Overfished

[ecoast]

It's even a bigger problem with us folks up here in the colder climes. The growing seasons are short compared to those down south. Consequently such action on the part of a few, impact the many. Over harvesting can dramatically affect our fishing - and has - for many seasons now.

Unfortunately, law enforcement is usually thin in comparison to the areas they have to cover. And our local court systems appear to be ineffective in dealing with the law breakers. No easy solution I'm afraid.

One more thing: As our technology escalates, so does the ease with which these "fishermen" (loose term in my opinion) can achieve their devious goals.

FAR more population density here as well; more fishing = less fish

[Jamesdean]

It boils down to ones Integrity...Does the person have it or not...

[Don Fischer]

Talking about crappie here. I'm awful new to them. Have the closest lake for them about 75mi away. Seldom see fish over 8. Out here I have read the thing to do with them is catch all you can because their growth is stunted due to over population! Over on Brownlee I have read of people taking out 300+ a day and some of them take them out to sell. So how many fish can you actually clean? Sounds to me like a lot being thrown away. I do keep about 30 to 40 an outing as that's all I want to clean at one time. And I do store them up in the freezer for the winter when I can't get to them. I don't have a problem with people catching fish they use but not so hot on selling them.