Washington Muskie Fishing Update

I received this information from one of our regular readers (and muskie enthusiasts), Don Wittenberger:

Mike:

The Director of WDFW has appointed me to the Inland Fish Policy Advisory Group. This board provides citizen feedback to the department on freshwater fisheries management policies.

I asked to be appointed to this board to speak for the interests of our state's tiger musky fishermen. Many of the board members represent clubs or organizations, but there is no musky club in our state, so I was appointed as an individual fisherman. So far as I know, I'm the only board member speaking on behalf of the tiger musky fishery.

Therefore, if your readers who are interested in this species have specific ideas or concerns they want to bring to the attention of WDFW fish managers, and would like to contact me, they can reach me at dwitt546@aol.com or try to call me at 206-542-1268. Emails should have "Inland Policy Group" or "tiger muskies" or something to that effect in the subject line, so I don't delete it as spam.

Don Wittenberger
Seattle

And an update message from Don:

A catch-and-release rule request is being prepared for submission and angler support for it is needed. Please feel free to contact me and also to let WDFW know your views on this subject.

And from Mike:

Let's help Don and have our voices be heard. If this is something you'd support, please contact WDFW and let them know.

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

Hey all,
Just to clarify something. There were two fellas from the fishery dept that were at that meeting. They were very informed and were informing the Board members (the suit and ties) on the musky program. The suit and ties were the ones that seemed to be the nay sayers and doubters about the program. Just wanted to make myself clear. Thanks Again

Sick'em Todd.
Bill

Hey Bill,
Slacker!! Maybe you should offer up some advice too!! LOL...

Bill G...Lake Tapps expert...fishing extrordinare..spell check please...your pretty good at coloring maps...tight lines to ya!