LMIB Pike Regulations

DNR considers change in pike regulations

Comment period ends April 30, 2009

The DNR has examined the state of the pike fishery in Michigan and felt that changes may be needed in the fishing regulations. They are encouraging the public to look over the following options and make comment by April 30, 2009:

Regulation Goal (msl means "minimum size limit")

1. No msl, bag 5 Maximize sustainable harvest

2. 24" msl, bag 2 Maintain current structure for fast growth populations

3.Protected Slot 24-34, bag 2 fish immediately released between 24-34 inches, to improve population size structure

4. 26 or 30" msl Reduced harvest

These recommendations were based on a 32 page study put together by DNR personnel which examines the pike situation in Michigan and provides rationale for proposed changes. It can be found at www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/PikePlan or put "Michigan DNR" into a search engine and then click on "fishing".

I feel that certain ideas were not addressed by this study. While it may be true that pike populations where there are stunted fish or where ecological conditions have put the pike population at risk, may benefit from a change in regulations, Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac are not negatively affected by current pike regulations.

Furthermore a change in regulations, specifically, ones in which the minimum size goes to 26 or 30 inches or a protected 24-34 inch slot, if created, would be detrimental to both the pike population and the angler’s interest in fishing for pike. I have the following concerns:

Tipups account for the vast majority of pike taken by ice anglers. Larger fish typically swallow the minnow, so the treble hook becomes imbedded in the soft tissue of the throat. Removing the hook often kills the fish. Cutting the line is not usually an option since fishermen often use wire leaders. Protecting fish in the 24-34 inch range would create a high mortality for these larger fish.

Spear anglers finding that almost all their legal targets are less than 24 inches may not feel it is worth the effort to spear. Having just given them an extended season it would unfortunate if interest in that sport waned.

Having been fishing pike since the 1950s, I know how little meat comes off a "hammer handle." Filets off fish smaller than 22 inches don’t have much meat.

Fish over 34 inches, which would still be legal, are often released by anglers because: 1) they aren’t as tasty as smaller ones; and 2) they appreciate that these trophy fish should be available for other anglers and reproduction.

With the annual sales of fishing licenses declining, every effort should be made to increase the number of anglers. Raising the line limit from two to three obviously was done to increase ice anglers’ success. The new pike regulations will recruit no new anglers and may influence others to stop fishing

With, most catches consisting of two fish under 24 inches in length, the incentive to fish will likely diminish. In a time when it is increasingly difficult to recruit new young anglers, this is no time to make it harder to harvest a catch of decent-size pike.

Fewer fisherman means fewer dollars spent in the Cadillac area where angler dollars spent on pike fishing are an important part of our economy.

I encourage you to voice your opinion to the DNR on this issue.

Dave Foley