Hows the 2 line bill working out?
I think that is a somewhat good idea as I think there are plenty of big bass that are ending up in the frying pan, or a minimum on the size that can be kept.
About time… If not mistaken, I believe every surrounding state and Canadian province has a similar C&R bass season.
I believe that Wisconsin just started this last year. Honestly, on average, how many more days of open water bass fishing would it add in any given year? A week, maybe 2? Maybe none? Guess it depends on when we have ice out. In 2018 we had a record late ice out so it would not have made a difference whereas in some years it could add some extra time to bass fish.
Seems like we are about a decade behind Wisconsin when it comes to new laws like this.
The proposal would allow for the specific targeting of walleye, pike, AND bass prior to the traditional opener but only with the use of artificial lures south of Highway 210.
I don’t feel confident about this. Specifically targeting walleye and pike before May while they are spawning? Highly doubtful. But the C & R bass season has a slight chance down the road IMO.
duplicate post
I’m not a bass guy and often lead towards protecting vulnerable fish populations when possible regarding limits or seasons. I think a C & R bass season may have a shot, but I don’t see this going far in its current form for 2 obvious reasons:
1. These bills are never sent forward as “stand-alone” type bills. It will get tossed in as pork or with pork on some longer shot type legislation. It’s a great way for representatives to say “I tried and I am working for you” to their people without ruffling any feathers or having to work too hard to drive something alone through the process.
2. The MNDNR and others are beyond protective of walleye and clearly prefer nobody targeting any game fish prior to the opener for any purpose. Enforcement of laws is already a logistical nightmare with regards to targeting certain species, bag and possession limits, slots, etc. The more people out fishing “C & R” early ultimately will just complicate enforcing other seasons/laws on the books.
The MNDNR and others are beyond protective of walleye and clearly prefer nobody targeting any game fish prior to the opener for any purpose
This is primarily why I don’t see it passing. Had they simply tried to introduce an earlier season for C & R bass ONLY, it may have had a chance. When they stuck the pike and walleye thing in there it makes it almost assured dead on arrival.
Am all for year round seasons on everything and 2 lines. Could help small town economy’s and possibly be another source of revenue for the dnr as well. A fishing license is still dirt cheap imo compared to all the other gear needed. Better management and enforcement is neither cheap or easy, and doesn’t come free.
This Bill only applies to Bass. NOT anything else!!!
Strongly in favor! As a hardcore bass angler I am in favor of this. I can tell you that MN is missing out on money they could be making from bass anglers who are taking their rigs, gas and food money, to WI for the first month of ice out when the bass season is not open in MN. There is no harm done to bass by fishing them prespawn or during the spawn. Look at the rest of the country as an example.
It’s about time this is passed.
Where do you see anything about walleye in here? He proposed a similar year round season like WI just started.
Maybe I misread it. If someone could post a link that would be helpful.
Here is a link to the bill. ONLY review the underlined language. This is the proposed NEW language
Thanks Buzz. I must have read something else from a previous proposal.
That being said, I’d be fine with it but I am doubtful it will pass. Minnesota is usually late to the party on these sort of things considering Wisconsin just started it last year.
This bills are hard to read. They don’t show the Commissioner’s Rules that have modified the bill, the Bill numbers change. Bills get wrapped into larger bills. As I mentioned this is likely a constituent bill, which means they introduced it to appease a voter, but isn’t likely to move.
I don’t see it happening either, but I sure wish it would.
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