The world record fish is just within your cast. (Excerpt from-LR)

Happy Fishing, Prideful Release!

PAD

Thanks P.A.D even though im not a musky hunter,"Bass Hunter" i do have a high chance of getting one of your fish, and now that i have a liitle insight on to properly handle your fish and help the higher percentile in survival, makes the release that much better and easier.Thanks for your info you post.

[Don Wittenberger]

I hope this comment is unnecessary, and I feel confident it is, but I'll post it just in case ...

The law of self-defense varies from state to state. In Washington, you are permitted to use deadly force for self-defense only to protect yourself or another person from an imminent threat of death or grave bodily harm. Washington does not limit the availability of the defense to one's personal residence, and does not require you to attempt to retreat (some states do), but you do lose the defense if you instigated the confrontation or were an aggressor in any way.

Don't try to play cop, and certainly don't be a vigilante. If you observe illegal activity, report it to law enforcement, but for your own safety do not confront the lawbreaker.

Also, remember that even if you are in the right, your actions are subject to being second-guessed by law enforcement, prosecutors, judge, and jury; and you could still end up spending a long stretch in prison if they see the facts differently from what actually happened or choose not to believe your witnesses. Also, even if you're not prosecuted, you could end up being liable for a huge civil judgment. Any time you use force against another human being, you are rolling the legal dice, and the outcome is unpredictable. So, any time you find yourself in a confrontation with strangers that could turn violent, especially if weapons are present on the scene, extreme caution is likely to serve you better than valor.

As a lawyer my advice is always always always leave it to the police to handle potentially threatening situations. That's what we pay them for.

[kevinb]

[quote="Don Wittenberger"]I hope this comment is unnecessary, and I feel confident it is, but I'll post it just in case ...

The law of self-defense varies from state to state. In Washington, you are permitted to use deadly force for self-defense only to protect yourself or another person from an imminent threat of death or grave bodily harm. Washington does not limit the availability of the defense to one's personal residence, and does not require you to attempt to retreat (some states do), but you do lose the defense if you instigated the confrontation or were an aggressor in any way.

Don't try to play cop, and certainly don't be a vigilante. If you observe illegal activity, report it to law enforcement, but for your own safety do not confront the lawbreaker.

Also, remember that even if you are in the right, your actions are subject to being second-guessed by law enforcement, prosecutors, judge, and jury]

Thank you Don

I don't think anyone is looking for trouble but its a good question if someone were to be engaged by one of these individuals.

[JSANDERS]

I saw a tiger musky with gills slashed and a slice in its guts a few weeks back while fishing Lake Tapps.I called kevinb and he got me in contact with fish and game. I know these fellas are looking for these characters. Infact,I know of a few sheriff's deputies watching too.

I'm a bass angler and have never targeted muskys but when I saw this.It made me sick,regardless of species.

[racfish]

I dont like the sport of C&R.I feel its cruel and inhumane to fight a fish to submission just to let it go.Why torture a fish just so you can get your jollies doing it.I see people catching and releasing Sockeye all the time.All it does is feed the Eagles.If you like the sport so much let me put a 6-8/0 hook in your lip and drag you around a bit.I wish they would abolish C&R alltogether.C&R should only be done if youre targeting one species and catch another.To me C&R is the same as torturing.Just mo.find other ways of getting off.

[Drewp]

Wow.

[kevinb]

I dont like the sport of C&R.I feel its cruel and inhumane to fight a fish to submission just to let it go.Why torture a fish just so you can get your jollies doing it.I see people catching and releasing Sockeye all the time.All it does is feed the Eagles.If you like the sport so much let me put a 6-8/0 hook in your lip and drag you around a bit.I wish they would abolish C&R alltogether.C&R should only be done if youre targeting one species and catch another.To me C&R is the same as torturing.Just mo.find other ways of getting off.

I get off on others ignorance.

Your entitled to your opinion but your opinion is wrong.
You realize with out the practice of c&r,ALL fisheries would end.
Interesting you dropped this bomb in here,the bass guys might not share your ideaology.

Who has the popcorn?

[JSANDERS]

I dont like the sport of C&R.I feel its cruel and inhumane to fight a fish to submission just to let it go.Why torture a fish just so you can get your jollies doing it.I see people catching and releasing Sockeye all the time.All it does is feed the Eagles.If you like the sport so much let me put a 6-8/0 hook in your lip and drag you around a bit.I wish they would abolish C&R alltogether.C&R should only be done if youre targeting one species and catch another.To me C&R is the same as torturing.Just mo.find other ways of getting off.

You really feel that way?

[racfish]

When I see people target fish on the endangered species list I dont like it.I do release bass and other fish to.Im not saying it dosent happen.When I fish for steelies last year I released 7 gorgeous native fish.Im not targeting natives.They are incidental catches.But What I dont like is folks catching fish knowing they are all gonna be released.Knowing they had no intentions of keeping them.They must be proving sometghing to themselves I suppose.What you call ignorance is just another persons opinion that dosent agree with yours.Dont like it? Dont read it.I C&R but only when I'm fishing another species.KevinB!!!KMA

[JSANDERS]

When I see people target fish on the endangered species list I dont like it.I do release bass and other fish to.Im not saying it dosent happen.When I fish for steelies last year I released 7 gorgeous native fish.Im not targeting natives.They are incidental catches.But What I dont like is folks catching fish knowing they are all gonna be released.Knowing they had no intentions of keeping them.They must be proving sometghing to themselves I suppose.What you call ignorance is just another persons opinion that dosent agree with yours.Dont like it? Dont read it.I C&R but only when I'm fishing another species.KevinB!!!KMA

Wow.
Its fishing buddy,isn't that why we are here?

You made a bold statment against an anglers right to C&R.
Sounds like Kevinb is right,you are ignorant. Don't get all defensive,its your statement:-"

[bpm2000]

When I see people target fish on the endangered species list I dont like it.I do release bass and other fish to.Im not saying it dosent happen.When I fish for steelies last year I released 7 gorgeous native fish.Im not targeting natives.They are incidental catches.

You can't have your cake and eat it too in this case. If you truly feel you are doing fish a huge disservice by hooking them and releasing them again, and you yourself have stated you have a large number of incidental catches, then shouldn't you be putting away the hooks and line for good?