07-24-2013, 11:08 PM
[#0000FF]No apologies necessary. I ain't that sensitive. And we are talking about mutually enjoyed waters...and species. I appreciate your input.
You are right about anglers developing "tunnel techniques"...fishing the same places the same way every month of the year...year after year. They catch fish a couple of times a year...when the fish are in the right places...but blank the rest of the time and blame it on everything and everybody (else). You can always tell an opinionated fisherman...but you can't tell them much.
I also must apologize if I seem to lump all spear fishermen into the same category. I know that many (most) are sincere, honest sportsmen who try to be respectful of the resources and others with whom they share them. But, as with any group, a few careless slobs can tarnish the overall image and undo all the good that others have done.
On a personal rant basis, I have been especially irritated by some of the divers at Deer Creek that work along the island. They seem to treat it as their own private preserve and have no consideration for anglers working the same areas. I have had them look at me...in my float tube...and then dive directly under me to keep on looking for fish to spear. On one occasion I witnessed a diver go under a boat with two anglers and then come back up with a hefty walleye on his spear shaft. He actually waved it at them and taunted them with it. Justifiable homicide in my court.
But, I have had far more "run-ins" with careless and inconsiderate anglers so I'll call it a draw on that count.
I have conducted more than a little research on the subject of freshwater spearfishing in other states. I find it interesting that most of the major BIG states and best recognized angling states have restrictions against spearing any kind of game fish. In fact, in Florida you cannot even possess a spear gun in any fresh water environment. Pretty much the same for California and other coastal states.
I personally think that the matter needs more study and that sooner...rather than later...Utah DWR needs to realize that killing the big game fish on prime angling waters is not in our best interests.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]
You are right about anglers developing "tunnel techniques"...fishing the same places the same way every month of the year...year after year. They catch fish a couple of times a year...when the fish are in the right places...but blank the rest of the time and blame it on everything and everybody (else). You can always tell an opinionated fisherman...but you can't tell them much.
I also must apologize if I seem to lump all spear fishermen into the same category. I know that many (most) are sincere, honest sportsmen who try to be respectful of the resources and others with whom they share them. But, as with any group, a few careless slobs can tarnish the overall image and undo all the good that others have done.
On a personal rant basis, I have been especially irritated by some of the divers at Deer Creek that work along the island. They seem to treat it as their own private preserve and have no consideration for anglers working the same areas. I have had them look at me...in my float tube...and then dive directly under me to keep on looking for fish to spear. On one occasion I witnessed a diver go under a boat with two anglers and then come back up with a hefty walleye on his spear shaft. He actually waved it at them and taunted them with it. Justifiable homicide in my court.
But, I have had far more "run-ins" with careless and inconsiderate anglers so I'll call it a draw on that count.
I have conducted more than a little research on the subject of freshwater spearfishing in other states. I find it interesting that most of the major BIG states and best recognized angling states have restrictions against spearing any kind of game fish. In fact, in Florida you cannot even possess a spear gun in any fresh water environment. Pretty much the same for California and other coastal states.
I personally think that the matter needs more study and that sooner...rather than later...Utah DWR needs to realize that killing the big game fish on prime angling waters is not in our best interests.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]