I agree with most everything you said Will and when I say our stocked inland lakes, I am talking about our lakes where they are not native, I do not mean all of our stocked waters. It is great to see the direction the DNR is taking with the GLS program and how they are working to build back our past native populations which is a huge step in the right direction but why do they seem to be ignoring the native populations that aren't yet extirpated? Of those 4 distinct groups of water you listed, why is the first one (native populations that solely rely on natural reproduction) the group that is most poorly managed? In my opinion, this group should receive more management attention, not less. The only lake in this group in our state that has special regulations on it is Lake St. Clair and look at how well the population is doing there yet our other native waters are not. Why can't these waters be managed in the same way?
It may not seem like it and I may be in the minority here but my motives for increased protection on these specific waters is not because of a desire to catch more and bigger fish. Sure that would be a bonus to better management but that is far less of a concern to me than the health of one of Michigan's few native populations.
I applaud the great work that went into setting up the 1/yr limit tag system and that should greatly reduce harvest throughout most of our state's waters but I just don't think that is going to have much of an effect on these particular lakes, nor would a 48" MSL. Most of these people only take their 1 per year anyways and it is usually over 50" so the 1/yr limit and a higher MSL isn't going to reduce harvest much. It was a great starting point but more needs to be done and a season closure during time periods where they are extremely vulnerable to harvest (spawning and winter months) is the obvious next step.
My first post on this. Will really said it best. Be careful what you wish for. I for one do not want to see any changes in seasons. I see early season as a good chance for world record size fish. I also love fishing in December and March when possible. We all felt great with our one tag per year. It is a good move and will eventually bear lots of fruit. Those who abuse the laws will get caught and will be punished. Stocking is what is needed on the Chain. Its time to replenish that system with some new blood.
Now on another slant not talked about in this thread. This club can do much more in Public education then we are doing now. We met our first real goal (the tag) . Now its time to explain why we need these fish. I still find myself every year explaining to other anglers why Muskies are needed in Michigan. The State needs the tourism. These new lakes along Lake Michigan need the predators. Lakes like Macatawa and Mona are solid Gizzard Shad from one end to the other. We should have seminars in several areas every year. Holland,Ludington, Traverse city, and somewhere near the Indian River system for starters. Maybe a seminar on why catch and release at the Grand rapids sport show. The short of it is this, Every ESOX fisherman we educate who starts releasing fish is one less story we hear every season about dead Muskies.
I had this argument with Mike Holmes about one of his guys who killed a 26 pound Pike then speared a 17 pounder right after it. Why I asked? Lots of good eating he said. W e also need to educate people on the toxin issues related to eating these big fish. Holmes says the warnings in the fish advisory pamphlet are wrong. I don't believe him. So please everyone. Lets act together as a group and not bombard the D.N.R. with requests for closed seasons and such. Mike
Matt , I agree completely with your statement that the Chain needs more attention not less. This system is not completely reliant on natural reproduction as you know it was stocked in the past. Now that we are growing the spotted strain there is not really any reason Not to add new fish to the system. As for spearing of undersize fish and not tagging them . These are only a few law breakers and they will eventually be watched and caught. We can help in this matter by using the Rap Line. Now that I have several Lakes in my county stocked meaning Mona, White and Muskegon Ill be watching the local bandits here. These types love to brag about how many fish they kill. Their own big mouths is what gets them caught . I see a bright future for Muskies in Michigan. Lets not let a few harvests ruin the spirit of what we are doing. Mike
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