2 replies to this topic

[FirstChAoS]

Sorry for the generic title and generic post. 

 

Conditions have been warming up and the rivers have gone from water levels being too high to unusually low in a matter of weeks.

 

I haven't been out sampling due to a couple issues, being sick (had an infection on my back, then an ear infection I was told not to get wet). And being unsure on rules changes, (my state suddenly got stricter on fish catching, down to minnow traps, cast nets, and nets of a limited size which may include four foot seines but I am not sure). It explicitly says no dip nets. (though I bet the entire genus fundulus is still legal for bait.) This greatly upset and disappointed me as I was fighting to work with and help fish and game (instead of going the DNR route) with the Convention (though I admit at the time they didn't know that) so I feel a bit betrayed. 

 

Apparently I can use more traditional nets if I get a research permit but I am unsure on this as 1. I do not know if that falls under Fritz getting permits for the event or separate. and 2, Is it cheating if it is not REAL research with a paper write up and data collected in depth. (I'd love to get a job that has real research, but with work and other obligations I doubt I have the time and motivation to do so currently). 

 

A few weeks ago I went rod and reel fishing in Hampton, I caught nothing, but bet fish were their due to all the loons and seals. 

 

 

 

 

On general fish update news it seems the spawn has begun, On the fish and game fishing update they mention a fish spawning survey is happening in the connecticut river and I wish I knew how to view the data. http://www.wildlife..../2015-0507.html

 

Though as of the last time I looked they have not yet reached NH, the fish have started migrating up the Connecticut River. http://www.fws.gov/r...Fish/daily.html

 

I walked along the Ashuelot in Keene hoping to fine fallfish nests and saw nothing, I have yet to see a nest and they are a very common species. it's frustrating. 

 

I went fishing in the Ashuelot in Hinsdale last weekand saw the Smallmouth were moving upstream to their spawning sites and more strangely I caught a Largemouth. Why is that odd? He was in the middle of a run and not quiet water, and unlike most dead weight largemouth I caught this guy fought. I wonder what brought him to such an odd location. 

 

 

 

Hopefully soon I will snorkle, or if the net rules or research permit angle gets clarified maybe even collect.

[Chasmodes]

Nice report despite the changes.  At least you got out and caught a few fish.  Largemouth are typically predictable down here, but at times they surprise me with their speed of attack, and willingness to move into areas with more current than you'd expect.  I'll bet that bass found a little eddy where the current was bringing it food, a la smallmouth bass style.  Our tidal largemouth have been known to hold under or along ripping fast tidal currents to ambush bait and luckily our lures.

 

It explicitly says no dip nets.

 

My state is strict about this too in Freshwater, but not that strict.  There is a limited season on limited places.  Anyone know why they're so worried about their use?  I'll always comply with regulations, but it's nice to understand the logic behind them.

[FirstChAoS]

I do not know for sure why they are worried, but I suspect it has to do with eel poaching. Their was a show on not too long ago about people in Maine netting migrating eels and selling them for big money. I know after that people in NH have been arrested for poaching eels.

Now here is an odd thing. When I last visited NH Fish and Game earlier this year I learned they moved no game fish from nongames to fisheries. If nongame is a fishery they why don't they treat it like one? Put in seasons, restrictions for certain water bodies, limits for certain fish, etc. That would be better than just saying "no nets".