Bass Regs in MI

Every year since residing here in the Midwest I have always asked why doesnt the MI DNR do away with the bass season? Ive heard that the MI DNR has been throwing the idea around for a few years. If they are so worried about the fish just make it/them a catch and release species. I know for certain that when ice fishing there are plenty of largemouth bass being caught and released. There are some great rivers to catch smallies that cant be accessed because of this rule. Anyone have some official input or comments.

Seege

our state DNR is a joke !!!
but with LL Cool being gone there is hope>
lets not talk about the govenor......

Hi Fireman!
The regs are in place pretty much to try and manage the fishery. Lots of politics are involved. If a strict C&R policy was put into law the hue and cry from the general public would be overwhemingly neg.The public is where the dollars come from and the dollars are what make the world go round! Controled harvest and protection of spawning fish are also a very important management tools. Things aren't perfect but what in this life is?

Spin

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[This message has been edited by Spin (edited 31 March 2005).]

Seege,

Check out the following web site for information on the MI bass season situation:
[url=http://www.greatlakesbass.com/:7375e]http://www.greatlakesbass.com/[/url:7375e]

The site is run by Dan Kimmel, out of Lansing. He has been a major advocate in getting this issue to the forefront over the last several years. Dan has done his homework on this subject.

In 2004, there was a "white paper" put together by the MI DNR with some different proposals for changing the bass season. The proposals involved establishing a catch & release season but delaying the catch & keep season in most of the state. There were several town hall type meetings, held throughout the state, to gather additional input with the bottom line being that things are on hold until 2006.

Hope this helps.

Well no that doesnt help because the last weekend in May is always too far off especially after a long winter. I understand how they want to maintain a quality fishery but it seems there are less trout than bass throughout MI except maybe the UP. They have C&R for trout where you can fish for them all year in certain streams/rivers why not bass in certain areas? For example, Im a firm believer that the K-Zoo has plenty of 12-16" smallies and that it could handle fishing all season with special regs. I also am under the impression of todays fishing world that C&R is being practiced more and more. I know play by the rules and just wait, waiting,,,,,,,,,,,,, is it the last weekend in May yet?

Thanks,
Seege

Seege,

You're preaching to the choir. lol.

On my side of the state it's the 3rd Saturday in June. Thank goodness for walleye, pike, trout, etc., etc.

I know you guys are the only ones that listen with a heavy heart, right? Ive said enough.

Seege