The willowcats that were being sold in the bait shops in Winona are ALL being netted in central Minnesota where there is not a exotic species issue. I know this for a fact as I have first hand knowledge of where they are netted. There is no logical reasons for this. This was nothing more than a ploy to make a name for one person. There is nothing that can be done this year but the law will be changed this winter when the state legislation meets again. That really does the local baitshops a lot of good this summer.

If you do a search for madtom tadpole catfish(the real name for willowcats) you find they are a very common and have a range that is very widespread. There is not chance of denting the population. This is a very good example of a game warden trying to make a name for himself. He is more concerned about this than the large number of people casting cranks on Lake Winona before the opener. I guess the illegally taking of game fish before season is not as important as hurting the local businesses that have been selling these for years. Now the money Brad and Stacy depended upon will be shifting to Wisconsin. What a fricking joke!!!!!! What is the basis for his crusade? That I would like to know. What good has come of this? Lost monies for the Winona bait shops, a large number of anglers totally put off by some hot shot warden. I cannot even begin to imagine the negitive impression this will have on the fishermen/fisherwomen in the area. Up until now I had the ultimate respect for the job the wardens did, I had no problem with opening my ice house to their inspection when I did not have to. I went out of my way to be as nice as possible because of the respect I once had for these people, that respect is now gone. With this individual I will know my rights and I will demand they be respected.

I see Beav’s articles on another web site, walleyesfirst.com, I also see Hougie posting on that site too, Hutch is gone too, I wonder why?

“Perhaps Mr. Roach should see if he can find time to fish with a “professional” guide like Mr. Holst”

I had thought I had heard everything!!!!! Gary Roach learning from James Holst on how to be a “professional” guide. Kurt what planet did this come from? It is not from this one we call earth (or reality).

Dave – Look at the main page of this site:
Copyright © 2000,2001 Fishtheriver.com. All rights reserved.
If it works here, should work at other sites too!

I attended the public meeting the DNR had in Winona when the limits were suggested. Their research suggested in well known wintering areas 90-100% of the adult sunfish were being removed from the system! IMHO a size limit would have been a much more effective tool in reducing this overharvest. Can you imagine a pool with a 8″ size limit? A trophy sunfish area? One can only hope.