I don't know what it's like in NE, but in MN, the "Fishing Opener", is the Walleye Opener. That's the tourist catcher. That's the day the Governor goes out and all the news crews follow to see if he lands one. I venture to guess that most of the State has no idea the Bass & Muskie openers are weeks later.
I'm not the only bass fisherman in Minnesota?
I'm exaggerating of course, but really, the only lakes that I think would really get "raped" are the few big ones that have a reputation of being bass lakes. I could list about 10 lakes within 10 miles of me right now that I doubt would see more than 1 or 2 bass fisherman between ice out and 5/29. But, like someone said, take away the bass opener and we'd have all the walleye idiots (95% of all Minnesotans[born and raised here, I can trash it all I want ]) flipping out. First because of the shocking news that there is a bass opener, and second because they would want to fish their precious walleyes sooner too.
In all seriousness though, if we're agreeing that having an opening day is only for generating revenue, and it really doesn't have squat to do with protecting the bass on their beds, why is it two weeks after walleye opener? Why not the same weekend, or the weekend after?
It's all kind of confusing because I'm fairly certain that the the only fish lower than bass on the MN DNR's concern list are carp and bullheads. Bass don't make money here, walleyes do. Walleyes make millions and millions of dollars every year for the state and businesses that bring home a profit from fishermen. Maybe my view is a little skewed because I'm from a tourist trap lake town, but I'm surprised a season was ever set up for bass in the first place.
In fact, you want to know how much they love their walleyes here? I've heard of people catching muskies and slitting their bellies and letting them go because they think they're eating all their walleyes. I've also seen walleye fishermen taking smallies and bouncing them off their boat motors(to kill them, they hate them) because they get sick of catching them and having them ruin their wimpy @$$ walleye gear.
I'm sorry. Rant over.