Catch an release?

[DDSBYDAY]

     This is info I received when I was in Onterio Canada.  I do not know if the numbers would be the same for Minnesota but it is a good reference for a rule of thumb.

             Large walleye lay approximately 26,000 eggs per pound of body weight.  Less than 1 in 10,000 survive to adults under perfect conditions.

             A 21" walleye produces on average of 100,000 eggs and is 10 years old.

             A 25" walleye produces on average of 150,000 eggs and is 16 years old.

     This is why slots are important.  (when a lake has natural reproduction).


          My thoughts on catch and release are that slots can be good but a universal slot would be stupid.   In Minnesota for instance many if not most lakes have little if no natural reproduction.    I think the 1 over 20 inch rule for Minnesota is a joke.    If you have a lake with no natural reproduction what would be wrong with someone keeping fish this big.  It will have nothing to do with the walleye population in the future (other than reducing the over all population by one or two,[same as if it was 18 inches].   I do in fact think a 20 inch walleye is a good eater.  If you have a couple you can have a walleye dinner  with someone.  I do know you can get it at a resturaunt but this is a fishing forum.

[kenhuntin]

Slot limits are great to help a lake rebound from a population decline but I would like to see them removed once a goal is reached. Or make the lakes bucks only.

[Lee Borgersen]

Another way to look at it is from the aspect of lakes with no natural reproduction and a poor stocking program. The lake I guide on falls exactly under this category. The potential growth rate is phenomenal with all larger eyes easily surpassing the average weights of other lakes in the region. This is for the most part due to the tremendous forage base here. We have no slot size limit. The actual size limit is 15 inches with no other restrictions. Last year the DNR did a study and estimated the walleye population at .5 walleyes per acre. That's right 1/2 a walleye per acre.

With a nearly non existent walleye stocking program most fisherman release decent size eyes because they realize what an important and rare resource  they are on this lake. The release gives them and the next angler the opportunity to catch a future trophy walleye because of the outstanding growth rate. Those living in an area with a strong stocking programs can afford a more liberal philosophy be cause it's considered a put and take fishery.

Here's a photo of a walleye one of my clients caught on our guide trip. Note the girth due to the tremendous forage base. Can you imagine that eye in another 5 yrs?

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[DDSBYDAY]

You bring up a very good point Lee.  (nice fish by the way).  I truely believe the catch and release mentality is catching on.  Each lake is different.  I don't think universal slots for all lakes would be a wise thing.  a A universal slot gets discussed each year at the legislature and I hope it never happens.   As we saw last year they will often ignore the DNRs recommendations when dreaming up ways to screw up our outdoor sports.

[Lee Borgersen]

You bring up a very good point Lee.  (nice fish by the way).  I truely believe the catch and release mentality is catching on.  Each lake is different.  I don't think universal slots for all lakes would be a wise thing.  a A universal slot gets discussed each year at the legislature and I hope it never happens.   As we saw last year they will often ignore the DNRs recommendations when dreaming up ways to screw up our outdoor sports.

Not to get off topic, but the U.S. Forrest Service has the same problems like the DNR. Although these two agency's will never be able to please everyone. They need to make the major decisions regarding our resources and not have roadblocks thrown in front of them every time they set a policy. The folks working for these departments have to be highly educated and well versed in their field before they work for these agencies.

I'm sure there is much frustration amongst both departments. They were hired to do a job so let them do it!

[snow]

Don't forget to factor in the indian netting in the ceded terrirtory guys,like it or not this has really impacted a "certain" walleye factory we have here that has never been stocked,add to the equation the booming (trophy) smallmouth population that has quadrupled in the last 5 years with large numbers of 17" and up according to the DNR survey's.Further the spawning bio-mass has declined by almost 50% since 2001 in this fishery (mille laces)

Good post though,never could understand folks keeping walleyes for table fare over 20"s,my boat has always had a 20" and under limit since 1991,just makes sense,besides hard to beat a 18" walleye pan fried,but to each his own.

[DDSBYDAY]

  Come fish where I do.  There is no netting and no biomass issues.  If you spend the time and work hard you may catch a couple of walleye  in an entire  summer.  If you are really really lucky you may catch 2 in an evening.   Smallest ones from the last stocking are in the 20 inch range.   They taste great and you have the lake to yourself.   The lake is hard to fish.  Like you said to each there own.    The point of the post is each lake is different.  Blanket state or personal boat rules while emotionally rewarding are in no way logical unless you take the lake characteristics into concideration.   

[sandmannd]

Great post. I rarely if ever keep a walleye over 19". Those fish over 20" are the big producers and your original post shows that. Besides, I think the 16-18" fishes taste the best anyway.