New Two Rod Regulation under consideration

[Goldenshinner]

ladies and gentlemen of the board. it seems rare that the public is well informed with potentialy new regulations before they are created. as i understand a two rod rule is being considered. in my opinion it makes sense, especialy for the river. if you are at all involved or interested in politics i would urge you to get involved and make you voice herd. as it seems that much of our laws are created by special interest groups that dont have the general publics interest in mind.

[nuthinlikeacat]

Thanks for the input!
I like the thought of opening the rivers and streams up to 2 lines per person. Although it could be a good law, I already envision people sitting along the shore with 3 poles...as some people can never be happy with following the laws.

Hopefully they will also examine the length law of bullheads for bait. I would like to see them lift the maximum length for bullheads.

[Goldenshinner]

Yes that is a perfect example of obscure laws in this state. interviewing several dnr fisheries employees the best explanation was that it was arbitrarily set more to distinguish between the commercial license (for food) and the bait harvesters license. (And yes there is a commercial fish harvesting license used for massive harvest levels of bullheads and carp which is sold for almost pennies a pound for cat food!!) their is NO REAL BENIFIT for preventing the fisherman from using larger bait, in fact it makes more sense if any. we(Minnesota) are trying to push for catch and release and more and more people are more interested in actually catching a trophy(and releasing it) it makes sense to selectively prevent smaller fish from getting hooked by using larger bait. some would argue that the states waters cannot sustain high levels of harvest of the larger fish(bullheads and other minnow species), that is compleate non-sense. Bullheads/ suckers/ and carp are all identified as underutilized fish in this state because the anual productivity of raw biomass way exceeds any demanded use. if we compare our state to say wisconsin which has roughly(somewhat) similar fishing population, there they are allowed to fish with game fish if included in the daily bag limit. this state has a number of obscure laws that realy dont reflect the interests of the public and in particular the ever growing crowd of both shore fisherpeople, and catfisherpeople in general.

[Dave L]

Well for those that fish border waters, you can use two poles. The change is proposed for inner bodies of water. The no game fish for bait is what gets me. You could be fishing on the St.Croix right next to your buddy from Wisconsin and he has bluegill for bait and you can't, he's catching fish all day long and you aren't. The way I see it no matter where you come from if your going to fish that body of water your rules should be the same as the next guy.
As for the rod thing, we should be allowed to use as many as we wish. Isn't that what bag limits are in place for? Who cares how fast we catch our limit? Daily limit is daily limit whether it is caught in five minutes or five hours. Other states have no restrictions on rod count and there fisheries are doing just fine.
I think rod limits and bait restrictions are discouraging to future anglers. Say it is your first ever time fishing you buy your license, you buy your rod and reel, some tackle some bait and you go to the lake. You sit at the lake for hours and not so much as a bite on that one pole with that one bait. Are we having fun yet? Hope you get my point. Cause more lines in the water can certainty increase your chance of a hook up, changing that waste of time and money into some productive food harvest. I fish for fun as well as for food. This states rules are bassakwards as far as I am concerned.

[Pirate Jerry]

ONE ROD !!! You gotta be kidding. It is very common in the south to use up to ten rods on one boat when crappie or hybrid/striper fishing. All set at different depths and different baits. Once the correct pattern is found then cut back to 4 or 5 rods cause thats all you can handle. Once you get your limit (or release all you want to catch) you stop fishing. Recreational fishermen (not game hogs who kill every thing they catch) are not a threat to fish stocks any where. Its poachers and commercial netters that wipe the fish out.. Since the netters have been restricted here in Florida the fishing is getting better every year.... There are still THIEVES that steal over the limits and oversized fish that are the breeding stock but you can bet I pull and burn illegal nets and monitor and report all violations that I see. Thieves they are and thieves I will call them !!!!

[CaptainBrad]

Spending my time fishing the Red River on the North Dakota/Minnesota border where we can use to lines I am in favor of two lines in inland waters. Not that I have any say in Minnesota but I would strongly favor 2 poles per person on inland rivers.

[hanson]

Hopefully they will also examine the length law of bullheads for bait. I would like to see them lift the maximum length for bullheads.

Its being worked on as we speak, and has been in process for over a year now. Good friend of mine Brian Klawitter has been at this (along with a few other guys) for quite awhile. The direction they are heading is bullheads up to 10" long can be used for bait.

This was the latest word from the DNR, I believe from Linda Erickson-Eastwood.

"I think that we are still on track for the bullhead language, but remember that it still has many hurdles to jump before it still becomes law. The language was approved by the Commissioner and we are working on getting a Statement of Need and Reasonableness prepared. The next step will be the Governor's approval to move ahead with the request to adopt. The earliest that this might get adopted if it makes it through all the hurdles is late September. "

[rushing]

The bullhead length proposed change is mentioned in the 2007 MN regs booklet. I am all for the two rod rule. I would like to see it as a two rod stamp deal. Buy the stamp, be able to use a second rod.

[Dave L]

I am all for the two rod rule. I would like to see it as a two rod stamp deal. Buy the stamp, be able to use a second rod.


Why on earth would you want to pay twice for your fishing license, (that is what you are saying right?) as I had said earlier, why does it matter how many lines are in the water? It is the bag limit that regulates how many fish can be taken.

[DTro]

First of all, there is nothing really going on right now with the two lines. the session is over. So at the very least this won't be revisited until early next year.

There was a bill that was proposed that didn't make it far at all this year. I have the house and senate file numbers if anyone is interested. I also have a pretty large petition that was forwarded to a few legislators during the sessior this year regarding this matter.
We can only hope it comes up again.

Dave about the bag limits, the DNR doesn't caluculate that way. If everyone that fished, took a limit there would be no fish left.

Also I would be in favor of Rob's comment. Just like a trout stamp. Buy the stamp, and you are allowed an extra line. The cost would literally be a drop in the bucket compared to everything else I buy to fish. And I would just consider it my entertainment expense.
I don't think it would ever happen in this state as the catfish is still considered "rough" in most eyes.

I would also be in favor of no fish over 35" kept.

[rushing]

Why on earth would you want to pay twice for your fishing license, (that is what you are saying right?) as I had said earlier, why does it matter how many lines are in the water? It is the bag limit that regulates how many fish can be taken.

You cant have your cake and eat it too. You want to double your chances at filling your limit then you should be willing to pay for it. You might not keep fish but there a lot of people out there who do which can devastate our fisheries if we aren't willing to pay for extra CO's and more management. Part of the reason we have such a great flathead fishery in the Minnesota river is due to the strict regs we have on it.

Why not allow jug fishing and trot lines? You still have the same bag limit?

[nuthinlikeacat]

You cant have your cake and eat it too. You want to double your chances at filling your limit then you should be willing to pay for it.

Why should I be willing to pay for it?? I fish 2 lines through the ice, and I dont have to pay for that. No difference, just different times of the season.

jugs and trot lines...BAD idea. We all know what type of road that leads to. In 5 years I still want to catch and release 50 lb fish. That being said, IMHO trots and jugs would pretty much eliminate that thought. Although most on here would realease fish of that size, we all know/have seen plenty of people who wouldnt release the bigger fish. Not that they would anyway if it were caught on a rod, but the odds increase with the jugs and trots.

Sure people have been doing it for years down south, But the catfish fishery is different down there. Some states 50 lb cats are of the norm. A 50+ cat up here is a trophy...has been and always will be, unless we loosen the laws, then the big fish may become even more rare.

Is a 70+ MN flattie a possibility nowadays? yes. 20-30 years ago? Definitely. The possibility of one in the future, especially if they relax the laws, doubtful.

AS for the Bullhead length limit, why have one at all? I cannot think of one person who DOESNT think we have a bullhead problem in our lakes, especially in southern MN. Let people take whatever size they want, afterall, if they want to use 10 oz of weight to keep one on the bottom, more power to ya!

[Goldenshinner]

I would also be in favor of no fish over 35" kept.

I compleatly agree. I think that there should at the very least be a slot limit or closed season of the size between 30" and 48" , as that would atleast give the next potential record holder a chance to register or mount such a beast. it should also be a signed tag on the back of your fishing lisc. closed season is compleatly reasonable as these sizes are not healthy to eat, and no-one mounts catfish(or atleast it is rarely herd of, as they are difficult to mount)

as too the the extra stamp or rod fee, I would probably do it, but honestly i think we pay enough already. it is very doubtfull that we would ever see any direct benifit from increased collections(at least in regards to the catfish bite) . the reality in my mind is that the river is a very difficult and massive streach of water to enforce, and ....got to go more coments latter......

[rushing]

Ryan, I was being sarcastic when I mentioned the jugging and trot lines, in response to the comment of "we still have the same bag limit". Hell no I don't want that crap on our river.

Darren's comment is exactly right. If everyone kept their limit every time out there wouldn't be any fish left.

Bottom line is this. Twice the rods = twice the chance to fill your bag limit which means more fish kept which means fishery being hurt. I would love to be able to fish two rods but I am willing to stick with one if it gives our fishery a better chance at staying at the same level it is at now. Flathead fishing pressure has absolutely exploded on the Minnesota river and not everyone is releasing fish. Until the DNR can figure out some better regulations to put on flatheads then I think we should stay with the one rod rule.

One rod , no jugging or trot lines are the main reasons we still have a trophy flathead fishery on the Minnesota river.

In reality we don't pay that much for a fishing license when you think about it. Its cheaper than one night at the bar or a dinner and a movie. It would be nice to just have the option to buy a second rod stamp . With as much as I fish and as much enjoyment I get out of fishing I more than get my moneys worth.

the reality in my mind is that the river is a very difficult and massive streach of water to enforce

Thats exactly why we need more money to have more CO's out there to protect our fisheries.

[Goldenshinner]

jugging and trot lines,....Hell no I don't want that crap on our river.. I completely agree. this state has way to high(and increasing) demand from this water system. Unfortunatly trotlines are there allready. I cut and toss afew every year. and i am super suspicious from time to time, as i watch people doing strange things that realy dont make sense at all. I know that on atleast one occasion i nearly caught a group seting lines, but they never came back as they must have gotton paranoid or something. Trotlines, and underwater hidden limb lines and the likes are just compleatly wrong for our waters.




Bottom line is this. Twice the rods = twice the chance to fill your bag limit which means more fish kept which means fishery being hurt. I would love to be able to fish two rods but I am willing to stick with one if it gives our fishery a better chance at staying at the same level it is at now. Flathead fishing pressure has absolutely exploded on the Minnesota river and not everyone is releasing fish. Until the DNR can figure out some better regulations to put on flatheads then I think we should stay with the one rod rule. . Here i am sorry but i dont compleatly agree. i realy dont think the fishery would change much be it one rod or three rods. with an exploding sport like this the bag limits, and size classes probably affect it more than anything. No offense intended(to the straigh hooked fans) i would also argue that a carefull examination of the open season and wether our rivers have the potential to be developed into a world class fishery by perhaps similar regulations like manitobas barbless or perhaps limit to circle hooks. I gave up on straight shaft hooks as it seemed a good portion of fish got throat hooked, but would such a cirlce hook rule make sense???

but again as to the two rod rule, y must admit, that if such a rule passed you would join in. if we are all catch and relase(as im sure most of us cat kissing-licking fans are) than it realy shouldnt matter. for many i think it would dramiticaly help develop an understanding of comparison between say two sides or spots your fishing.

[Goldenshinner]

AS for the Bullhead length limit, why have one at all? I cannot think of one person who DOESNT think we have a bullhead problem in our lakes, especially in southern MN. Let people take whatever size they want!
that would make more sense. no size restriction at all on live bait. as this state is moving towards a trophy sized fishery, using large baits helps prevent stress on smaller individuals in the population thus allowing them to grow unstressed(an interesting point as some research has sugested that rough handling of some fish will cause vertebrate damage and fusion, resulting in slower growth, and a lower ultimate length.)

[Goldenshinner]

oh and thats funny. i just realized, when were arguing about if two rod rule would change the world. it is also funny to think, we are actualy talking basicaly about the minnesota river only. As the ST.Croix has always been two rods, and if your a wis resident, you can get a permit for what i belive they call(something like) a set line. most of the missisiippi that has flatties is two lines, and in addition the mississippi has comercial trappers that decimate the fish populations way more than any clown with an extra snagged line would do.

[rushing]

but again as to the two rod rule, y must admit, that if such a rule passed you would join in. if we are all catch and relase(as im sure most of us cat kissing-licking fans are) than it realy shouldnt matter. for many i think it would dramiticaly help develop an understanding of comparison between say two sides or spots your fishing.

Of course I would like I stated before and its not the catch and release fishermen I am worried about. As far as a world class fishery..well the Minnesota river is one of the top rated flathead rivers in the whole country.

All I am is saying is with adding a second rod you are effectively doubling the already increasing fishing pressure. If you want to make sure it doesn't impact our trophy flathead fishery more money is needed for management. From what I understand the DNR is paying more attention to the increased pressure on the MN River because there are supposedly cat "contest" rule changes the DNR is working on. The increased popularity is shown in the number of "contests" held on the river. Went from 2 a few years back to now 4 and their was going to be a fifth one that didn't get their permit in on time. Large flatheads aren't walleyes that can be replaced in a year or two, much care is needed to protect this valuable resource. So I think paying an extra couple of bucks is a small price to pay.

[nuthinlikeacat]

I hope to see a 2 rod limit in the future. I just dont want to pay to play(extra line). Afterall, why would it be ok to fish w/2 lines in the winter, and have to pay for 2 in the summer? Could change the law completely to where you have to pay to fish with 2 lines, but that would really upset the avid ice fishing population, especially our senior citizens, who have been doing this for years.

Why not just increase the license? I spent over $200 on a weeks vacation getting differnet fishing licenses from southern states. Our fishing licenses are incredibly cheap, compared to a lot of states.Sure I paid for an out of state license when I went, but the state angler license prices were unreal to say the least. Even 30 bucks for a full years of fishing in MN equals $2.50 a month. If the average sportsman complains about that, than they either need to take up another sport, or check out other states Fishing license fees.

Rob~ I figured you were being sarcastic:wink:, as I really dont know other than a select few who would want trots/jugs in MN. IMHO I believe the people that want jugs/trots are also the ones taking the big fish out of the waters, with no cares about what a fish like that means(at least in MN, no offense to the ppl in other states where its legal).

[Pirate Jerry]

I see a lot of comments that being able to use more than one rod would be a threat to the future of fishing.. Take a look at the states that have tremendous catfish, bass, crappie ect fisherys.. Mostly in the South, NC, SC, GA,FL and others. Most have no limits on the number of rods you can use but the size and bag limits are enforced. Also commercial fishing is closely watched. Jugs, limb lines and trot lines should be classified as commercial and expensive licenses should be required for them. the average Joe who wants to go fishing and toss out two or three rods, lean back and enjoy sport fishing should not be penalized.. His take is already limited by current bag and size limits.

[nuthinlikeacat]

You do have a good point. I just dont think here in MN being able to fish with more than 2 lines is the right avenue to go. Most species of fish up here flourish, catfish arent one of them, and honestly I think there are far fewer than people are lead to believe (compared to other species). With the newfound fishing popularity and pressure on the cats, most newcomers to catfishing are taking what they catch for food, which over time will take its toll. Couple that with people having more poles to fish with and thats a BAD recipe.

Allowing people to fish with 2 lines isnt a bad idea, but then I think they need to rethink the size/bag limit on catfish then.

Bag limits are set to help control the fish population, but on a fish that doesnt flourish, like the catfish, more people taking more cats will result in fewer fish for our kids to catch.

[nuthinlikeacat]

In all honesty, when fishing boundary waters and using 2 poles, I think its more of a pain in the a$$ than anything.

[Pirate Jerry]

Catfish are VERY prolific. for a few weeks after the hatch it is common to see hundreds of tiny cats swimming in a "ball" . As I said before, commercial fishing is a much greater threat than anything sportfishermen could do. You only have to ride a shrimp trawler one time to see what I mean. Did you know that for every pound of wild caught shrimp that goes to market over four pounds of by-catch is killed. That includes crabs,squid, baby and adult redfish,sailfish,bluefish,flounder any and everything that swims. A lot of the by-catch is used for bait by charter and private fishermen or ground up and sold for chum but hundreds of pounds are shoveled over the side. I've worked on'em I know !!! It is getting better because the better commercial people are starting to realise that conservation is good for everyone.
Watch the "dangerous catch" shows on TV. Thier catch on each boat is numbered in the 100's of thousands. How many sport fishermen would it take to equal the catch of even one of those boats?

[Dave L]

Fishing with 2 poles is great! Jug fishing would be great also, why would fishing with a jug be so bad? As I see it they are treated like we treat a tip-up during ice fishing. It must be only so far away and always under observation.
Now trot lines I don't agree with. Every method of sport angling should be held under close observation, within the law.
If the fish population is affected by 2 poles than the bag limit should be adjusted to correct the problem.
I fish the St.Croix and there are very few people even targeting cats and those that do rarely use 2 poles. It seems that the fish of choice for most Minnesotans is small mouth or walleyes. Cats have little to worry about these days.

[nuthinlikeacat]

Catfish are VERY prolific. for a few weeks after the hatch it is common to see hundreds of tiny cats swimming in a "ball" . As I said before, commercial fishing is a much greater threat than anything sportfishermen could do. You only have to ride a shrimp trawler one time to see what I mean. Did you know that for every pound of wild caught shrimp that goes to market over four pounds of by-catch is killed. That includes crabs,squid, baby and adult redfish,sailfish,bluefish,flounder any and everything that swims. A lot of the by-catch is used for bait by charter and private fishermen or ground up and sold for chum but hundreds of pounds are shoveled over the side. I've worked on'em I know !!! It is getting better because the better commercial people are starting to realise that conservation is good for everyone.
Watch the "dangerous catch" shows on TV. Thier catch on each boat is numbered in the 100's of thousands. How many sport fishermen would it take to equal the catch of even one of those boats?

I agree that the bullhead catfish are VERY prolific, as just go to any area lake and you will see clumps of them. I also agree with the commercial fishing risk. In MN, I do not and would not support any types of commercial fishing, as I realize the end results.....

[Goldenshinner]

Jug fishing would be great also, why would fishing with a jug be so bad? As I see it they are treated like we treat a tip-up during ice fishing. It must be only so far away and always under observation. .
very interesting. i didnt know that. if jugs must be under observation, then i dont see the difference between jugging and tip ups. that is great, under that realization i think i would also support jugging, but again the laws definitely need to be rethought out. stimulating the sport is great, but we need more preservation. There are a fair amount of riverfishermen that i have met that stockpile catfish filiets in the 100lb+ range. that is insaine as that would be nearly a life time allotment at current safe consumption rates. food is cheep enough there is no need.


as to fishing the boarder waters with multiple lines. if you dont do it then you wouldnt understand it. i used to fish nearly exclusively the boarderwaters. fishing multiple lines allows you to compare unique daily patterns of movement and activity. sitting out with only one rod or two guys with two rods wont tell you anything about how the species is moving unique to that days trips. the learning curve to understanding the species would be too great. I also agree that there is a too many point. but two would be in the good. example 3guys fishing the boarder water spread out their alloted 6 lines. as the night progresses a pattern is noticed and underwater feeding structure is identifed. at which point all lines are focused onto the area. next several different baits are compaired and a definite preference is realized. very interesting, as this pattern will change through the calandar year. both in location and bait selection. (and interestingly this is somewhat different on the big three rivers,...in my opinion..)
would a two rod increase affect the general anual harvest on the river(minnesota),...yes it probably would.
would a two rod increase the number of people using the river(and in some ways the resource value ) yes.ultimately enhancing the experience of all users(with additional harvest protection).

again my 2cents

[griz]

I've have found this thread very interesting. At first I couldn't understand what the big deal was about using two rods and why you might want more restrictive regulations. Your posts got me to wondering so I did a few internet searches and I was amazed. I knew catfish grew slower in the more northern regions, but never knew that their reproductive cycle slowed down too. The slower growth rate coupled with them not spawning every year would require careful managment to maintain the fishery and avoid over harvesting. Again great thread brothers.
Thanks griz

[nuthinlikeacat]

YEah, its kind of a touchy subject among the catfisherman here. As I see it, either way I have great faith in the DNR here, as I have seen what they have done for other lakes (Mille Lacs Walleye for example), and I couldnt be more happy with the result. I'm sure they have been doing all the research they need to make the right decision, and either way, some will be happy/mad at the outcome.

As fishing pressure increases, maybe they (DNR) will concentrate on some of the other issues (like size of bait/types) to satisfy the catfishermen while they continue to monitor catfish harvest.
Great post Griz, and great points!

[rushing]

I've have found this thread very interesting. At first I couldn't understand what the big deal was about using two rods and why you might want more restrictive regulations. Your posts got me to wondering so I did a few internet searches and I was amazed. I knew catfish grew slower in the more northern regions, but never knew that their reproductive cycle slowed down too. The slower growth rate coupled with them not spawning every year would require careful managment to maintain the fishery and avoid over harvesting. Again great thread brothers.
Thanks griz


You are very correct Griz!

I believe the Minnesota River is one of the, if not the most northern flathead fishery in the country. Which means it does have a much slower growing season then anywhere else. So it cant be compare it with flathead fisheries down south. The Minnesota River is also one of the better flathead fisheries in the country as well. You combine those two facts and special care needs to be considered when managing this body of water. The MN River has bunches upon bunches of flatheads in it but my guess would be about 75% of them are under 20lbs so keeping fish under 20lbs isn't going to effect things much but its the other 25% we have to worry about. You start losing those bigguns and it takes years to replace. I'm not against a 2 rod rule, I would love to be able to fish two rods, but I hope better regulations are implemented to protect those larger fish go into effect before a 2 rods becomes legal. As far as paying for a stamp, well get caught fishing with 2 rods now and you'll wish we were able to buy a cheap second rod stamp.

[rushing]

My guess on 2 rods while ice fishing is because fishing through the ice is more difficult meaning you cant just cast 10ft to your left because you're not getting a bite which means locating fish is also harder. Fish are mobile and you have to drill a new hole and move and if you are in an ice shack that means having to move the whole thing. Thats just my guess.

[Goldenshinner]

My guess on 2 rods while ice fishing is because fishing through the ice is more difficult meaning you cant just cast 10ft to your left because you're not getting a bite which means locating fish is also harder. Fish are mobile and you have to drill a new hole and move and if you are in an ice shack that means having to move the whole thing. Thats just my guess.
not sure but it seeems to my memory that most states that i know allow atleast two rods thru the ice. you may be correct. i also am underthe impression that the two rod rule would affect(or benifit) shore fishermen more than any. and if you are limmited to the shore, then adding a second rod placement may make the difference betweeen understanding how the fish are moving throgh that area, or never ever catching nearly anything.

I knew catfish grew slower in the more northern regions, but never knew that their reproductive cycle slowed down too. The slower growth rate coupled with them not spawning every year would require careful managment to maintain the fishery and avoid over harvesting. Again great thread brothers.

interesting point. we had a releatively high population at one point. but i think most people that have been doing this for a long time would agree that the catch rates are down. i however would be amazed if this river is truely the best in the nation(as far as populations go).many streaches of this river have few fish inhabiting it, it also seems that there is too some extent seasonal migrations that might give the illusion of piles of fish being caught in one strech, but actualy those many fish represent miles of fish moving. those migration moves might be more extream in our northern region than down south. thus the illusion of a better fishing river. definitly piles more serious reasearch needs to be done by numerous separately funded organizations. (and not special interest groups, im sick of tackle manufactures advertising one sided research studies)

[rushing]

Well from a buddy of mine who is friendly with the dnr and has spoken to them at length about their flathead studies told me the number of fish per mile they estimate. I dont remember the exact number but its higher than you might think.:wink:

[Goldenshinner]

Well from a buddy of mine who is friendly with the dnr and has spoken to them at length about their flathead studies told me the number of fish per mile they estimate. I dont remember the exact number but its higher than you might think.:wink:
yes, i think i read some of those articles way back, they sugested that per running mile this river had some of the highest densities as far a population. but was that 20inch fish and, depending on how they sample the population, may give very different results. for example, setting a fike(net trap) set in the right spot on the river, while the population is moving, might show a very high number of fish moving thru(from miles away), what was sampled as 10 fish per set might have actualy represented 10 fish per 3 miles(or who knows) and not 10fish per 1/4 mile. how about counting the hibernation holes, if 30 fish are in the hole that represents the next 8 miles, that might give a roughly generilized closer guess. i dont know, im just interested.... the population thus estimated might greatly change in total numbers present.

[rushing]

Very true but its the dnr's job to know what kind of fishery they have and spent many years set lining and electro shocking many different sections of the river so I have full faith in their estimates. You cant set regulations for a fish if you don't have a good idea of the size and amount of fish you have.

[griz]

Getting to know the local DNR officers, keeping up with what the DNR is proposing and how they are getting their information are very important. Here are a couple links to some older information I found on the internet. The first one is a survey done on catfish, tells a bit about how they do a survey. The other is a report about meetings held on proposed rule changes back in 2002.
Take a look at the number of people that showed up for those rule change meetings, if laws need changed catfishermen need to show up to these things and be heard. (I know this is outdated information but I stll found it interesting.)
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/fwt/1995/Bigcatfi.pdf

http://www.oah.state.mn.us/aljBase/200014954.rr.smm.htm
As for paying for a second rod stamp, I'd want to know exactly what the extra money would be used for.
Again this is a great thread, I'm really learning alot
griz

[SkipEye]

Ice shack??? Man, I'm glad I'm in Missouri. Not that it doesn't get cold but I ain't cutting no hole in the ice. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr

When the river ices up we hang up the poles.

[nuthinlikeacat]

Darryl
sometimes I feel the same way. But then again, a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do when it comes to fishing!:wink:

[Dave L]

Ice shack??? Man, I'm glad I'm in Missouri. Not that it doesn't get cold but I ain't cutting no hole in the ice. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr

When the river ices up we hang up the poles.

You must have never been in an Ice shack. I have been in ice shacks that would put many peoples homes to shame. Alot of people go all out with there " shacks " heat, satelite tv, stereo, ranges for cooking and some even have sinks and baths. The newest trend is tandem trailers with retactable wheels so it is easy to pick up and go, or just move to a new spot. It really isn't that bad of a deal, nice and cozy. I have seen cost of these in the mid 5 figures.
And like Ryan says, a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do.

[The J-Man!]

a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do when it comes to fishing!:wink:

Exactly Ryan! Especially here in Minnesota where Winter seems to last for 5 months!

[Goldenshinner]

Very true but its the dnr's job to know what kind of fishery they have and spent many years set lining and electro shocking many different sections of the river so I have full faith in their estimates. You cant set regulations for a fish if you don't have a good idea of the size and amount of fish you have.
with all due respect brother,( and i do have massive respect bro), there is no one to my knowledge in the dnr that is specialized in flathead(in our state), they are very very different species than our other fin-fish. there is also perhaps still not enough interest in this state to warent such specialized research.

on a side note of the hundreds of nightly fisherpeople on the minnesota it would seem that the outof staters probably come close in numbers. i have on many occasions been on the upper streaches and seen 14 Iowa rigs to the one MN rig at the launch.

[rushing]

Well I guess they were tracking walleyes when they have been tagging/tracking and studying flathead for the past 10yrs.:smile: From what I understand they've just finished their study and the report is supposedly going to be available to the public come next spring. There was also another study they did but I cant find the PDF file to attach right now. I know Hanson has it, maybe he can put it up for ya.

And yep a lot of Iowers fish the upper stretch, another reason we need more CO's on the water. I also do a lot of flathead fishing with some buddies who come up from Iowa to fish the Minnesota. Its testament to how great the Mn river is if they dont even fish in their own state!

[hanson]

The newest report was titled-

"Effects of winter angling on sauger and flathead catfish in the Upper Mississippi River"

The study was specifically on Pool 4, below L&D3

The DNR radio tracked a number of tagged flatheads that were caught & released, and caught and moved to another area of the river for release. The basic finding was flatheads that were caught and released in their wintering hole didn't go anywhere. The ones that were moved away from their wintering hole swam back to it fairly quickly. The study helped prove the theory of flathead vulnerability in their wintering holes. Not sure if a regulation change is on the horizon but this study provides good supporting evidence IMO.

Goldenshinner- Where on earth have you seen 14 Iowa rigs at 1 boat launch on the MN? I don't think I've ever seen 14 rigs TOTAL at one boat launch in the summer other than 35W launch, and Shakopee a few times this summer.

[Goldenshinner]

very interesting thanks rob and chriss. . ..
oh and the upper streach i refer to is the first 1/4 section of the river from granit falls down.

[nuthinlikeacat]

Goldenshinner- Where on earth have you seen 14 Iowa rigs at 1 boat launch on the MN? I don't think I've ever seen 14 rigs TOTAL at one boat launch in the summer other than 35W launch, and Shakopee a few times this summer.

Hanson, If you want to see a ton of Iowa fishing rigs on the MN river, I suggest you spend a few weeks in the St Peter area. There is a camping area at the boat landing there, and I guarantee you at ANY given weekend during the summer, you can find at least 5-10 Iowans.

[Goldenshinner]

Hanson, If you want to see a ton of Iowa fishing rigs on the MN river, I suggest you spend a few weeks in the St Peter area. There is a camping area at the boat landing there, and I guarantee you at ANY given weekend during the summer, you can find at least 5-10 Iowans.
wow! i didnt realize they migrate so far down stream!:smile2:
I wonder of the 500+ odd people fishing the river every night what percentage of them are iowans???