You are correct about that! Thanks for correction
Hey plattnum did you reel that big fish in on that little pole? I gotta say good work! Looks like he did a number on your spring bobber!
That’s funny , I got a 18 inch whitefish yesterday with big teeth marks on its side as well!
But hey you can call it what ever you want!
I am simply stating the facts that bear lake lake trout do not grow like gorge or f lake lakers !
This fish was caught 6 years ago, in horrible condition,
Does it look like it eats well ?
I agree they dont grow like the flaming gorge macks. I dont think they should all be killed. I have caught a few snake looking ones too but I have caught alot more fat healthy looking fish, I havn’t been fishing Bear lake for years like you have probably only the past 6 years so im going off of my experience. We can both agree that they have done well the past few years. I know everyone is entitled to their opinion. I dont think your fish looks horrible…
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Horrible is harsh word to use,
I don’t kill every one I catch, I enjoy bear lake , I don’t advocate killing every big laker either,
But a lot of people enjoy catching a big fish and taking it home to momma to show off!
And I did yell at that kid who snagged that big one to put it back:)
Well ok then your not so bad! [;)]
I just wanted to educate a few mostly, alot of people dont know how old a 35 in lake trout is, it could quite possiblly be over 30 years old. Thanks for the debate and I will be out there this week for sure.
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Congrats on a nice Laker, by the picture it looks like you were a happy camper. A friend of mine caught one up there last Sunday that was over 20 Lbs. but he never posted a picture. He lives fairly close and can fish it often when he’s not working. I hope you catch some more before the ice leaves. Thanks for posting the picture and releasing the fish.
Macinaw are actually a member of the char family and have a duct connecting their swim bladder to their esophagus that allows them to compensate for changes in water pressure, thus giving them a very distinct advantage to members of the trout family when it comes to surviving a significant change in depth (pressure).. it is still wise with macs as with any other fish that is hooked in deep water, to take you time bringing them up. So yes… lets all release ALL of or mackinaw to be caught another day.
Last time I responded to your post , the moderated deleted my post!
Years ago I shared your opinion on the matter of lake trout, then one day I came to the realization that I did not own or have stewardship over every lake trout in the state!
I don’t tell people what to do with thier fish they catch leagaly!
And I would expect the same respect from others.
I am C&R enthusiast. Don’t get me wrong. But ALL lakers should go back? I don’t even agree with that. If we released ALL lakers, especially at the Gorge and most other lakes (probably not bear lake) all we would have is little stunted lakers everywhere.
Release the mature trophy fish and get a replica. Keep the small eaters to leave more food for the big boys.
Remember that each fishery has it’s own unique needs, and keep what is responsible for that particular body of water. It’s all about education about the fishery.
Mine is not a demand, merely a suggestion. This is a forum to share ideas and to help educate one another. I am trying to do that. I may suggest that all mackinaw be released, just as you may suggest that all mackinaw be eaten. The final decision is held by the individual angler. I feel that if I can help educate the average angler on the mackinaws ability to survive retrieval from deep water, he or she may be more apt to release them and have a chance to catch them again.
Thanks for your education !
I will continue my selective harvesting of lake trout!
And you can continue realesing all of yours !
Thank you… I stand corrected. To say ALL is my mistake. The conversation has been centered around Bear Lake, so my reply was based on that. I do agree with you that the word ALL and ALWAYS does not apply. Thanks
thanks cutthtoat guy… Selective harvesting sounds way better than the “kill em all” impression i got from your initial post in this thread.
happy fishing <'(((><