Thread: AGFC YoYo Report Regarding Lake Conway

Here is the article Paul. I will add that some of these tickets were pretty steep. I'm guessing that the violators got message.

Lake Conway operation removes yo-yos, issues citations
MAYFLOWER – Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife officers held a special operation on Lake Conway to remove illegally set yo-yos and investigate continued issues with passive fishing devices. Officers removed 140 yo-yos during the patrol and made dozens of angler contacts during the weekend, resulting in 18 citations.
According to Capt. Matt Flowers, enforcement supervisor for central Arkansas, the increased enforcement effort was the result of comments from many concerned anglers and AGFC staff about the amount of yo-yos being left unattended during the day.
“We held a cleanup almost a year ago, and cut loose more than 300 yo-yos during that effort,” Flowers said. “The 140 collected during this operation have been placed since then.”
Yo-yos may be left unattended at night, but anglers using them during the day must remain within sight or sound of the device. Yo-yos also must be labeled with the owner’s name and address, driver’s license number or current vehicle license number. When abandoned, they can be a danger to fish, birds and other animals that can become entangled in their lines or hooks.
“Nearly all citations issued during the operation were for unlabeled or unattended yo-yos,” Flowers said. “There’s nothing wrong with using them, but the regulations are in place to protect wildlife and prevent our lakes from becoming eyesores. We did find a cormorant that had been wrapped up in a yo-yo and drowned while we were on the water this weekend.”
Flowers says he appreciates the reports from the public about the issue of abandoned fishing devices.
“It’s safe to say we’ll be stepping up our efforts on a regular basis with this issue more in the future,” Flowers said. “Anyone who sees abandoned yo-yos or other fishing violations can call the enforcement hotline and leave an anonymous report. The number is 1-800-482-9262.”

I never wish bad on anyone, But these people that got citations got their just deserts. Maybe if word gets around to people about how steep the fines were and the hassle of court or just having to go pay the fines, maybe just maybe the cypress tree ornament fisherman will play by the book and run them legally. Even leaving them unattended over night could be a potential problem, a yo-yo has the potential if the spring tension is not set right to pull a less than legal length fish far enough out of the water to kill it. Lakes with minimum length limits or slots should be off limits to auto fishers (yo-yo's), or any device that pulls a fishes gills above water for a extended period of time when left unattended over night. I am in no way bashing yo-yo fisherman that play by rules. yo-yo's are a good way to put fish on the dinner table but they are not a replacement for a good ole rod and reel. With what some of the citations could potentially cost these folks could have bought some nice rods and reels to fish with and then they could experience the fight/battle with the fish they desire to have as table fare. Hopefully the wardens are getting plenty of limb lines while they are getting yo-yo's. Thanks again for dealing with the issue of the improper use of auto fishing devices.

More of the "I don't like to fish that way so you shouldn't either!!!" I bet trolling on those lakes with a length limit kills more fish than yo-yos. I do it all so never fault anyone for doing it any way as long as it is legal.

Originally Posted by Gomer Snerd

More of the "I don't like to fish that way so you shouldn't either!!!" I bet trolling on those lakes with a length limit kills more fish than yo-yos. I do it all so never fault anyone for doing it any way as long as it is legal.

Dufus, has nothing to do with your comment, has to do with legality.

Originally Posted by ibmack

Dufus, has nothing to do with your comment, has to do with legality.

You thought I was replying to you??? Nope.