Bass Lake 7-27-16

[wallin]

Thats mostly because of the pressure. When they take all at 14 inch they never get to 16, and theres been many of fish caught 16 and over in the past.

[abishop]

I have noticed that size wise this year was great. Most larger than 14+. Think I only caught 1 that was short. Usually, you might have to catch 5 to get a keeper. Maybe due to the last couple years being a poor year for harvest, the fish have grown. We just might be in for a good ice season there.

[MC_angler]

Again... the lakes that were kept at the old limit were done so because of age and growth issues, not because of harvest or pressure. There's actually a reason it was done, based on actual data. It's not like someone threw a dart a list of lakes to randomly select a couple to keep the regulation the same.

Bass Lake just has a hard time consistently getting most of its walleyes above 16", so most would be throwbacks if the length limit was 16. The reason it's over-run with the small ones is because they just can't grow past that very well. It's a pretty marginal lake for growth

[bigr]

I agree MC. There are a few lakes that the dnr have kept good records on key factors. Bass is one of them and I believe the right reg is in place. As far as the new regs of 16 inch's on most bodies of water I think the dnr are on the right track. Sylvan I think will be a good test to see positive or no change results over the next few yrs. Of course the new regs have to be strictly enforced which some have concerns might not be happening. I fish the Wabash and there always been large numbers of those 13s, it will be interesting to see for myself if the number of 16+ goes up. I hope so.

[wallin]

I agree, but I also seen most locals tell the creel clerk daily to go pound sand.
Its voluntary to show your fish.

[MC_angler]

I agree, but I also seen most locals tell the creel clerk daily to go pound sand.
Its voluntary to show your fish.

Sure is voluntary... good thing the evaluation of age and growth comes from fisheries independent data!

[wallin]

Then why pay a creel clerk?

[MC_angler]

Because it's one thing to establish a fishery resource and measure if the fish are surviving and growing, and a different one to evaluate whether it is being utilized or not by fishermen

Kind of like how you would use a hammer to drive a nail, and a saw to cut the wood. Different tools for different jobs

It'd be a giant waste of time and money to establish a fishery somewhere if nobody ever used it

[wallin]

So if they changed the regs to 16 inch on these lakes the 14 inch would never make it?
I know its a shallow lake but fish adapt.
Just my opinion, I don't really care one way or another, but I know what we have pulled out of that lake and others.
Doesn't mean their always right on their choices either.

[abishop]

Going looking for weeds tomorrow so I know where to go come hard water. Oh, forgot to mention trying to find a few fish as well. Anyone else going?

[Boomer]

This summer  there were some weeds just south of the Pocket. It went west from the shore to east. Look for weeds near the marina / bait store area. I have a feeling a person could do good there.

[abishop]

Usually plenty green around that area. Just have to c what is still around. Haven't been there since the spring. They usually have a weed kill just after Memorial day. Not sure about this year. Time to do some scouting before ice season.

[abishop]

Drove past today and saw quite few rigs out there. How did anyone who was out today do?

[abishop]

Anyone been out lately. Should be getting my boat back tomorrow or Wednesday and was hoping to get out again before the ice.