Should There Be Statewide Regulations For Pan Fish?

[SENKOSAM]

In NYS, the DEC imposed different limits on different  pan fish species about 10 years ago.
25 crappie. 9" minimum
50 sunfish
50 yellow perch
no limit on white perch
The reason for the regulation regarding limits supposedly is because in certain areas of the state there are shoreline anglers (immigrants) that keep everything they catch regardless of size. The local waters I fish (at least fifteen in rotation) never have anglers that fish regularly on those waters or that even keep what they catch. The pan fish populations are extensive and no DEC surveys have been done due to lack of funding to tailor limits to different waters. The DEC refuses to even consider taking the word of those that keep logs how large or how many fish are caught and have responded that the law is the law and will not be changed any time soon.

Biologically speaking, sunfish and crappie are prolific breeders and unless there is fishing pressure to cull the population, competition with other species from predation of minnows and fingerlings of all species can be detrimental over the long run, especially bass!.

1.What is your opinion of general regulations that may harm a fishery?
2.Should lead sinkers be banned?
 

[flyfisher]

I love the stereotypes of immigrants since we al know they are the only ones who break limits 

 

As far as what regs hurt a fishery I am not a fisheries biologist so i let those that are make the best call using their experience and judgement.  I haven't seen any studies about lead and fisheries impact but at the same time we know it isn't healthy for us and many things that once contained lead now don't so I cannot imagine all the lead that is left in the water over years being a good thing but like I mentioned before, i am not an expert on the subject so i will let those that are make the appropriate judgements.

[Jeff H]

I love the stereotypes of immigrants since we al know they are the only ones who break limits 

 

 

Not the only ones but I'd bet they are the vast majority.

[slonezp]

I think your use of the word fishery is biased towards bass. As far as we know, nature did just fine before man got involved at the top of the food chain. I would believe the harvesting of bass by fisherman has a more detrimental effect on the fishery than panfish. Fish have adapted to living with evasive species as well. They don't adapt to weed kills and frying pans

 

As far as lead, they've already closed the last smelting plant. I don't think my opinion matters

[Bluebasser86]

1.I don't like them because different bodies of water have to be managed differently.

 

2.NO

[flyfisher]

I know here in VA while there is a "standard" for harvesting fish it seems like vey few lakes actually fall into that category.  The majority have slot limits, minimum sizes etc...based on each body of water.  

[SENKOSAM]

 

I think your use of the word fishery is biased towards bass

 

In one lake I frequent, bass are rarely kept accept for club weigh-ins. Crappie have been growing in population and size since the limit went into effect, along with white perch (no limit) and from what I've read, white perch and crappie are major threats to bass once adult females get to a certain size and number.

 

My fish & game club used to have panfish tournaments every few years to put a dent in the crappie population but it's now a waste of time since most bass anglers in the club never fish for them and don't have the light tackle, besides which, 25- 10" crappie per angler is nothing when you consider the monster schools of perch and crappie I run into often.

 

I like catching fish period, keep none, but would hate to see a decline in bass quality. In this case the regulation on this private lake will hurt in the long run, coupled with the fact that the DEC allowed the stocking of far more weed eating carp than the lake needed, resulting in the destruction of weed beds.

 

Other small waters I fish are off road and have very little fishing pressure. Crappie are doing very well in those waters and I don't see the need for the regulation where none is needed.

[powerduster]

Not sure about the regulations (too ignorant on the subject), but I say keep the lead.  

[wnybassman]

You should talk to the ice fishing crowd.   There are many there that believe panfish numbers are dwindling because of over harvesting.    lol

[Mike2841]

There is absolutely no shortage of pan fish around my area and lead sinkers and jigs are already banned in MA.

 

Also i dont think there is any real feasible way to regulate what people do/dont take.  I've never once been asked if i had a fishing license nor have I ever seen anyone enforce any sort of fishing regulations in my area, probably due to lack of funding.

[retiredbosn]

Ban lead sinkers? NO! I don't think banning lead shot was necessary.