After readiing this post, I had the opportunity to speak with Laurent (the organizer of the White lake Tournament) He said he saw more 3 1/2-4 lb fish come to the scales than he could remember in any other tournament, just not multiples in 1 limit.
Ed
Is there something up with WHITE LAKE ??? Read this....
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toobinator
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This concern was brought to my attention just recently. I am a cottage owner on White Lake who has been concerned with the amount and size of bass in White Lake for years, but would certainly like to see more Walleye! We have always tried to ensure that people catch and release, but maybe having several tournaments on a lake that is already in peril is not such a viable idea. Last weekend, June 23-24, 2007, there were 3 (three) bass tournaments fishing this lake. To my mind that is overkill!
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Big Jim
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tournaments vs weekend anglers
Hey Tex1709
Your lake is safe from tournament guys since they don't bring frying pans or stringers with them... they put them back and even if a few do not make it...they still went back, that is why people mention catching fish with hook marks.
Years ago I had a guy who managed a camp ground on the Big Rideau tell me that they couldn't catch enough bass anymore to have the big Friday night fish fry's they had every weekend due to the fact that the tournament guys had caught them all???what he failed to mention was the poster they had that advertised the fish fry and the "300 special guests"...were the fillets from 150 bass dead bass caught by campers. Now I am assuming that the anglers all caught them within the laws of the province and it was all legal... fact is the fish were gone.
Imagine how many guys now fish tournaments and put them back...where a few years back they drank beer...fished and kept everything they caught...so they might even be good for the system.
All lakes have cycles of size and productivity...with Rice Lake as a prime example. Two years ago the locals were crying a bloody river against every angler and the MNR...this year only 24 months latere they are havinf 20-30-even 50 fish days and lots of good ones...the place is on fire to say the least...funny thing is that several of the tournaments this year over there have had really low weights...you never know. I hear reports everyday on how good the fishing is right now.
When you mention walleye in White Lake it is kind of funny that about 10-12 years back there was good and catchible populations in the lake and after a few newpaper articls showing limits of fish laying in the snow you almost had to take a number to get on the lake...I know this for a fact as I caught bunches there and put everyone back...sad thing was it was like a feeding frenzy and most of the walleyes went home with guys and it has never been the same for decent fish...1-2 pounders but not 3--5 pounders and bigger.
Try fishing different areas than you usually fish on the lake and you may be pleasantly surprised just how many fish are there for you.
Your lake is safe from tournament guys since they don't bring frying pans or stringers with them... they put them back and even if a few do not make it...they still went back, that is why people mention catching fish with hook marks.
Years ago I had a guy who managed a camp ground on the Big Rideau tell me that they couldn't catch enough bass anymore to have the big Friday night fish fry's they had every weekend due to the fact that the tournament guys had caught them all???what he failed to mention was the poster they had that advertised the fish fry and the "300 special guests"...were the fillets from 150 bass dead bass caught by campers. Now I am assuming that the anglers all caught them within the laws of the province and it was all legal... fact is the fish were gone.
Imagine how many guys now fish tournaments and put them back...where a few years back they drank beer...fished and kept everything they caught...so they might even be good for the system.
All lakes have cycles of size and productivity...with Rice Lake as a prime example. Two years ago the locals were crying a bloody river against every angler and the MNR...this year only 24 months latere they are havinf 20-30-even 50 fish days and lots of good ones...the place is on fire to say the least...funny thing is that several of the tournaments this year over there have had really low weights...you never know. I hear reports everyday on how good the fishing is right now.
When you mention walleye in White Lake it is kind of funny that about 10-12 years back there was good and catchible populations in the lake and after a few newpaper articls showing limits of fish laying in the snow you almost had to take a number to get on the lake...I know this for a fact as I caught bunches there and put everyone back...sad thing was it was like a feeding frenzy and most of the walleyes went home with guys and it has never been the same for decent fish...1-2 pounders but not 3--5 pounders and bigger.
Try fishing different areas than you usually fish on the lake and you may be pleasantly surprised just how many fish are there for you.
Ive fished white lake the last 10 years, and ive noticed from one year to the next, you will catch a ton of 14inch bass, and the next year you will catch a bunch of 18-21inch bass. I too think its a very heathy lake, and we also been catching so walleye the last couple of years. but i do all my bass fishing at night. and Pike by day. If anyone knows of a decent cottage for rent. let me know. im looking for a cottage for 2008. Ive been staying at pickeral bay lodge, but missed out last year. and im now on the waiting list if i want to go back there. Looking for something in July.
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Spence Scout
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Trevor,
Corey & I had the exact same problem!
We must of landed 60+ fish that day. I remember I went 5 flips 5 bass. Our bigest was 3lbs.. doesnt say much with a 12.25lbs 5 fish limit. That kind of weight rarely makes the top 20... We were #20 lol..
I agree with Trevor on this 1. I find the average population size extremely small. I mean one 3lbs bass out of 60 fish is an extremely bad average. Especialy when youve fished shallow/deep with several different techniques. I know a guy whose lived there his whole life and told me the fishings not what it used to be for bass. Thats just 1 voice of opinion from a local.
Several tournaments on one body of water doesnt decline the population. It may affect the easy bite. But its all catch and release and very few dont make it after weigh in. Its years of weak efforts of conservation that helps decline take effect. Its slowly happening on most lakes with the rise of popularity in the fishing industry. It will continue to get worse for some lakes and probably the same for some. White Lake might be the first big obvious result of this problem possibly? Who knows?
Point is they should get a percentage of small fish too big fish on that lake, from the minstry of natural resources. It would be interesting none the least, if such things do exist? Then you can compare the past years to see if its declining or whats going on! Myabe the fish are getting smarter... Hmmm doubt it, theyre bass theyre not the smartest fish lets face it, weve caught them on red devils and bad lures...
Hard Hookset
Spence
Corey & I had the exact same problem!
We must of landed 60+ fish that day. I remember I went 5 flips 5 bass. Our bigest was 3lbs.. doesnt say much with a 12.25lbs 5 fish limit. That kind of weight rarely makes the top 20... We were #20 lol..
I agree with Trevor on this 1. I find the average population size extremely small. I mean one 3lbs bass out of 60 fish is an extremely bad average. Especialy when youve fished shallow/deep with several different techniques. I know a guy whose lived there his whole life and told me the fishings not what it used to be for bass. Thats just 1 voice of opinion from a local.
Several tournaments on one body of water doesnt decline the population. It may affect the easy bite. But its all catch and release and very few dont make it after weigh in. Its years of weak efforts of conservation that helps decline take effect. Its slowly happening on most lakes with the rise of popularity in the fishing industry. It will continue to get worse for some lakes and probably the same for some. White Lake might be the first big obvious result of this problem possibly? Who knows?
Point is they should get a percentage of small fish too big fish on that lake, from the minstry of natural resources. It would be interesting none the least, if such things do exist? Then you can compare the past years to see if its declining or whats going on! Myabe the fish are getting smarter... Hmmm doubt it, theyre bass theyre not the smartest fish lets face it, weve caught them on red devils and bad lures...
Hard Hookset
Spence
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HitmanHill
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I fished up on White Lake yesterday with a bunch of friends and we have a small yearly tournament (will post pictures later after getting the disposable processed) and we had a fantastic day! Everyone I think would have to say that this year out of the last 8 years of holding this great get togethers, was one of the best. Lots of fish caught and released in the 2 to 3lb. range and quite a few weighing in well over 3 lbs and the winner was a nice 4.7 lber.
Maybe with the Bass season opening that little bit earlier the fish were still in slow mode after spawning and now they are hungry. Not sure on this but could be a reason.
Maybe with the Bass season opening that little bit earlier the fish were still in slow mode after spawning and now they are hungry. Not sure on this but could be a reason.
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almontefisher
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...no point in holding anymore tourney's if there are no bass...So I think all you guys reporting good success are telling some good fish tales