Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post

Tyler · 01-05-2005, 07:06 PM

b8tcaster, great handle, wish I had thought of it.

Good to exchange information with someone who appears willing to have a discussion that revolves around facts rather than emotion. I get the impression from your post's that you are a fact minded person.

With that said I have many ideas that I think can help reduce the pressure/affect the growing number of bass tournaments on NH waters are having on our beloved bass both small and largemouth, and not just on Lake Winnipesaukee.

First and foremost I sometimes as well as others use the phrase or term "Number of bass tournaments" incorrectly. I could care less if there are 4 or 104 bass tournaments on any particular NH lake. As long as the scientific biologist studies show a sustaining or better yet a improving fishery you will not hear a peep from me if this was the case. With the technology and information available today regarding the effects of bass tournaments I believe NHF&G is dropping the ball.

I understand the position they are in as these tournaments have some financial impact on the immediate area but this amount in the grand scheme of things is quite small when up against the general tourist dollars spent. But it is a measurable amount thus IMO the reluctance for NHF&G to say anything negative regarding this issue.

My ideas to help minimize the effects of bass tournament fishing on NH lakes are as follows, and are in no particular order.

* Mandatory use of barbless hooks on all artificial baits, or at least when fishing soft plastics, IE: carolina rigs.

* Reduce the tournament day length by 2 hours.

* Reduce to 6 the number of bass allowed to be weighed in as opposed to the current 8 fish limit, and reduce to 2 the number of bass allowed to be weighed in as opposed to the current 4 fish limit for the spring events.

* Conduct delayed mortality studies to determing if this is an issue or not.

* Mandatory use of livewell chemicals.

* Mandatory use of oxygen injection system livewells only.

* Stricter penalities for dead fish that are weighed in. Example, 5 Lbs. per dead fish penalty vs: the current meager .5 lb.

* Determine what is the best weighin bag and make it mandatory for all tournaments.

* Mandatory pre weighin tanks for all tournaments that have 10 or more boats or 20 participants or more.

* Mandatory fish release boat for the tournaments that have 30 or more participants.

* Multiple weighins during the summer months (July & August).

* Eliminate tournaments during the spawn months of May and June. I understand the immediate catch and release from 5-15 through 6-15. I am suggesting no bass tournament for the entire months of May and June, including paper tournaments.

* Agree on what information should be collected for the creel census every T is supposed to submit after events. It appears there is some controversy regarding the current system that is in place.

I could go on and on but I think these regulations would help greatly. How about your thoughts?

01-05-2005, 07:06 PM	#55
Tyler Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 123 Thanks: 19 Thanked 9 Times in 4 Posts	b8tcaster, great handle, wish I had thought of it. Good to exchange information with someone who appears willing to have a discussion that revolves around facts rather than emotion. I get the impression from your post's that you are a fact minded person. With that said I have many ideas that I think can help reduce the pressure/affect the growing number of bass tournaments on NH waters are having on our beloved bass both small and largemouth, and not just on Lake Winnipesaukee. First and foremost I sometimes as well as others use the phrase or term "Number of bass tournaments" incorrectly. I could care less if there are 4 or 104 bass tournaments on any particular NH lake. As long as the scientific biologist studies show a sustaining or better yet a improving fishery you will not hear a peep from me if this was the case. With the technology and information available today regarding the effects of bass tournaments I believe NHF&G is dropping the ball. I understand the position they are in as these tournaments have some financial impact on the immediate area but this amount in the grand scheme of things is quite small when up against the general tourist dollars spent. But it is a measurable amount thus IMO the reluctance for NHF&G to say anything negative regarding this issue. My ideas to help minimize the effects of bass tournament fishing on NH lakes are as follows, and are in no particular order. * Mandatory use of barbless hooks on all artificial baits, or at least when fishing soft plastics, IE: carolina rigs. * Reduce the tournament day length by 2 hours. * Reduce to 6 the number of bass allowed to be weighed in as opposed to the current 8 fish limit, and reduce to 2 the number of bass allowed to be weighed in as opposed to the current 4 fish limit for the spring events. * Conduct delayed mortality studies to determing if this is an issue or not. * Mandatory use of livewell chemicals. * Mandatory use of oxygen injection system livewells only. * Stricter penalities for dead fish that are weighed in. Example, 5 Lbs. per dead fish penalty vs: the current meager .5 lb. * Determine what is the best weighin bag and make it mandatory for all tournaments. * Mandatory pre weighin tanks for all tournaments that have 10 or more boats or 20 participants or more. * Mandatory fish release boat for the tournaments that have 30 or more participants. * Multiple weighins during the summer months (July & August). * Eliminate tournaments during the spawn months of May and June. I understand the immediate catch and release from 5-15 through 6-15. I am suggesting no bass tournament for the entire months of May and June, including paper tournaments. * Agree on what information should be collected for the creel census every T is supposed to submit after events. It appears there is some controversy regarding the current system that is in place. I could go on and on but I think these regulations would help greatly. How about your thoughts? Last edited by webmaster; 01-05-2005 at 11:46 PM.