Deeply saddened to see all the recent posts of muskies that have been harvested this winter. Worst of it is they are coming from lakes like Black Lake that have the lowest population densities in the state. Social media has tasked some of us with having to explain why SCIENCE, not opinion shows us why harvest is such an issue on these lakes. Some comments that are being posted are far from truthful. We can clear that up right now.
MICHIGANS MUSKIE POPULATIONS ARE NOT EXCELLENT
Contrary to what many believe, the muskellunge is not well in many of Michigan/s waters. There are numerous waters that are falling well short of .33 muskellunge per acre, and exceeding the 5% exploitation rate which is outlined in the muskellunge management plan. Seeing pictures of large fish does in no way outline the fishery as a whole. Not by lake or state. These blanket statements are ridiculous. Some ask how are we producing such large specimens if there are limited fish available. I think that question answers itself. With an abundance of rough fish available and limited competition these fish easily grow to mammoth proportion. Sure there are some waters that are doing well but these include waters with reduced harvest by means of longer season closures and higher MSL's.
MUSKIES HAVE EATEN ALL THE FISH IN MY LAKE
The comment I hear and shake my head at. "We used to get our limit every day but the muskies are eating everything". Who's eating who here? Would it be crazy to believe that you harvesting your limit instead of limiting your harvest is the reason for your dismal success? Muskies play an important role in maintaining a healthy aquatic community. They help keep the fishery balanced by eating the less desirable rough species like suckers and gizzard shad that compete with perch and walleye.
MORE MUSKIES DIE FROM CATCH AND RELEASE
Don't know who came up with this. It would be silly to say that none die incidentally from CPR anglers but with modern practices and specialized release tools the chances of a successful release is extremely appreciable. Lets look at it in a perspective of any of the lakes in the Antrim or Indian Chain. Assuming a Catch and Release mortality rate of 3-5 percent (which is probably generously high on these waters) lets compare. If 5 fish are harvested in a single year by any method, it would take at least 5 years of incidental deaths to match that of harvest if 20 fish were released per year.
MUSKIE NUTS ARE FORCING THEIR OPINION ON OTHERS
False. We are trying to educate. Our statements hold validity. We have educated ourselves on what it takes to have a quality fishery based on the management goals defined by the Michigan DNR. Its our job as sportsman/sportswoman to be stewards of the resources we use, and understand it before we exploit it.
Fact is there will always be opposition on both sides. Over Harvest will always be a problem if we don't take steps to educate ourselves and others. PLEASE BE OPEN MINDED. Take a second to hear your fellow man.
spread the word
MICHIGANS MUSKIE POPULATIONS ARE NOT EXCELLENT
Contrary to what many believe, the muskellunge is not well in many of Michigan/s waters. There are numerous waters that are falling well short of .33 muskellunge per acre, and exceeding the 5% exploitation rate which is outlined in the muskellunge management plan. Seeing pictures of large fish does in no way outline the fishery as a whole. Not by lake or state. These blanket statements are ridiculous. Some ask how are we producing such large specimens if there are limited fish available. I think that question answers itself. With an abundance of rough fish available and limited competition these fish easily grow to mammoth proportion. Sure there are some waters that are doing well but these include waters with reduced harvest by means of longer season closures and higher MSL's.
MUSKIES HAVE EATEN ALL THE FISH IN MY LAKE
The comment I hear and shake my head at. "We used to get our limit every day but the muskies are eating everything". Who's eating who here? Would it be crazy to believe that you harvesting your limit instead of limiting your harvest is the reason for your dismal success? Muskies play an important role in maintaining a healthy aquatic community. They help keep the fishery balanced by eating the less desirable rough species like suckers and gizzard shad that compete with perch and walleye.
MORE MUSKIES DIE FROM CATCH AND RELEASE
Don't know who came up with this. It would be silly to say that none die incidentally from CPR anglers but with modern practices and specialized release tools the chances of a successful release is extremely appreciable. Lets look at it in a perspective of any of the lakes in the Antrim or Indian Chain. Assuming a Catch and Release mortality rate of 3-5 percent (which is probably generously high on these waters) lets compare. If 5 fish are harvested in a single year by any method, it would take at least 5 years of incidental deaths to match that of harvest if 20 fish were released per year.
MUSKIE NUTS ARE FORCING THEIR OPINION ON OTHERS
False. We are trying to educate. Our statements hold validity. We have educated ourselves on what it takes to have a quality fishery based on the management goals defined by the Michigan DNR. Its our job as sportsman/sportswoman to be stewards of the resources we use, and understand it before we exploit it.
Fact is there will always be opposition on both sides. Over Harvest will always be a problem if we don't take steps to educate ourselves and others. PLEASE BE OPEN MINDED. Take a second to hear your fellow man.
spread the word
Giant Muskie!!!!!
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