Longer Walleye Fishing Season?

slabman · **Posted:** Sun Nov 30, 2003 11:49 am

Hi guys/gals,

I was just wondering if anyone knew if the Ministry will ever re-open the season until mid March like it used to be. It is my understanding that the season was shortened because to many big fish were being harvested full of eggs. Now with the new slot size imposed, I don't see any reason not to have the longer season again. Most years at the end of February when the season closes, there is still plenty of good ice. Any infomation or input on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

slabman

fatman · **Posted:** Tue Dec 02, 2003 10:06 am

Hey Slabman,are you nuts we are trying to save the fishery not destroy it.I HAVE FISHED THAT SAFE MARCH ICE,I guess you have to go swimming with your atvs to know it is not much fun.Oh and by the way getting out of the water and the mile or so walk home in the dark is no treat iether.Anyway enough about that I am also wondering how the icefishermen will know if they are gaffing a slot fish or not ,the wound could be nasty just a thought Fatman[/quote]

slabman · **Posted:** Sat Jan 03, 2004 11:22 pm

Hey Fatman,

I really don't think this would hurt the fishery if everyone obeyed the rules and regulations. I would only be fishing for fun for the big hawgs. All fish would be released. 90% of your fish are going to be too big to keep anyway. I don't see the harm in it. Also, regarding the SAFE MARCH ICE, if you are sensible you would be staying away from the current areas that late in the year. I would never venture out if the ice was not safe. As for the gaff situation, one needs to use some common sense, if your fish looks bigger than 2 1/2 pounds simply don't gaff it. If you lose it at the whole, big deal it was only going to have to go back anyway.
Good fishing and lets hope for some cold weather, can't wait to get out.

slabman

fatman · **Posted:** Wed Jan 07, 2004 2:54 pm

Slabman it took a while to hear back from you I thought it would be sooner.what I said is only my opinion,I am not against hard water fishingmost of my fishing buddies are avid ice fishing people and I wish you's all the luck in the world May the double digit eyes flood your ice holes.yes I agree if we obey the regs.we should maintain a solid fishery.Untill later tight lines and good fishing Fatman

Captain Hank · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2004 4:00 pm

Slabman,

I would take the gaffing issue one step further and say "Why bring a gaff at all?". Gaffing is traditionally used in deep sea fishing where the fish are difficult to be reached by hand due to distance. Since we are at water level when ice fishing, why not just gill the fish (or grab the jig/lure) when it is at the hole and gently slide it on the ice surface to remove the hook before releasing it? I would argue that it is easier and quicker to catch and release a fish while ice fishing than it is during open water fishing. I shake my head at the clowns who convince themselves that a gaff is a necessary piece of ice fishing equipment - not only does it unnecessarily harm the fish before releasing it and prolong it's exposure to the below zero weather (not good for their eyes), it is actually more awkward to land (ice?) the fish if not done correctly.

Captain Hank

targa2 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2004 5:40 pm

Actually the easiest way to land a walleye on the ice is to chisel a ramp into the hole so when you get the fishes head in the hole you simply direct it up the ramp and slide it onto the ice.

Don · **Posted:** Thu Jan 08, 2004 7:29 pm

the best way that I have found to land a large walleye tthrough the ice is a lip grip tool that i got from Cabela's for $9.95 .It's made of red plastic and looks like a vise grip . You just clamp it on the lower jaw and the fish freezes , much like lipping a bass , giving you the chance to unhook it and if you want , weigh it or snap a pic . The fish dosen't stuggle while clamped this way so I think it must be easier on it as well

swampdoggr7 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 09, 2004 3:26 am

i think what every fisherman has to keep in mind ,is that when you're fishing on a body of water such as quinte,that offers such tropht fish,that if you plan to release themyou must protect there eyes from the bitter cold winds in the temps we are experiencing at this time,one minuete in these temps for a photo op to throw that fish back has frozen its eyes to the point it can never fend for it's next meal.
if you see how big the fish is when you get it to the hole,and know you don't want to harvest it ,release it in the hole without exposing its eyes to the cold wind and air.common sense?.john

swampdoggr7@hotmail.com · **Posted:** Fri Jan 09, 2004 3:42 am

hey slabman ,are you planning to head to scugog this weekend?

Captain Hank · **Posted:** Fri Jan 09, 2004 10:54 am

Targa 2,

the 'ramp' idea is great. The only drawback is carrying a heavy spud (in addition to a portable ice auger) to make the ramp (although I suppose a hatchet would work).

Captain Hank

steve dover · **Joined:** Mon May 13, 2002 5:18 am **Posts:** 65

just grab the bait by the bill and pull straight up that'll work, oops scratch that i was thinking about something else. i can't believe how many people are still hanging around message bd, must be withdrawal symptoms.

slabman · **Posted:** Fri Jan 09, 2004 4:26 pm

Captain Hank,

You are correct, gaffs are not necessary at all.

Targa2, great idea sounds like it would work well.

swampdoggr7, no I am not going this weekend.

Slabman

P.S. sorry for the delay in answering, just got back from a business trip.

darren · **Joined:** Sat Apr 20, 2002 11:33 am **Posts:** 19

Quinte!!!

The reason 10inch gas auger was made!
10incher makes alot of difference from an 8 when you are trying to get that big babies head in to the bottom of the hole.
The first time I brought my friend back to quinte. He more then doubled his personal best, as he was looking at it I said " see thats why I have a 10inch auger, he said" now I see why!!!!! "

darren

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Longer Walleye Fishing Season?

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