manitoubass2

Its just the way it is, and there is no one with the political will to change it, ill accept they have the right when they admit that their concern for the environment is just propaganda, a sham, I care more about the environment then most natives do, I care more about conservation then most natives do. Im tired of the 'noble savage' Bull, and most natives I know would tell you the same, but those in charge are playing us with this Bull, its insulting to their own people, they are no different than I am.

I'd say that's off topic. This isn't a race issue IMO.

It's ignorance and the effect it will have on the fishery.

Many people of all races and colors overharvest fish worldwide, legally and illegally.

He said a person can usually tell which walleye are females and "conservation-minded" spear harvesters try to focus on males.

 

The quote in the article indicates that the spearers can target males not the females but how many are conservation-minded?

Yeah, I seen that. Don't believe it for one second though.

If you can see the fish, the only way to "guess" which are females would be size, and it would be exactly that, a guess.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I've never met one person that could decipher the difference while the fish is in the water. I certainly could'nt do it, thats for sure.

I just can't wrap my head around spearing the fish??? If I had to harvest solely for the purpose of feeding my family, I'd be looking at the best method available not only for catching the fish, but also maintaining the fishery.

But anyhow, if they choose this method, I'd be willing to bet the majority are not conservative minded. If they were conservative minded, would they not look at a more effective method? Thats just my train of though...

My concern and reason for posting this is from all reports including NFN the walleye index counts are down 3 straight years now. NFN has lowered their netting quotas and still can't reach their # of 60,000 tonnes (from 90,000). SO, why target spawning walleye with nets or spears? Like my o.p. 1 native fisherman can spear 20 walleye per day from April 1- May 10. That is more then 40 days of spearing and potential harvest could be 800 walleye. I believe there are only about 18 registered comercial fisherman within NFN but this srearing right is given to all with status.

I agree with many posters here and not all natives use their rights to harvest fish as/when needed, but if even 1 native netted 200 spawning walleye (5 per day x 40 days) it would be (is) devistating to the fishery.

 

 

 

Gee, I woneder why they can't meet their netting quotas???????????

Yeah, thats exactly it. I can totally understand where your coming from.

My guess would be a lack of knowledge on the subject, because, well obviously this is just an ignorant way to do things, it makes no sense at all.

The quotas are totally messed up too, and lawfully should be re-written IMO. 20 fish per day is obsurd, even with 10 children in a household that is too much. And the quotas should incorperate no fishing during the spawn, or at the very least the release of all females during the spawn.

There is 8 people in my household, we have a big family. We keep enough fish for a few meals per year (probably anywhere between 4-10 limits per year), but it takes 4 fish, 4 potatoes and a bag of veggies to feed are whole household for an evening.

I think they absolutely have the right to do it. Pretty sure they would have been picking up walleye on the spawn when europeans came here.

 

But, I also think it's very short-sighted of them if they want to preserve a fishery.

Good point, but the Natives of old were incredibly smart when it comes to nature/harvesting. I've seen fashioned dip nets that were used along time ago, so they could release spawning females. Can't do that with a spear.

thats what i thought as well... but it seems everyone walks on eggshells in fear of mass protests shutting down the local economy... last issue in my area was border officers(office was on reservation land) carrying firearms... the first nations people protested this and shut down the bridge rerouting thousands of vehicles through other border crossings...devastated local businesses for quite some time...couple months if i remember right... and cost TAXPAYERS loads of money due to the fact that they had to abandon the border office and build a new site off of the reservation... all because the criminals(the few giving others a bad wrap) running tobacco products across the bridge didnt want to get shot at...

I've witnessed similar issues near my home as well on another reservation. Just last year actually. The highway runs through a reserve, and the reserve protested something(can't remember what?) so they put up a road toll right in the middle of the highway on after a sharp corner and just before the Causway bridge. It was very dangerous too. The truckers etc really didn't like it, and it let to quite the racial battle between hat reserve and my hometown. Alot of racism on both parts and things got ugly, alot of people showed their true colors. Shorlty after, it was taken down. I can't recall how the disput was resolved???

yup...they go at night with flashlights... a spear...and a cooler...

 

they go right to the gravel bed that was paid for with fishing license dollars to help the walleye spawn better...but in the end it concentrated numbers making it easier to spear...

Yeah, see that's not acceptable IMO. I guess things are different in your area for the reservations/band members. In my area those things just don't really happen too often. Even the band members would be putting a stop to that really quick where I'm from.

Then again, we do have a few reserves in the area that I'd imagine things like that happen in.

Ask Aaron Shirley if he remembers getting golf balls hit at him in NW Bay while trying to film his fishing show, lol

It's those that have the "rights" but not the "reason" that are the problem.

 

 

 

 

 

I totally agree Sinclair

and I've never even heard of anyone spearing walleye???? I'm not even sure how I feel about that?

One thing I know MM, is that first nations do have laws to follow as well, but in some areas are different then others, so it's tough to comment on without knowing for sure. But, I think MNR is hesitant in dealing with First Nations when it comes to hunting and fishing, because it's a slippery slope. Also, it might not even be that, it might be that even the CO's are unsure of what the actual laws are in these regards (sounds silly I know, but Native laws can be incredibly confusing).

I've had this debate with many people over the years.

First off, let me say, all my children and my girlfriend are first nations. It is lawfully their right to harvest fish in a reasonable manner when they chose. But, My kids still fish within the seasons just like me. I just feel better about doing it that way, and letting the fish spawn when it's their time to spawn, I enjoy my fishery very much, and look forward to doing so for the rest of my days, as well as theirs.

I fish with many other natives, and they also follow the regulations. I very seldom see anyone in my local abusing the resource. Two times per year, I see one net get set for two days. It gets pulled out ever few hours, and the fish are filleted. The reserve hold a fish fry for the youth and the elders of the reservation. I'm totally fine with that, because IMO it's within reason, and not done in a spawning time. In fact, I've even participated as a volunteer to cook for the youth/elders.

As far as the rights that are "handed" to first nations, I don't necessarily agree with it, but I don't agree with how many of the Natives have been treated either.

But, if it's the law, I respect that. And there are certain things I myself will take advantage of, like free dental and free schooling for my children.

All in all, I'd like to see things equal for all CANADIANS. But it is a complex situation...

MM, it is my understanding that the right to harvest is within the reservation boundries that are local to that reserve/band. That was how it was explained to me by a CO. So one band member cannot harvest above normal limits while in another reserve boundry, or totally outside of a treaty area.

Searches MLS for Rainey River....

 

Nice fish!! Happy birthday to the youngun

Many thanks!

I love your handle, thats my boys nickname

He hada great b-day, he was very, very happy! All the new soccer/baseball gear helped abit as well

Its a bit of a tease now its closed, cuz yeah...they are hungry.....those big minnows were left over from my Eagle lake adventures last week, they would go for the biggest minnow you could find in yer bucket! By my 3rd trip out last week i had mostly 6" suckers with me. the crappie and bass are open and i will be trying for pike too, so i can still service my addiction....not to mention lakers....yeah...might take jack up to Thunder lake to shore fish a laker or two.

Yeah, I'm pretty bummed the season is closed. But we did have a great start to the year, thats for sure! The early ice out started things off with a bang. Last year was the first year I never landed a 10+lb walleye, this year I've already got 5, with the biggest girl being a 31" beast full of eggs

Never weighed her, but I bet she was close to 12lbs.

I'll be targeting pike for a few weeks now. There done spawning here and hungry! Yesterday my son landed a nice 40" pike near the shore that hit like a bat outta hell. Just a quick release though as it was on light tackle, so we never got a pic.

I still gotta get out for lakers man, my oldest boy has 6 already I think? I've never caught one at all, lol. There are some good lakers up Cedar Narrows though, so I'll be trying at some point this year.

I was gonna go search for crappie today, but I'm just too tired from all the weekend festivities, lol. Grandpa's coming up for supper as well, so were just gonna play some baseball out in the yard, watch some hockey and chill.

Your on, we'll head out and get supper while the kids play!

 

 

Could not upload anything on my work computer last night...so here are my pics a little late.

 

That 21" hit seconds after saying "i dont think i'll get any big ones"......lol...not the worlds largest but she hit like a frieght train and inhaled a 5" sucker minnow....same colour as your shaky head worms! She was hooked deep, but swam away after a pic, hope she was ok.

 

 

Jack did not join me last night...he was reading books with mum in his jammies...he can see me from the couch though. Roloff was with me, he's a good swimmer and curious about fish....lol. Hope you dont mind me posting here. Cheers

 

 

 

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Def. sounds like a plan!!!!

I don't mind you posting that here at all man!!! The more the merrier.

Thats a nice walleye, nice and clean looking!!!

Yesterday, the kids caught on that shakeyhead, and a few on jigs with 5" minnows as well. They sure are hungry right now

Congrats!!!!!

That is really cool, you must be super happy!

Yup...its a tough life.

 

Hey Rick...awesome pictures! Thanks for sharing a slice of your life down there.

 

I'd love to have you guys up sometime. Plenty of room for the whole clan to run around, might even get to do some tubing if the water is warm Jack would certainly love the company too.

No problem, my pleasure! We had an awesome day, but then again, we do this all the time, lol.

For sure we'll come up your way sometime this year, my kids would love to hang with Jack as well! They have some nephews and nieces, as well as a 1.5 year old sister, so they know the ropes. My daughter Alexis is really good with kids, a big bonus.

Let me know when, and we'll drive up for the day, even if it's just to let the kids play and share a meal

and tubing would be a great treat! It's been a few years for me. I love tubing, skiing and whatever else I can get hurt doing!

Ok that's just rubbing it in now Let's see, 10 minute walk vs couple of hours drive...

 

You guys are SO lucky I'm pretty envious lol

Limey is really lucky! He has to walk for a minute, I have to walk for 3 minutes.

1 minute to the bass spot, 10 minutes to the pike spot...

It's hard to be us, lol

dude you are soooo lucky to have what you have when it comes to fishing! congrats and happy belated to your son.

Yep, we are blessed!

And thank you for the wishes.

Here is how we spent the rest of our night...

Fish is cooking, burgers are on the BBQ, pan fries on as well

Burgers are ready, the kids are waiting on the rest of the food

Daddy and his boy!

Daddy, Mommy and baby Lily

After supper, the kids worked off some calories on the trampoline

Cake time!!!! Mon this cake was delicious, turtle oreo ice cream cake from DQ

Tasty

Baby even gets a treat!

All in all, it was an amazing day!!!!!! The kids had a blast, and so did I. This was a great day...

You inspired me manitou...went down the lawn for 10 mins and got 2 good eaters.....thanks man!

lol, thats priceless! Man are we lucky to live where we live!

I'll be fishing from your yard sometime this year, thats a promise.

Did Jack wet a line?

If I could fish them from shore,I would trade my pin in for a walleye set up.Then again,I would release them.LOL

 

Nice fish and good outing.

haha, thats awesome!

We kept 3 for the dinner plate (the smaller ones). I don't keep alot of fish, only a few feeds a year. I'd much rather see those big girls go spawn!!!!!

and many thanks, glad you guys enjoy the report! Supper is on, cake is ready, I got a beer and the hockey game is on, perfect evening!!!!!

Wow!!! You really should be proud of your sons... In a few years they'll be teaching you new tricks and taking you to their spots... Awesome walleyes all around and congrats to the boys for their PB eyes.

I am very proud!

And yep, thats exactly it, they'll be teaching me stuff all the time I bet. And I'll be the old man saying "when I was younger......."

After dealing with funerals all week, we decided to celebrate my sons birthday a few days late. I asked him what he wanted to do today, and he said fishing!!! Atta boy, lol.

I was supposed to fish a derby today, and the conditions were perfect, but I said heckwithit, lets go fishing from the shore guys.

So I rigged up there rods and we headed down. It was windy and overcast, but pretty mild. Nice looking walleye weather.

So my oldest boy takes his first cast, and he gets bit on the shakeyhead right away!!! Not a big fish, but a nice chunky lil female, and his first of the year!

He casted around for a few more minutes, then set the hook on a really nice bite! He looked like a pro . This time it's a good fish, and his new personal best!!!!

A few more casts, same thing. A nice keeper for the plate tonight.

So, now it's my other Jiggers turn (my sons nickname, lol) He got bit after a few casts, and its another one for the table!!

NExt up is my youngest boy, and within a few casts, he sets the hook!!! It looks like a good one, but it's always tough to tell with kids. "Dad, it's pulling really hard"!!!!

I laughed abit as I got the net ready (I was purely a spectator today) and I seen the fish jump near shore!!! "Whoa dude, you got a really nice one"!!!!!

Into the net she goes, and its my sons new personal best!!!!

All around, what an awesome closer!! The best I can remember. I'm so proud, and what an awesome way to spend a few hours on my sons b-day. It's gonna be scary to see how good of anglers they'll be in a few more years....

Downrigging on lake ontario, 5 am comes mighty early after a night of playoff hockey and many pints.

You know how that works, right? There will be 6ft waves all day, and you'll forget that bottle of ibuprofen...

Best of luck to you, lol

I'm fishing Rainy River tomorrow for walleye, same ol same ol.

Then I'm thinking about hittin a crappie spot, maybe Big Sawbill or NW Bay of Rainy Lake.

Next weekend is gonna be fun though. Hittin 5-6 lakes up cedar narrows looking for some big pike!!!!

MB, your kids are spectacular. Walleye aint bad either.

 

Man, do you ever have the life.

Many thanks PS8! We truly, truly appreciate it.

My kids say thumbs up at Mother Natures dinner table!!!

Here is a pic for Limeyangler, it's your bud, ol' Harvard from Thursday

That 6th one kind of looked like a snook, hmm.. By the way if your going to be in ofc 2012 ask for team four!

I'm trying to get back into the tourny, lol.

Maybe send in a REQUEST???

looks kinda boring to me

sooooo boring! It really sucked being woken up every 3 minutes by another hyyyyugge walleye.

can't even get a quality rest down there anymore