|
|
| too many tournaments period on the river, it is too narrow and not a lot of room for boats to zoom around on. I have fished here for over twenty years and have had many bad experiences with tournament fisherman who zoom up and down the river and they don't slow down.. Keep those big boats up on the big lakes. just my humble two cents worth. |
|
| |
|
| First of all, I'm not against tournaments. I support the PWT, MWC, FLW and other organized circuits
Second, if the events were catch and release, I stand corrected about that.
Third, it's not ALL the anglers, it's those who while driving their boats do not respect the no wake zones or other non-tournament boats. I was out there Sunday morning and it was bull !!!
The PWT event is post spawn as are the other "circuit" organized events. My gripe is that the early bar events out of Fremont are NOT!!!!! At least make a safe zone for non-tournament boats like the PWT did. As far as my wanting to make it a trophy fishery, I've been clear on that, read the words.
Some of you need to take a pill, WOW. Believe me, I UNDERSTAND that only a small percentage of the tournament anglers drive like jerks. My gripe is, nothing is done. No reason too and it's basically unenforceable. Now the PWT put in a boundry that left the New London pool alone, the bar events don't. The FLW disqualified an angler for a day for driving like a jerk, other events have hard fast systems to keep any negative effects to a minimum, bar events don't. There has to be some limit or some negative feedback shared or there will be double what ther is now. I'm not the only one who is for some sort of compromised on both sides.
Another thing. My opinion is my opinion. Because I've been published so many times, I am fortunate to have lots of time spent in study and interview. I have notes that I can go back on for years. I have never claimed to be the definitive expert on the system. I HAVE spent 35 years fishing it, was taught by some of the old time local legends, did guide for a decade, have been published 100's of times and have done around 40 TV shows on the Wolf, including Bob Jensen's Fishing the Midwest, Outdoor Wisconsin and Babe Winkelman. What that does mean is that I have the respect of many, including those editors and TV show producers I have worked for. If you have a gripe with me because of my opinion on what I feel is an ill timed event and too many guys with yellow ribbons driving like jerks, then I guess that's what it is. I do respect your right to compete, congratulate any and all who release their female fish, applaud any boater who is polite and shake my head at every boat tournament or Jon who doesn't know what NO WAKE means.
As far as the fish I catch or those I've taught, selective harvest of males will not keep ONE EGG from being fertilized. I believe every angler could keep his limit, not fill his freezer, and every egg would still get a squirt.
I have also said this before and I'll say it again. I AM NOT THE BEST FISHERMAN ON THE SYSTEM, OR CLAIM TO BE.
Edited by Joel "Doc" Kunz 4/4/2006 9:10 PM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1406
| Well said Doc, I also have fished the system for 30+years and have similar experiences. Remember that the spring tourneys are comprised of mainly locals with a few exceptions. And the DNR IS aware of them and working on tournament regulation!
What about the retired or local that takes 5 a day and passes them out to the relatives? Come on guys Tourney anglers are NOT the problem, neither is taking prespawn females for bragging rights! Quite frankly the only "problem" (for me) is the lack of LARGE fish. With the last 4 0f 5 years of excellent hatches we have an opportunity now to try a "trophy" regulation. BEFORE they get slaughtered. This would prove either way if the system has the capability to hold these mammoth beasts and if the forage declines it wouldn't be too difficult to get them out of the system in a hurry, but it takes 2 years to pass such a law and should be considered soon!
A slot would do nothing more than post pone the inevitable and tempt violation. Try bragging to your buddy that you just slaughtered 5- 30" fish and see how long he stays your buddy!
Don't get me wrong but if your looking for economic growth we need more big fish. NOT slot limit fish, but a true bragging rights fish! (Also one of the reasons Muskies were released into the system) Ask any local how many 27"+ fish they've caught in the system and you will see that they all "know" of someone but rarely get them themselves and many fish here all day every day in the spring!
I'm going fishing
Good Luck
Tyee
Edited by tyee 4/5/2006 6:36 AM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 617
Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin | See you on the water.
Edited by Brad B 4/7/2006 11:36 AM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1656
| Doc,
You can stand and defend yourself and cite all your accomplishments. But you made the mistake of sterotyping and grouping all the "jerks" on the water as tournament fishermen. That, Sir, is wrong. I was one of those "jerks" you called out, so you can expect to hear something about it.
It's real easy to sit back and complain and post rants on the internet, but how about finding out more information on the bars, the offenders, and find the right people to talk to and make a difference?
Here's a little bit of help it's up to you to act on it. The pink ribbons were Hahn's out of Orihula and the tourney was on saturday. If you have issues contact the people that run it and voice your opinion. The yellow ribbons were Red Banks and that was saturday and sunday, again, contact the people that run it and voice your opinion. I think you'll be surprised when correct info is given to any tourney director on the offenders. Things will be said and changes can be made to improve the situation.
Now, for rude fishermen on the water. I find it ironic that a non-tournament boat in a larger fishing boat made the comment to me this last weekend, "It's those bastards in those little boats that cause problems". Take it for what it's worth.
Good day. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1656
| Tyee,
Okay, you appear to be the knowledgeable one, I heard you speak at the ice breaker. Your source of information appears to be the DNR. Why? Why the big push for slots? The DNR isn't beating this drum. Why do we need to protect these "big" fish?
Considering many of these large fish are from the '96 year class and an average life expectancy of 12 years....things look grim for trophy fish, agree?
If you want to chase large fish go to Green Bay, it has the "right"stuff" to produce big fish. 'Bago doesn't seem to have the make up for the "big" fish, weather it be genetics (doubt it), metabolism, forage base, or other environmental factors.
Again, it was said once before and I'll repeat it. If it's not broke, don't fix it.
Good Day.
|
|
| |
|
| Can’t we all just get along?
Been a long winter, now we are all fishing and the slamming begins. What’s up with that?
Geez guys, lighten up a little and give EVERYONE the benefit of the doubt before ripping on each other.
A FEW OBSERVATIONS……
Jerks drive 12 foot Jon boats too.
Jerks fish rafts too.
Not ALL BIG Boats with kickers are tournament fishermen. That is a stereotype. Some of them guys are wanna bees. 
Some guys out there this past weekend need educating, it was one of their first tournaments. They were pumped. They were excited. They were living the dream for a weekend. Not defending them but geez, talk to them nicely and they would learn, scream at them and they have deaf ears.
Laws and common courtesy need enforcing. Where were the cops and DNR? This problem happens every year. They should know better and be there. Shame on them for turning their heads on the local boys. I’ll bet ya’ a beer and a burger that they’ll be there in force when the PWT arrives.
The same complaints being made have been there for years and years. I bet some of you old guys like Doc have said: “look at the sob in the huge 16 foot boat with that huge 50 horse, what a jerk, why do people need boats that big now in 1970
How many of those guys doing the bar tournaments this past weekend are seasoned tournament fishermen? How many of them are the very same local fishermen that often complain about those national tournament guys? There are some hypocritical comments and ideas out there. Some of you wear two hats depending on the weekend. How can you have it both ways? One weekend you say you are a local and complain about people coming to your waters who are rude and other weekends you are a tournament guy defending tournaments …… funny to watch.
At least Doc doesn’t flip flop on his beliefs regardless of whether you like what he says or not. Some of you are putting words in his mouth. Go back and reread what he says. He is not Satan just outspoken in his beliefs and not afraid to share them. He has a right to share his opinions just like you. He NEVER pointed fingers at a specific individual but you do. PLAY NICE. Why the personal attacks over a difference of opinion? Your comments and ideas are better received without bashing. Your comments can be valid but are often lost when you attack.
Some of you have never grown up. You still believe that the person who screams the loudest, has the last word or bully’s the most wins.
Oh, and now the often used and never forgotten reply …… hey, if you don’t like it go fish somewhere else ……… that gets old too.
Hey, I got an idea. Close the Wolf for the entire pre-spawn and spawn. This solves all the problems. No more tournaments, no bickering, no big females being slaughtered, no jerks zooming through no wake areas, no pointing fingers. There, ya’ happy? Keep fighting amongst yourselves instead of working together to solve problems and it could happen ….They’re watching…. Bet our local establishments and businesses will be happy when it happens ………… BANG ………. That was the sound of ALL of us shooting ourselves in the foot.
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1656
| Deep Throat,
Points well taken, but.... this topic originally was about a 26" fish and moved on to slots and trophy potential of the Winnebago system.
Some talk back and forth about tourney fishermen and non tourney fishermen and trophy fish was exchange. But I don't beileve it was a rant or based on emotion.
Doc was the one who called out tournament fishermen as "jerks" and spoke on emotion, I mearly replied. Other points can be debated. But this may be the reason that Doc is seeing some personal opposition?
As long as there are boys, bars and fishing....there will be competition, beer, and bragging rights. We all are just little boys trapped in adult bodies. (I do tell everyone that I'm not growing up, so you are correct )
I do not know who you are Deep Throat, but you have offered another clue. Perhaps someday we can enjoy a drink and chat. Keep your open minded posts coming.
Good Luck
Edited by Jayman 4/5/2006 9:57 AM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 201
Location: Jackson, Wisconsin 53037 | Maybe some of you should go back and read Doc's post. He never called any tournament fishermen Jerks. He said," posts all over the internet about jerk drivers with ribbons on their bow, and that he witnessed it himself" |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 2300
Location: Berlin | Forget the Wolf, the females, the fishery and all other related topics. Lets put our minds together and solve the real problem here......Who the heck is Deep Throat. Hey DT, send me an email and let me know, your secret will be safe with me.
[email protected]
By the way, there are GPS waypoints for you if you let me know. It is for a rock pile on the Bago system that I can assure you is worth checking out.
Edited by Rich S 4/5/2006 12:04 PM
|
|
| |
|
| Hey Hey
Who you calling a wannabe. Just because I don't choose to fish tournaments and I have a nice Walleye boat setup with a kicker and $1500 worth of electronics makes me less of a fisherman than you the almighty pro. Oh please, let me lick your prop that next time I am in your almighty presence!
Get a grip, most guys that fish, fish because they love to fish, not because they are on an ego trip like you! |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 2393
Location: Waukesha Wisconsin | Rich,
You always have the ability to make me smile and put threads that get a little heated into perspective, kind of.
Here's my guess, DT is a woman. At least DT was a woman in the first movie where this name was created. 
But I suppose I'm just letting my mind wonder too much. DT is probably an equivalent for an insider like in Watergate.
Edited by Sunshine 4/5/2006 1:59 PM
|
|
| |
|
| THANK YOU ERIC AND DEEP THROAT. Brad and Jayman, take note of their posts, especially Eric's (shink's) As far as yellow ribbons, I know those boats were out of Red Banks. As far as talk to those running the events, I've talked to Bob, known him for 25 years. He can't enforce anything and any attempt at being tougher on things like no wakes would just produce finger pointing, billschmidt grievence filings and other situations he can't do anything about anyway. Said he talks about being courteous but it's up the the individual driver. Believe me, am working with local law enforcement to do something about it. When people are bailing boats at the boat ramp and women are crying, half scared to death because of it, something has to change. It's not just tournament boaters, it's everyone who doesn't know, or abide by the rules.
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 617
Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin | Removed by me.
Edited by Brad B 4/7/2006 11:37 AM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 201
Location: Jackson, Wisconsin 53037 | Brad,
You said that you read Doc's post twice. Please tell me where in his post it says that he agrees with the rest of the things that are being posted on the internet..
Tournament fishermen should know better than to drive like that on the river. Why? Because they have alot of eyes on them, the general public,. There are alot of posts from fisherman complaining about all the tournaments, thinking that they hurt the fishery.
Now, I don't agree with Doc that there should be a slot limit, but I do think that there should be a size limit, nothing over 26inches, until May 1st.
I don't think there should be any bar tournaments until after the spawn, I would say most of the guys fishing the smaller bar tournaments don't have the types of livewells that the guys have fishing the bigger tournaments, PWT, FLW, MWC. If I remember right two years ago, when the PWT was up there, they had 1 unreleasable fish in 3 days.
Brad, I get the impression you have a bone to pick with Doc. I will say one thing about him, he is the most knowledgeble guy on the wolf (that is in the Public eye). He comes on here and other websites to help guys catch fish, tell them what works and where. Other guys voice their opinions on here, why isn't Doc? |
|
| |
|
| Enforce the wake rules. The " NO WAKE " rule at the rock wall should be moved up the river at least 300 yards. How many times have we ALL seen some macho man come whippin down the river or out of Lake Partridge at warp 3 through a hand full of rentals full of kids. You boys fight about this all you want but when SOMEONE DIES then we may all as well get the 9.9's back out. IT WILL ALL BE NO WAKE.
Hand out fliers, post signs,ask for volunteers to patrol the river,hire more law officers but the problem is there all the time. Get off of the tourney guys. YES they should know better but they do what the can get away with.
This not a new problem and not something that is going to go away. Some needs to take this to the powers to be and not argue about it on a Fishing site.
Now thats my two cents. Now go get a cold one. Roo |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1406
| Jason, To set the record straight I have never supported and will continue to be against slots on any system unless it is in dire stress. I have stated before that IF there is something to bennefit the system, it would be to have a limit, of say 5 fish (or defined by the DNR) with only 1 being over 27or 28" (for the entire season) I wouldn't call that a slot but rather a size restriction.
The ONLY reason for this would be to make it more enjoyable for ME and to fit MY needs! I have caught many fish in that range myself but am often discouraged when I see a pail full of them often daily by some fishermen!
As for the comment if it ain't broke don't fix it...well.......tires were once made out of wood wern't they?
Oh, and Rich, I'll be Deep Throat!!!! Don't give up that Rock Pile, I still wanna fish it for a few more years.!!!!!hehehe
Good Luck
Tyee
PS the fish are bitin so get going!
Edited by tyee 4/5/2006 10:33 PM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 166
Location: Freedom, WI | So how bout the fishing?!?! If everyone put as much effort into fishing reports as they do into bickering on how taking prespawn females is horrible and how tournament guys are jerks, I think we would all be out enjoying the amazing system we have been blessed with and be happy! I am a local that fishes a few tournaments, fished two on the Wolf last Spring and i've seen the crazies fly through packs of boats and soak them with their fishtales! Its not right, I think we all agree on that, but bickering about it here isn't going to stop it. I admire most of the guys on this site and hope to someday know the system as well as them all, but I need to graduate from college and get a good job first. For now I am fishing small Bar Tournaments to gain knowledge which will hopefully someday help me go pro. Sorry I got a little off topic. I have been on the Wolf a few times this year, had one day with 8 nice keepers fishing in front of Jenny's Slough vertical jigging with a 1/4oz jig and shiner. Other than that the wind and low water has made it tough so far. Lets do the future a favor and raise our kids to have respect for the guys in their jon boats so that when they fish their first tournament and are excited they will have the courtesy to respect everyone on the water! Enough said, lets get back to the fishing reports PS...Rich I wouldn't mind the coordinates LOL
Edited by bagowalleyeguy 4/5/2006 10:41 PM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 201
Location: Jackson, Wisconsin 53037 | Walleyeguy, good luck with the small tourneys. If you do hope to turn pro someday, stick with college, and my advice would be, take at least one marketing class. It will help you tremendously with sponsors. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1656
| ME ME ME! I love it. hahaha
"I have caught many fish in that range myself but am often discouraged when I see a pail full of them often daily by some fishermen! "
I have never seen a pail full of 27-28" fish come out of 'Bago or the rivers. And if someone has the talent and the spots to catch fish like that...more power to them. One can only hope that some one that knowledgeable on catching those kind of fish has the "smarts" to respect the resource. But let's stick with more factual statements shall we?
The Winnebago fishery management is not designed for you, Tyee, it is what's best for the resource. I think Kendall is doing a great job, let's let him continue to do his job. |
|
| |
|
| Brad, I already said if the event was catch and release, I stand corrected. You read that???? Aparantly not. I didn't know Bob changed his format, set up live tanks for holding fish prior to weigh in and demanded the release of the fish. As far as being witness to the jerk drivers, I fished all night Saturday and was anchored in a no wake zone at sun up and stayed there watching as many yellow ribbons came bashing through the no wake. Had my camera lens not been fogged up, I could provide you boat numbers and pictures of those jerks and video of the two guys, with yellow ribbons, that didn't shut down until AFTER the bouy and then raced through the no wake zone pushing large wall's of water trying to beat each other to the far side of the zone. When one took off early, the other guy did also to keep up. How many times was THAT repeated in the 5 or 6 no wake zones prior to the one I was sitiing in. How about the guy bailing his little Jon boat and girl with him crying at the ramp, scared from the "ride" they got at the hands of those boats. They were just getting ready to go and quit because of it. No Brad, YOU are not getting a free pass on this one. 5 females? There's more then that shown on Red Banks web site, heck, you can't count OR read. All fish were released, BULL!!!! As far as PUSHING a slot limit. I just stated my opinion, I have no lobbying power, so get off your soap box Brad. What's wrong with the Red Banks event in Fremont, NOTHING, just set some boundries that keep it closer to home and allow some "tournament free waters" for others to fish without being put in danger by the "small percentage". A business taking advantage of the same things I am??? BULLLLLLLLLLLL Man, you are out there. I promote safe boating in my articles and my web site works with tourism in the area and as an extension of my writing career, not just to put money in my pocket. The bar tournamet is designed to put money in the till, geeeze grow up and small the coffee will ya.
As far as what I've done for the system. I don't have anything to be ashamed of. I teach kids to fish, have helped hundreds if not thousands of anglers and have helped to put (possiblly millions) of dollars in to the communities of Winneconne, Fremont and New London. The Red Banks tournamet does not. I asked 4 different resorts if they had ANY bookings from last weekends events and 4 for 4 were NO.
So throw all the stones you want Brad, or be a crow and pick the corn out of my pile, but you are way off base with your rant.
No more on this one from me.
Edited by Joel "Doc" Kunz 4/6/2006 11:22 AM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1406
| Jason the ME,ME, ME was tounge in cheek.
"I have never seen a pail full of 27-28" fish come out of 'Bago or the rivers" HOLY COW MAN you better get out from under that rock and start fishin!
I invite you to go to New London for their walleye extravaganza! I believe it is the weekend of the 14th. Let me know how many "Big" fish you see fighting for the top prize.(Most of which were caught days prior.) Or better yet jump in my boat Friday or Saturday night this weekend and we can fill 2 pails with 10 fat mamas, probably not 27" but 24-26 for sure, there's only a few days left! Then we can go spend a day on the upper lakes and I'll guarantee ya a pile of nice fat spawned out females in May. (OH Tongue in cheek again, I AM knowledgeable enough to release them and love spending the time to catch them I can't speak for others so I won't, but you know as well as I that a vast majority will fry 'em up and heck why not the system is in great shape!
Good Luck
Tyee
Edited by tyee 4/6/2006 11:35 AM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 2300
Location: Berlin | Fish fry at my house this friday night. Everyone that posted on this thread is invited:) |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 1406
| Thanks for the invite Rich! hehe I love how you simplify the worlds biggest problems!!
Another thought,
Kendals group is doing a great job but lets not forget that it isn't only about managing the resource he has to take into consideration the Sociological effects as well as the Economic impacts of fishing this area. So if the resource is in great shape is there anything else that can be done on these other issues? I'm sure Kendal would love to tell you that his job is done and he could take the day off and go fishing but there's more to look at than just what kind of shape the system is in! I think the idea of having more fish in the 27-28 inch class would definately be good for these two issues without "Hurting" the resource don't you? I agree with Doc on the issue but for different reasons. We don't need another Mille Lacs situation!
Good Luck
Tyee
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 185
Location: Port Washington, wisconsin | Think I'll fish the wolf river this weekend. On second thought, a bad days work is better than a good day up there, if it's even possible. I thought fishing was supposed to be relaxing. Geez! What a way to start the season. |
|
| |
