Opinions needed

carl · Post by **carl** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 7:33 pm

Boy that's a tough one Johnnie. The IL state record came out of a strip pit. I think it should be public waters. Because some of us don't have access to some of the most productive waters in the state. Southern IL used to be big time coal country, with many strip pits and underground mines. Those old strip pits filled with water and were stocked. Most of them are private, and jealiously guarded by private land owners. The only way in is to know somebody, something I've been trying to do for years. So my answer is public waters. Carl

hawg hunter · Post by **hawg hunter** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:32 pm

I know I'm a little late but I'm putting my two cents in anyway. I completely agree with Johnny. Private lakes and ponds are not open to all SPORT fishermen. Most of the time they accessible only by the wealthy landowners or the residents that can afford to live in the area. With more money the owners of these places can hire biologists and pay to have the fish well fed and babied unlike a more natural environment. Big game hunting has gotten this way in NM. The rich out of staters that can afford 15,000-30,000 for a bull elk tag can be in the boone and crocket record books. Does this make them well accomplished hunters?? Absolutely not. They hire guides and pay the bucks for the prime areas. This could also be accomplished with the private lakes and ponds. Private lakes and ponds are definately not fair to sport fishermen who beat the same waters and same shore line as the other hundred boats in the lake! Good luck with your article Johnny!!

Robert

johnnie crain outdoors · Wed Jun 28, 2006 3:44 am

Carl, you're right about those pits. I sometimes fish a sand pit in Rock Island which has some great bass, they ask everyone to throw them back. A friend of mine and fellow writer, catches numerous state award winning fish from these waters. I am convinced some of them are the same fish! Only members of the "club" are allowed to fish there. I get in because I run casting contests and fishing derbies for the kids there. I have caught a few award fish from there, but don't claim them, just kind of a personal thing with me I guess. Thanks guys, anyone else? Johnnie

natasfonik · Post by **natasfonik** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 10:17 pm

YES IT SHOULD BE!
I was denied once for a monster that i caught
from a private sandpit here in COLORADO

johnnie crain outdoors · Sun Jul 02, 2006 6:03 am

I'm sorry my friend, but I think we'll be seeing more and more of this as records are threatened by private water catches. This has been a tough call on this post, but very interesting replies. Thanks to all who replied.

blizard505 · Post by **blizard505** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 3:04 am

JOHNNIE I TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOU ARE SAYING. I HAVE A PRIVATE FARM POND IN GEORGIA THAT IS STOCKED WITH THE USUAL SPECIES, BASS,BREAM,CATFISH AND GRASS CARP AND IT IS ABOUT 40 YEARS OLD. IT IS 25 ACRES AND WAS AN OLD BRANCH AND THE TIMBER WAS CUT OUT OF IT AND IT WAS STOCKED WITH FISH 40 YEARS AGO. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW YOU COULD SAY THAT IF I CAUGHT THE WORLD RECORD BASS OUT OF THIS POND THAT IT SHOULD'T QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD RECORD. There is no genetically enhanced fish in it nor are we stocking it with trout or any other baitfish species. In the last 10 years there have been numerous 10 pounders caught two 14 pounders and a 16 pounder caught out of it. I think if i could catch a 22pound 5 oz fish it should be counted because I can't help that the bass grow that big in the pond. And I think anyone with a farm pond would agree.

johnnie crain outdoors · Thu Jul 06, 2006 4:36 am

Hey Bliz, you let anyone who wants to fish your pond. I very much doubt it!! Would you feel good about hand feeding a bass to record proportions and claiming it? I wouldn't. Just a matter of principle I guess. What if Bass Pro Shops grew one in their tank and claimed the record?? Could be done, but is that fair play-fair chase?? Johnnie.
It's okay to disagree, that's what this site is all about, getting everyone's opinions, questions and answers. Good luck. Johnnie

blizard505 · Post by **blizard505** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 5:23 pm

I understand what you are saying, but there is no hand feeding going on in my pond you have to actually fish for them and a pond is nothing like a 1000 gal. tank at Bass Pro. Also If I wanted to take the world record whitetail I can't just go to Canada or Iowa or Illinois and hunt anywhere can I? It is the same thing as owning your own private hunting land.

RNE · Post by **RNE** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 1:30 am

Quote: It is the same thing as owning your own private hunting land.

And therein lies the problem bliz. If this is taken to the ultimate end, then the average Joe Everybody is cut out of the chase entirely. When it gets to the point Hunting, or Fishing can only be done if you can pay for the privilage then the historic equalities of American Sportsmen are gone.

I can see Jonnie's point, and I understand his feelings on the matter. Especially to "Not Open To Public Fishing" waters, there I can agree with him.

And agree to some other specifics, such as hand raising, feeding, then 'catching' a WRB. Yes it can be done, fairly easily.

But would any of us consider that "Fair Catch"

I certainly wouldn't

Richard.

brendanc · Post by **brendanc** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 1:35 pm

Wow, look at all this chatter... great to see everyone voicing their thoughts and opinions.

Here's another perspective...

How about "intent"? What I mean is that there are people out there today who are intentionally trying to grow a world record bass in a contained environment. There was an article in Bassmaster Magazine several years ago which had an interview with a guy (don't remember his name) who stated that he had a bass that was in the high teens (I think 18Lbs) and he intended to care for and feed that hawg until she broke the record and then catch her on a rod & reel to submit it as the new world record.

On a side note, the record is not "the heaviest largemouth bass recorded", it is the "the heaviest largemouth bass caught on conventional tackle by an angler". There is a difference, and I can understand owning a private pond and being proud of the quality of fish your environment is producing... but one must admit that a private pond that is sheltered from public access can tilt the odds in someone's favor...

it still comes back to intent. If your intentions are to "grow" the new world record, you should get an award for the "person who grew the heaviest LMB in their private pond". Maybe we need to have a trophy or an award for the greatest private pond/lake ever created. It could be based on the lake/pond's ability to produce trophies...

Who knows...

Johnnie, great topic... You've created a monster here!