TNtransplant08
06-22-2012, 01:14 PM
I was curious what your opinion on the Wisconsin DNR's decision to create a boundary line that the pros cannot cross?
http://www.bassmaster.com/news/where-elites-will-be-fishing
Unless I'm missing something, the creation of this rule doesn't really make much sense to me. They've made the best smallmouth waters offlimits to the pros. The lower end of the bay is shallower and warmer, while the nothern half is deeper, cooler with crystal clear water (prime smallie habitat). The way I understand it, they don't want fish from the northern part of the bay and the southern part of the bay mixing when they are released. Bass in these waters roam great distances, so I don't really see what the big deal is. They're also concerned about the fish being transported over long distances in the livewell. Obviously they've not watched other B.A.S.S. events and know that they have a low mortality rate. Don't see how 99 pros will have a bigger impact on the fish in comparison to the hundreds of local tourney anglers the rest of the year. There is a large smallmouth tournament out of Sturgeon Bay every year that takes place right in the middle of the spawn. Also, the way I understand it, the FLW events that has taken place in the Bay have not had to deal with the same restrictions.
I know its not really that big of a deal and something to get worked up about. It will still be a good tournament with some good catches. But I was excited about this tournament and now not as much. I was looking forward to the monster smallmouth bags and the chance to showcase how great of a smallmouth fishery Green Bay is. It doesn't get much attention as it deserves and I think its almost in the same class as Lake Erie. I still think KVD is one of the favorites to win this tournament!
http://www.bassmaster.com/news/where-elites-will-be-fishing
Unless I'm missing something, the creation of this rule doesn't really make much sense to me. They've made the best smallmouth waters offlimits to the pros. The lower end of the bay is shallower and warmer, while the nothern half is deeper, cooler with crystal clear water (prime smallie habitat). The way I understand it, they don't want fish from the northern part of the bay and the southern part of the bay mixing when they are released. Bass in these waters roam great distances, so I don't really see what the big deal is. They're also concerned about the fish being transported over long distances in the livewell. Obviously they've not watched other B.A.S.S. events and know that they have a low mortality rate. Don't see how 99 pros will have a bigger impact on the fish in comparison to the hundreds of local tourney anglers the rest of the year. There is a large smallmouth tournament out of Sturgeon Bay every year that takes place right in the middle of the spawn. Also, the way I understand it, the FLW events that has taken place in the Bay have not had to deal with the same restrictions.
I know its not really that big of a deal and something to get worked up about. It will still be a good tournament with some good catches. But I was excited about this tournament and now not as much. I was looking forward to the monster smallmouth bags and the chance to showcase how great of a smallmouth fishery Green Bay is. It doesn't get much attention as it deserves and I think its almost in the same class as Lake Erie. I still think KVD is one of the favorites to win this tournament!