Thread: Shelbyville and Mattoon

Is the survey a public thing can anybody see it? I would like to see the survey. Thanks

Originally Posted by sdeters

Is the survey a public thing can anybody see it? I would like to see the survey. Thanks

Talk to someone at the IDNR. I'm pretty sure that's where birdman got his info. I doubt they will give you specifics, because it's a lot of data. However, I'm sure they'd be happy to tell you whether the populations of shad & crappie is in danger of being fished out/eaten up.

I have watched them do surveys lots of times, several times in front of my house. They do shallow water surveys, which may be helpful but I doubt their accuracy. Certain times of the year, most of the fish population is in deep water. So, depending on when the survey was taken, it may or may not be accurate. I know the local state biologist and where his office is located.

I watch the shad when they spawn. We have had poor shad spawns the last 3 years. And, I see shad on my fish finder. I don't see them near as much as in the past. Also, at certain times, mainly at night, shad do a lot of jumping when a boat is near. I still get some jumping at night but not near like it used to be. Believe me, I use the shad to tell me where to fish. No shad =no predator fish in the area.

I hope Shild told Birdy what an ichtyologist was. I figure anyone teaching osmosis to kids ought to know but lots of others would not know. Everyone on this board is an ichthyologist in some degree.

Red- I think you should probably give me more credit than you do. Considering I am going to school for 'Fisheries Management' I may know a little more than you think when it comes to surveys and reports. I am very interested in all of this data and I wouldn't post random bull if I didnt have a pretty good idea of what the surveys turned out to be in some areas. Part of my degree is taking icthyology as a class, so yes, I know what it is.

I Reckon the fact that Tick can even spell the word Icthyology. Let alone know what it means, is somewhat impressive.

Birdy, I am glad to hear you are more than just a dumb jock (no personal offence intended). If you follow through with your goals, you will certainly have my respect. After graduating from Lakeland, I went to what is now University of Illinois Springfield. I took classes with some fellows that went on to be CPOs. But, they were more into law enforcement than I was, I didn't have the personality that job would require. I am sure most of the guys I had classes with and went on to be CPOs are probably retired or have a very senior position.

Piggy, does Old Redtick have Ispell on his computer, did the little piggy cry weeee weeee weeee all of the way home?

Just for those who don't know, an ichtheologist studies fish. I reckon we all do that to some extent.

Red, my wife has a Masters Degree in Biology. So she can help me with all those big words you like to use..Lol I must be a different kind of Pig than the ones you know. Because the only time I cry. Is when my livewell is not full on the way home. Wich is not very often.

Piggy, nothing personal about the weeee weeee stuff. Frances Gail I just love the Geico commercial.

To be honest, I just took the classses that the CPOs took just because I love hunting and fishing. I studied Alternative Energy and at one time wanted to do some of the same things at Lakeland College that they are just now starting to do 35 years later. I reckon back then I went to too many Grateful Dead concerts. Any of you folks remember the Dead Heads? LOL

Any of you fish biologists know what is special about the Hunter's Moon (October full moon) and fishing? There is an effect that takes place that makes a certain kind of fishin' very good. Can't say any more than that.