1. MN: DNR cooked up a Mille Lacs walleye dinner.
Gotta read deeper into it before you get all worked up:
> Fall test netting to determine walleye population status is a normal part of managing a fishery like the one on Mille Lacs Lake. But many fish are sacrificed when otoliths (ear bones) are collected to determine age and other individual attributes of the fish.
> …although it’s unavoidable for some fish to die, they need not be wasted. They’re donating the fish to a variety of nonprofits that are grateful to get them. COs seized the opportunity last week to make use of those fish to provide a meal for residents of Aicota Health Care Center and Aitkin Health Services in Aitkin.
> “We’re trying to do a positive thing for the people we serve. Usually we’re in the position of telling people what they can’t do, so it’s enjoyable to do something like this on the positive side.”
Awesome.
2. Yamaha has a new tourney contingency program.
Called “Power Pay.” Not just a bassin’ thing, it Includes NWT, MWC and AIM trails and gives you a chance to take home an extra $500-$2,000. Have to be an original owner with an engine 5 years old or newer.
3. Have you seen the PK Vortex yet?
Supposed to work especially well in dirty water ‘cuz the metal blade rotating on beads causes flash, vibration and a clicking sound to draw ’em in:
4. MT boat inspection stations closed for the season…
…but inspections are still required — gotta hit up FWP regional and area offices.
5. This new walleye rig looks like a spaceship.
It’s Serial #1 of the DVX22 Fiberglass Multi Species Series from Vexus Boats — and yup, that’s a Merc 400 Verado on the back:
The new-ish boat brand was started by many veterans of the original Ranger Boats.
6. ND: Fall fish surveys donezo.
Not for good, but completed for the season. Sounds like Devils, Sakakwea and Oahe walleye numbers are all doing well or above average.
7. NY: New launch on Seneca River.
> …provides convenient access to the Seneca River and Onondaga Lake.
8. IL: Dude’s guiding for Asian carp on the Illinois River.
And you can leave the fishin’ pole at home…. #Bowfishing
> …clients sit on the back of the boat and shoot the carp with [bow] arrows when they jump out of the water.
> “It sounds hard, but when you have thousands of fish jumping all day, you actually get good at it. Most of your shots are anywhere from 1′ to 10′, so you get close shots at them.”
Add that to the fishing (sorta) bucket-list:
9. MN: Fishing to End Hunger registration opens Nov 1.
Talkin’ next year’s event happenin’ Oct 3, 2020. Instead of doing a boat draw, the takeoff order is based on when you sign up….
10. UT: Gotta release all ‘gills caught…
…on Steinaker Rez and Pelican Lake:
> Division of Wildlife Resources director Mike Fowlks issued the emergency change to the [regs] to protect bluegill populations.
> Steinaker Reservoir was drained for dam repairs in 2018, and Pelican Lake was treated with rotenone in Oct 2018. To date, around 700 adult bluegill have been restocked into Steinaker Reservoir and about 2,700 [in] Pelican Lake.
> Given this species’ schooling nature and how much anglers love to harvest panfish, we feel the need to protect these young fish until more bluegill have grown to a catchable size and are able to reproduce.
> The committee was established in Jan 2013 to help guide the DNR’s AIS prevention and management activities. Members provide advice and diverse perspectives to the DNR Invasive Species Program.
12. WI: Sturgeon spearing license deadline Oct 31.
Case you’re into that. I prefer to catch ’em this way. 😉
13. DC: Administration wants to promote outdoor pursuits…
…to revitalize rural economies.