I am writing in regards to a recent article in the Northwoods Press concerning the proposed bass regulations that the DNR wants to implement on Belle Taine, Shallow and Deer Lake. This "experimental" regulation would disallow any angler from keeping a bass between 12 inches (one pound) and 20 inches (five pounds), and would put an end to two long-running catch and release tournaments. Doug Kinsley comments, "We have to look at the good of the resource and the good of the public in general, not just the tournament fishermen."
My interpretation is that the views of the tournament fishermen should be dismissed. But then we must dismiss the Nevis Scholarship Fund, which benefits from both tournaments. The Gene Cirks Memorial Tournament after payouts, expenses and DNR permit fees nets the fund $500. The Junior Fishing Tournament is held in conjunction with a fund-raising drive where local businesses donate money to the cause, which last year netted about $3,400, thanks in part to Jason Durham and many other volunteers. Then we must also dismiss the local businesses that benefit from the tournaments. Lodging for out-of-towner, bars, restaurants, bait shops, gas, groceries, etc. The many resorts on Belle Taine would undoubtedly also be hurt.
A lot of kids fish Belle Taine on docks and the town Nevis Fishing Pier and unless equipped with a tape measure wherever he or she wets a line, all bass would have to be released. Eliminating a well-run Junior Tournament and taking the excitement out of a kid who catches his first big fish, I don't think is a step in the right direction. Sure, catch and release is a great practice and should be taught to youth, but lets get them hooked on fishing before we teach conservation.
Most importantly, the bass fishery on Belle Taine is alive and well. Let's also remember that a highly restrictive regulation can have adverse effects on a lake. Remember Big Sand? So why experiment with Belle Taine? Find out! Open House Meeting Sept. 10, Northwoods Bank 7 to 9 p.m.
Keith Blumberg
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Park Rapids
