Hey Don & Mike,
Thanks for stepping up. I did go to the WDFW meeting last December in Tumwater. Was a very interesting little get together. One thing I would like to put out though. If you could tell by the body language of the WDFW members they are not very informed about the Tigers or Muskies in general. And it seemed to me that they were not very interested in keeping the Tiger program going.~Costs~
Like I have stated they feel that this is an "exotic". Which is true. But they alone will not wipe out the "beloved" Triploid population of fake trout. My rant,I'm sorry. If the state is so worried about paying for these fish. They could possibly make a "Musky stamp".Wisconsin has a Salmon stamp. In which you pay I think its ten bucks,per fisherperson.All those procedes go to the salmon hatcheries.That covers the costs for raising and releasing the fish into Lake Michigan. That my friends has revitalized the salmon fishing on that great lake.And those are natural fish. They reproduce. They could do the same here for the tigers.I for one WOULD pay to help sustain this fishery.
As far as the Catch & release. I am for that 100%. We already have a size limit. And remember the Tigers don't get as long as naturals.But they grow faster and heavier. They top out at 48 to 50 inches. I think a 40 inch limit would be sufficient statewide.
And Don, this is not a shot at you but, no more photos of Muskies hanging in knotted salmon nets alright. Not a good representation of CPR ,"Catch,photo and release." If you are going to advocate this,practice it properly.
I'm a good guy really!
I think you'll be a good spokesman for the Musky fisherman around here. Please though, listen to us and speak for all of us. And I'm sure you'll hear from all of around who are as dedicated to this fishery as I am and love it like I do. If you want to contact me you can at ratherbefishin@nventure.com Thanks, Todd