Thoughts on the slot

Susquinola · **Posted:** Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:24 pm

I feel the Ministry did the right thing imposing the present slot rule on BOQ. I really think its positive impact has already been seen by many fishermen. However, if it stays in effect without change; Is it self-defeating? Do you think this should be a forever-and-ever-amen? Allow me to explain.

Some of the most prolific walleye breeders are found just above the present slot limit. I am sure that many fishermen agree with my statement regarding 'eyes in the 25"-29" range... "They're too big for the pan and too small for the wall". Hands down, I really enjoy catching fish of this size, but refuse to eat them. If among fishermen, this is more of the rule, than the exception there is probably a high "throw-back" rate with fish of this size anyway.

So if the Ministry feels reliable breeding begins at approx 19", and increases with age; doesn't it seem logical to push the slot a few inches higher in the years to come?

Personally, I'd like to see a slot of approx 21"-28", with a daily limit of three total fish above or below the slot. Let the license buyers take what size fish they wish. I think this change in slot would further boost reproduction for BOQ's future generations, produce an enormous amout of "real nice sloters", and pave the way for larger amounts of true trophies in excess of 30".

I am sure there are some strong positives and negatives that will come from this thread. Am I whacked? Noooo, just got a bad case of cabin fever looking forward to softer BOQ water.

Keep it real boys and girls

DAnn · **Posted:** Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:47 am

This is a timley topic as I hear the slots are up for discussion among the BOQ advisory council. Some would like to do away with the slot and others would like to change it. The change would protect the younger fish. Personally I like the ideal you are suggesting.

Mike · **Posted:** Fri Feb 20, 2004 11:10 am

The slot regs seems to be working as appears to be increasing the number of walleye in the bay. I would like to see things be kept the same for at least a few years. The only change would be to increase the slot slightly as mentioned.

The Bay of Quinte is a be enough body of water to be able to sustain a far greater number of Walleye that current swim these waters.

Is the MNR going to be another Walleye study soon?

Just my thoughts.

Cheers,

Mike

Superdad · **Posted:** Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:47 pm

Here is a press release from the Minnesota DNR - Pls note the size of their slot for Lake Mille Lacs.

"From the Minnesoata DNR

News Release
DNR expands walleye slot limit for Lake Mille Lacs (2004-02-19)
Anglers who fish Lake Mille Lacs will be allowed to keep more walleye
under a less restrictive slot limit announced today by the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources.

The season will open May 15 with a regulation that will allow anglers to
keep four walleye up to 20 inches, which may include one trophy over 28
inches. Anglers must release all walleye from 20 to 28 inches.

The new slot limit will also allow more opportunities for angling harvest
in mid-summer, when the bite on Mille Lacs traditionally slows. Starting
July 15, anglers will be allowed to keep walleye up to 22 inches with one
trophy over 28 inches in the four fish limit. All walleye from 22 to 28
inches must be released. The slot will revert to four walleye up to 20
inches with one over 28 inches in the four fish limit on Dec. 1.

"This regulation will allow anglers to harvest more fish this year," said
John Guenther, DNR director of fish and wildlife. "We will get closer to the
380,000 pounds of walleye (including hooking mortality) allotted to the
state." Eight bands of Minnesota and Wisconsin Ojibwae may take 100,000
pounds of walleye.

Although it will allow more harvest, the new slot limit will still protect
future fishing opportunities. "The majority of our spawning stock biomass -
large, mature fish - remains protected under this regulation," Ron Payer,
DNR fisheries chief, said.

The large number of walleye hatched in 2002, which will reach 10 to 13
inches this year, will not be harmed under the new regulations, he added.
"If an angler deep hooks a 10 to 13 inch fish, this regulation allows
anglers the flexibility to take that fish home and fry it up," Payer said.
"However, we are encouraging anglers to release these smaller fish that are likely to survive."

Last year, anglers harvested 67,000 pounds of walleye under a slot limit
that required the release of walleye from 17 to 28 inches with one allowed
over 28 inches. The state was allotted 400,000 pounds of walleye.

This year's regulation is similar to special walleye regulations on other
popular walleye lakes such as Rainy, Big Sand and Winnibigoshish.

"This new regulation protects the long-term health of the fishery, allows
excellent opportunity for anglers and safeguards economic interests," Payer said. "The decision to expand the regulation was made based on the best biological data, with input from anglers and resort owners."

The four fish limit is that a possession limit.

haybay larry · **Posted:** Sat Feb 21, 2004 6:56 am

I think the slot size has done a great job but more than that the walleye population really benefitted from the ministry's attempt to close the walleye season 2 years ago.
It created problems for local resort owners with a lack of bookings. Many fisherman heard of the potential closing in the area and did not come. Also around that same time we had a very mild winter and there were very few ice fisherman out for that season. These last 2 reasons had more of an impact than anything in the area...Larry

ftarga17 · **Posted:** Sat Feb 21, 2004 9:58 am

I would also like to see the slot at 20-28",that way i maybe i can catch one to eat!!seems every fish i catch is in or over the slot!!i only keep a few fish every season,but i haven't been able to get any under18'' for a LONG time :!:

ODG · **Posted:** Tue Feb 24, 2004 4:54 pm

I agree. Foresite is a great thing. A lack of it, has a funny way of coming back to bite a person in the butt. There are so many facts that require presentation ...and timing in ordert to be paid attention. This was overdue....like a lot of things.
ODG

polliwogg · **Posted:** Tue Feb 24, 2004 8:45 pm

You got to remember the slot was introduced in anticipation of a low fish count that turned out to be much higher, so the intended result was there before the slot.

Do you know of any other walleye tournament that allows only one entry a day?

Don · **Joined:** Tue Feb 17, 2004 10:14 pm **Posts:** 34

the slot limit fixed a problem that by thier own formula , didn,t need fixing . The numbers that were later released were quite a bit higher than what the MRN brass said that the Bay of Quinte needed to sustain itself .
Why is the slot limit still there in it's present form ?

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Thoughts on the slot

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