Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Last week I was blessed to be able to spend time fishing with a man who has become a very good friend. Jim Sargent and I went fishing on Lake Powell in Arizona/Utah. We were fishing primarily for smallmouth bass. On the day of our greatest success Jim posted a picture of our harvest here on the Stage. Between the two of us we kept 25 smallmouth bass. The legal limit is 20 per angler per day. The smallmouth fishery at Lake Powell at the present time is in a bit of trouble as there are too many fish for the available forage and fisheries biologists, the Experts, are trying to restore balance by encouraging catch and keep among the bass anglers. After posting the picture of our catch there were some seemingly rather vehement detractors of what we did. In response to these detractions I am now responding. First of all, limits are set by the biologists for the health of the fishery and for the good of all who use it. When limits are set it is for proper management of the fish populations. In doing our best to cooperate with the experts we are aiding in the preservation of the fishery for the future. I have not been a bass fisherman for very long but from what I read of the experiences of others who are the goal is to find and catch the bigger fish, most of which are released to be caught another day. I have no problem with that, in fact it's a great thing, however, how many of y'all who catch and release everything have ever given thought that by releasing ALL the smaller fish you catch you are actually doing harm to the fishery by limiting the amount of food available to the remaining individuals? Second, and I believe more importantly, this forum has provided all of us with a level of friendship that is quite uncommon in the wider world. Why jeopardize it with comments that are less than positive? Words have power and how we use them can add to or take away from another person's life.

dbed Loc: POMME DE TERRE LAKE MISSOURI

Well spoken thanks

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Thanks Ed, I hope Susan is going to be ok......🙏🙏 prayers are being offered on her behalf.

Slimshady Loc: Central Pennsylvania

Wulffy,you make some very valid points. It is good conservation to catch and release to a point. I can show you many examples of farm ponds in my area that would not let you keep anything. Over the course of many years,the fish have become stunted and catching a trophy or even a large fish of any kind is impossible. It actually does a body of water good to remove a certain number of fish. Before all the comments start, I just want to say, I am NOT an expert by any stretch of the imagination. I have read and put into practice many things the so called experts recommend. Not all of them are right,but they have studied this stuff for years. Keep a few fish on occasion. You are actually doing your local waters a favor

Jim Sargent Loc: Payson, AZ

https://wayneswords.net/threads/catch-and-keep-why-update-from-history-of-regulations-and-fishery-response.1743/

For those who are interested Wayne Gustaveson just retired as chief fisheries biologist at Lake Powell. He has devoted his life to this fishery.

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Thanks Jim, I couldn't figure out how to post this. 😃😃

Ivey Loc: South Central Tennessee, Tim's Ford Lake

While I don't personally keep bass unless foul hooked, The control of a fishery is a must. The stocking of non native and native fish has to be controlled by the guys who do the stocking. It's critical to the health of any lake to remove the over populated species to insure the health of the whole population. Great the Smallmouth are in such abundance you are allowed to remove that number and hopefully it will increase the size and health of the rest of the fish population.

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

Never a doubt you guys where doing the right thing. I knew from reading your prior posts that you both are responsible fisherman and ethical guys. Hope you guys had a great trip!

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Thanks J, it was a wonderful time. The combination of time spent with a good friend and fishing just can't be beat!!!

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

Nothing better to me’👍🏻🎣

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

You’re doing your part Wulffy…keep it up!

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

Wulffy again great catching! My personal opinion is you or Jim shouldn't ever have to post something to explain your catch when you did Absolutely Nothing Wrong !! Too many people jump to conclusions when many don't know the laws of Jim's State, it's a sad time when you have to say what the limit is 10-15 times ,when they not from that state,,,, Shame On Them,,,, Hope you have a good rest of the day Sir !!

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

My sentiments exactly. Thank you Jarhead. You're a good guy, no matter what Badbobby says about ya😆😆😁

Chuck56 Loc: Texas

Most lakes have what’s called a “ slot limit” . Usually biologist at most fisheries do electro shock surveys of said fisheries and can revise the slot limits for the benefit of the lake.Then it is up to the responsible fisherman to keep their catch or not...My 2cents...

Frank romero Loc: Clovis, NM

When I hear people complaining about something like this, I am reminded of someone complaining about treatment of cattle yet they won’t turn down a steak.