Angler survey study shows no impact from live sonar - News
Printable View
”When it comes to catching fish, the anglers that had live-imaging sonar definitely seemed to have the upper hand over those without. During the study, live-imaging anglers averaged 2.4 crappie per angler per hour of fishing effort. Those who did not have the new breed of sonar caught 1.1 crappie per angler per hour.”
Cherry-picking
Some anglers are concerned that those who have live-imaging sonar are able to pick and choose targets and select larger fish, leaving fewer large fish for other anglers to catch.Those fears can be laid to rest, at least when it comes to harvest.
Catch and Keep
Even though catch rates doubled for anglers who had live-scope, that didn’t equate to more fish being removed from the system. Anglers with live-imaging sonar during the survey kept about 42 percent of the fish they caught, while other anglers harvested 64 percent of their catch.
“The difference in actual number of fish taken home between the two groups of anglers only averaged 3 or so fish per trip,”
I got surveyed at Nimrod and answered their questions . They asked to see my fish . Pulled up and they said no one catching any good fish . Not even livescopers . I said I was using one and proceeded throwing big fish on the deck . He measured about 3 or 4 and said I have seen enough after I kept throwing them out of the livewell .:Rofl I had a limit and told him to tell the local biologist hello . I think they really did not get a good survey or many fishermen were not honest .Quote:
Originally Posted by Lkconwayguru
“There are lies, damned lies, and statistics”
Mark Twain
Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com
Hard to get concrete numbers when folks don't cooperate
A couple of years with a scope and that fisherman will keep 90% of what he catches. ALL you do is hunt the big fish. Its a sickness I wont deny.
All one has to do is look at the crappie tournaments the last few years.
The tourneys release them and many anglers don’t keep all they catch.
What fishermen would not target big fish of any species if they can ? :scratchheadQuote:
Originally Posted by Hammmerhead
I do, but I still have concern as no one truly knows the long term effects. Better off taking the larger fish from many opinions.Quote:
Originally Posted by NIMROD
This is a great vid with an OK, Biologist. Prob the most in-depth survey I have seen from the possible outcome of the scope users. Everyone should watch this vid with Todd Huckabee and an OK Biologist.
Hardcore Crappie Facts with Josh Johnston PART 2 - YouTube
I can see some points that big fish usually older and won't live long . Younger fish more productive in the spawn. But is it really good to remove all the big fish on some bodies of water ?Quote:
Originally Posted by Hammmerhead
I think thats the million dollar question. I usually make it home with all my fish alive, but sometimes there is always that one good fish that just doesnt make it and is a floater within an hour or so even though you had a straight up roof of mouth hook set. It seems maybe stress is the factor. In that vid the Biologist basically says high temperature summers with warmer water, Thermoclines, the swing of water levels in flood control lakes and other factors produce a lot of stress. He says the fish are just so stressed they quit eating and die. That Crappie Connection vid is really a good one and both scope users and scope nay sayers should watch it. A lot of info and aspects that I never considered.Quote:
Originally Posted by NIMROD
Just remember your biggest fish usually the oldest ones . I remember Bass fishing and first to die in livewell were the big ones . They seem to be weaker and take less stress . I seen several times at Nimrod in hot weather more Bass died after a tournament . Many Bass died the next day . Figure Crappie weaker than Bass .Quote:
Originally Posted by Hammmerhead
Quote:
Originally Posted by NIMROD
Yes, thats pretty much what that Biologist said. They will look strong and all good when you release, but they will swim off stressed and in shock and may or may not eat again. He said if you put them in your livewell, might as well take them home cause they may not live a few days to 6 weeks after releasing them. He also said just get your pics right then and release immediately if you're not keeping. Although I think they're pretty tough while they're in their natural state. I hooked a giant in the river last week, she barely fought, just flopped a bit and rolled on her side at the surface to show me a tennis ball sized belly. Jig tore out, made me sick. I followed her, pulled my plastic off and tipped the jig. She bit again and once again the hook tore out well before I got her close to surface. Im sure you have followed many big ones worth chasing and had many strikes and tail whips at the jig. I have followed them over 50 yards and it take 5 drops before you get them, but if they hear or see that boat or you spook them, its all off.