the Minnesota Fish Project

This idea came from a conversation my brother and I had earlier this year, “I wonder if anyone has ever caught every single species of fish in Minnesota in one year?” Considering that there’s roughly 150 species (counting minnows) that would be almost impossible we thought, even for a whole lifetime. So now I’m wondering how long it would take the members of FTR to complete this task collectively. Here’s the challenge: legally catch every MN state record species (fish weighing one pound or heavier) and photograph it, then we’ll use this board to post the pictures and keep note of the progress. Also I think it would be interesting if we kept track of the place each fish was caught and the biggest fish for each species. It’s just an idea at this point but I think it would be really fun and challenging. Obviously it’s a long term project, as it may take quite some time fo us to complete the goal. Along the way hopefully we’ll learn a lot. Check the MN DNR Fishing hand book for the list of state record fish. This site will help with the identification: http://www.gen.umn.edu/faculty_staff/hatch/fishes/natural_history.html The only question is, when do we start? I think it’s almost cheating if we go back to the beginning of the season, what do you think?

I see where you’re going with this and I can see where it might be kinda cool. However, I’m going to put a wrench in it’s foundation.

I’m thinking the main objective here is, hypothetically speaking, an “FTR Wall of Fame”. This “page” would have the list of species capable of going over 1lb. and only the record holders (registered users record, that is) would be picture posted, in honor of their catch.

Wrench #1 – We have registered users that fish WI, IA, IL, SD, MO, KS, OR, as well as MN. Do we go through the pains of having the same challange for each state? Or should it just be an open FTR ordeal, open to all states, to be fair with all FTR users?

Wrench #2 – Should this be an annual challenge to keep it fresh and interesting or is the intention to go for an “all-time catch” acknowledgement?

I like the idea, but being a WI resident, I’d like to see my catches qualify as well. :O) As far as retro, nah………….take it all forward starting at a future date.

Wrench #3 – How do we talk ~H2O~ and hougie into “more work”? LOL! Those poor boys!

Since this site is FishtheRiver, how about this instead:

Fishtheriver.com could have it’s own ‘record board’ where only fish caught in the/a river qualify. One picture for the largest of each species in the river, and when a larger fish is caught the old pic gets bumped.

Basically, a leaderboard for FTR members that will allow us to show off our accomplishments. We’ll set a start date so that everyone doesn’t just go digging through their old pictures, and after a couple of weeks, it should be pretty low-maintenance.

i like that idea gianni. didn’t mean to shut out people from other states. we could keep a FTR record board and in addition see how many species everyone can bring in, regardless of where you live.