For those not in the know, MN has seasonal restrictions for the main game species (Walleye, Pike, Bass and Muskies). in 2014 we were able to get the bass season "opener" to coincide with the walleye/pike opener the second weekend of May. There has been all kinds of chatter about trying to get more angling opportunity available to anglers in MN, yet movement to create it has been minimal. Biologically, it really is not necessary to have seasonal restrictions as long as we have enough protection from harvest. A recent bill was proposed in the senate to allow catch and release for bass during the "closed" season https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/tex...Q_UxkPbhhvw4Vc
My initial thoughts are: great! At least it is getting in the legislature. There is a problem though, if we allow only one species (or two bass species) and not the others, now we create an enforcement issue. How does a CO distinguish between those bass fishing from those pike or walleye fishing during the early season? Hopefully, we'll see some traction gained from this as a grass roots effort by anglers contacting their representatives.
Just bringing it up for some discussion. Thoughts?