Big Pike. Caught legally?

[Pro fisherman-Stud Muffin 420]

The problem with removing a fish that size is that now there's nothing to thin the herd of hammer handles. So there will be more of them, competing for and diminishing the same food source . So less growth. killing a hundred small fish has less of an effect as killing one apex predator.

That one fish could actually have a profound negative effect on that lakes reproduction.

[Guest FreshwaterFisherman]

I agree with Ryan. It's not about the loss of the fish as much as it is the loss if th impact the fish had. Those genetics were not typical, better to let them continue on. A shame.

[Foz 25]

I like the fact that so many people on this site are educated and have experience on the subject of fishing. I also like the fact that we can discuss matters such as these on the internet without resorting to name calling and use proper language. I believe it is up to us as avid outdoors people to continue to use our knowledge to let the public know what is acceptable and what is not.

[Foz 25]

I like the fact that so many people on this site are educated and have experience on the subject of fishing. I also like the fact that we can discuss matters such as these on the internet without resorting to name calling and use proper language. I believe it is up to us as avid outdoors people to continue to use our knowledge to let the public know what is acceptable and what is not.

[Lyle Reiner 174]

yeur all just a dum bunch of rednicks who dun no knothing. that /@/&*$$@ fosh tasted grate. assjolrs

[McGinnis_Fishing 49]

The problem with removing a fish that size is that now there's nothing to thin the herd of hammer handles. So there will be more of them, competing for and diminishing the same food source . So less growth. killing a hundred small fish has less of an effect as killing one apex predator.

That one fish could actually have a profound negative effect on that lakes reproduction.

Ive never thought about that before! All you usualy hear is the fish is a good spawner but ive never had someone put it that way. Thanks, it makes alot of sence

[fisherdude 69]

Ya, reading that made me realize how much sense that makes and that iv never looked at it that way. Props on recognizing and putting that fact out there for others to see for the future.

[Guest Ol Big Moose]

Wow, let's all get our clubs and pitchforks and hunt this "meat hunter" down and lynch him. At the very least the fish was eaten and not slung up on some priks wall for bragging rights

"Meathunter" I,m sorry fellas but I fish and hunt to put meat on the table to feed my family,that's my choice as an angler and hunter to do so.

[Guest FreshwaterFisherman]

So as long as your gonna eat it poach away? How can you brag about a poached fish anyway? It's not that he kept it, it's that he illegally kept it. If it was caught legally than by all means eat, mount, do as you choose.

[Guest Ol Big Moose]

Not once did I say I poach to put meat on my table. I just meant that there are worse things that could've been done with the fish.

[Guest FreshwaterFisherman]

I agree. But it was poached. That's why people are upset. The poaching of a fish is worse than what you choose to do with it afterward.

[Guest johnjacobs]

hilarious thread

[dano 8]

Really? 2 pages of posts about a pike. Who gives a rip.

[Pro fisherman-Stud Muffin 420]

Um ya. Cause without those pike we wouldn't have our bigger pickeral or bass .

Ever catch big walleye in lake without pike? there is a reason for that.

[AmateurHourAngling 49]

That's my gym teacher

[jiggin rap 4]

Really? 2 pages of posts about a pike. Who gives a rip.

Hahaha. I'm with Dano on this one. Seriously cut the guy some slack. Rap

[Guest cmcrawfo]

We can all agree that fish was not caught legally. But I struggle with the concerns over the size of the fish, (when caught legally) I don't understand why people seem to raise concern over big fish. Similar to peoples concern over targeting select species or species during certain times of year. If the season is open, you have a valid license and the fish is caught legally why should I feel bad for harvesting the fish. I am not a fisheries biologist, but I would wager that the people raising these concerns are not either.

[Some Old Guy 968]

cmcrawfo,

You nailed it! Should be no concern at all when caught legally. But the point was, it wasn't.

Roger

[Some Old Guy 968]

Cut the guy some slack? Ok I will or would of. I would have cut him tonnes of slack if he would have cut the pike some slack! HA HA! Get it?

Roger

[Guest FreshwaterFisherman]

Apparently ignorance is a valid excuse. I'm sure he's walking around bragging about his "catch".

[salmonider 1]

Illegal period seen people charged for a lot less jmo those big old fish deserve more respect than that

[AmateurHourAngling 49]

Here's another one... So I have a walleye under the slot size and it swallows the hook..so I cut the line and release it.. A few minutes later it flops up on the surface and after a few minutes of thrashing..dies. I keep it for not wanting to let it go to waste.. Good or bad. (Just a question cause I've released a lot of fish after cutting the line to have them die within 5 minutes)

[Guest FreshwaterFisherman]

Let the birds eat it.

[Guest FreshwaterFisherman]

I also think if its happening that much you should change your tactic/lure. Switch from live bait if need be.

[Castnblast 86]

zzzz...