In 2006 a total of 200 big eyes hit the scale and were successfully released. Pretty lofty numbers to say the least.
Well that was totally blown away as over 400 walleye were weighed in over 28 inches. The winning weight was over 63 pounds.
I wish that we could put on a world-class event like this on the Red River. We have some of the best walleye fishing in Canada, but do not have the opportunity to showcase our outstanding fishery.
Provincial angling regulations prevent anyone from putting on a tournament like the Vanity. Here on the Red, as soon as you catch a walleye over the slot size and retain it to weigh-in at a tournament you must sign your licence off. This prevents anglers from bringing in another hawg to the scales.
I am not sure of the reasoning behind this regulation. The fisheries department could issue a catch and retain permit to tournament anglers allowing them to weigh in multiple big fish at an event. It is not hurting anything as the fish are released after hitting the scale.
It is really to bad that the powers that be don't understand the true impact a tournament of this magnitude would have on the province. Anglers from all over the country would come to fish in hopes of tagging a huge greenback.
Just go up to Pine Falls and ask Raymond from the Paper Town on the impact fishing has on his business. I really don't understand the regulation as I feel it punishes anglers.
This could all be solved by following the model from the Vanity Cup.
We are not being unreasonable in our request, the fish are still being released. Look at all the big walleye harvested on Lake Winnipeg both legally and illegally. I have had several people approach me and ask if I wanted to buy some walleye for five bucks a pound. The people who buy the fish are as much of a problem as the poachers.
Now I understand commercial fishing is a viable business and let me tell you these fellows work very hard. I am not against using our resources for sustenance or to make a living.
It kills me when I see unmarked nets in fall on Lake of the Woods full of rotting fish. I am alarmed to see nets set up in the Red River.
The nets in the river give the fish no chance.
http://winnipegsun.com/Sports/Columnists/Stapon_Craig/2007/10/08/pf-4558851.html
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