Wasted Peacock

[roadwarriorsvt]

When I was hitting the grass beds prior to the Masonic Lodge, I located this abandoned stringer. Since the lake dropped, it exposed the stringer that someone discarded, killing a decent peacock bass. Its bad enough some people take the peacock, at least they go to nurish someone (hopefully) but this it just a total waste.

[BassinBomber]

That's sad,..people should realize the importance of CPR {Catch~Picture~Release} makes for maintenance of the species and for a lot more fun for other anglers.

BB

[Ca_Bass]

That is pretty ridiculous, I can only think one reason for that and I doubt that's what it was. Not saying anyone did it for this reason but I've heard of fisherman on the mainland catching a nice fish during tournament practice and keeping them in those basket stringer things and weighing them in as if they caught it on the day of the tournament.

Last Sunday when I was fishing I was shocked at how many shore fisherman I saw with stringers and peacock bass on them. Is it not common knowledge that the bass are catch and release only? I would pesonally escort a DLNR rep. around the lake on the weekend to issue warnings. Have them take note of the warnings and then ticket repeat offenders.

If it was legal to keep fish I would have no problem with it as long as people obeyed the stringer limits. I still feel people taking tucs is probably benificial for the fishery, being that there are SO many tucs and they seem to have no problems reproducing. Smaller numbers would probably mean bigger tucs and largemouth.

[fish4fun]

My guess is that it died on the stringer and it over ripe when it was time to go. But who really knows...

[Stan Wright]

Could be it was caught by one of the "Urban Outdoorsmen" living near by, and they were saving it for dinner time. With the water temperature higher, and the way they "handle" the fish they catch... I can see it not surviving for too long.

[roadwarriorsvt]

I agree that taking a couple of Tucs here & there will not be a detriment to the popularion, but could help in the population control, but I also abide by the catch & release rule also.

[BillFHM3C]

Having an open season, or time period, on taking Tukes less than 3 pounds would benefit the fishery greatly. Taking the smaller, immature fish really doesn't hurt. But releasing the bigger fish, the brooders, or breeders, is the key. The big mature fish produce more eggs & fry than the little, immature fish. Plus, by taking the smaller Tukes it would lessen the feeding pressure on the Blue Gills and allow they to return to a sustainable level. But shucks...what do I know? Anyone want pie?

[Ca_Bass]

I agree Bill I would suport a slot limit or a less than a certain amount of inches. I would never take any to eat because I'm allergic to fish. Maybe i'd put a few small tucs in my fish tank and watch em grown.

[BASSTRACKER]

well who needs to make it legal or make a slot limit, just motor round the lake or any beach or on any boat. people keep what they catch! no matter if its a juvenile mahi or ono or papio,tucs and bass be no diffrent, people just cant be trusted to follow any kind of guidelines. i passed many shore fisherman last weekend with stringers of fish.one family had a green produce bag full of fish! dunno what was in it but im sure they wernt taking red devils home to eat.and we wonder why the oceans are barren of fish near shore.