Opinions on limit reductions on Big Lake
 

I am just curious to hear some of your opinions on the limit reductions, size limits that are specific to Big Lake. Have you noticed any changes since before or after?


I know all about the politics involved, don't wanna go down that route, just curious as to your opinion if it has helped, hurt, or no change noticed:)

Haven't heard fill me in

he is talking about the 15 trout and 2 over 25" limit as opposed to 25 everywhere else...

:trolls:

"Big Lake cannot be fished out with rod and reel."




:shaking:


:smokin:

Is starting **** the only reason you post on here?

me or salty?

Must be Salty, I am asking a question to see what opinions are on whether the fishing has been better, worse, or no change. Would like to hear opinions. We got a lake in NE LA where people are trying to get restrictions on crappie

You

get em Micha!!!!!

Its Good Friday, I will be nice today;)

Though I have no opinion on the limits on spotted sea trout in Big Lake, it does make sense that LDWF considers setting location specific limits on this species. Unlike redfish and most other sport saltwater species, the overwhelming majority of spotted sea trout spend their whole lives in a single estuary and odds are the parents, grandparents and great grandparents of 95% of the trout caught in Big Lake also grew up and spent their whole lives in Big Lake (or some other part of the Calcasieu estuary). If a spotted sea trout population is over-harvested in a single estuary, or takes a big population hit due to an environmental or other factor, the population is much less resilient than other species.

In contrast, the parents of redfish and most other sport species in Big Lake may have spent time in any other estuary within 200 miles along the gulf coast. If the redfish in any given estuary are over harvested or devestated due to an environmental issue, then the redfish from surrounding estuaries will quickly repentish the population within a year or two.

It must not be that bad to have the limits and restrictions cause people still flock to it

I don't think it really helps it that much. I think the man made interference with the natural flow of the estuary has a bigger impact than changing the limits of fish. As far as seeing more bigger trout since the limit change I don't see it.

Don't think this post is starting **** just wants some info

This matter has been analyzed inside and out on every Louisiana outdoor website...including this one.

:banghead:

I fished a lake in another state where sunfish had to be 7 inches and crappie 9 inches. Limit was 20 of each. Still caught as many dinks as anywhere else. I don't think the regs mattered as the lake was located in a rural area and not usually busy. The state has since changed the regs back to the rest of the state. However, the regs are still in place for similar lakes near urban areas.

the only thing worries me was that is there going to be enough bait in the lake to support that much more fish. all the guides use to catch 100 trout a day now catch 60 that is alot more mouths to feed and seed. we will see this year if the wiers stay closed.

x2, I don't think it hurts to be pro-active on conservation and preserving a fishery. Keep in mind a 29 or 30 inch trout is about 9 years old. With more and more people including Texans like myself flocking over there to get in your way, I think acting early is a good move. The pressure is getting heavier and heavier every year as word has gotten out on what an exceptional fishery LA has. We fish it often every year but release every thing over 24 inches.

My research that I feel ..imo

First ill say I like the 15trout limit because you can fill your limit quickly most of the time



I know this 15 trout limit is affecting the number of larger trout (9-10lbsers)

The more small trout you have the less a bigger trout will compete for food with.
. I believe most of the larger trout are leaving for offshore waters were its easier to feed and less energy to compete.

Your taking a 3rd less trout a day than normal with 25 trout limit.... If the lake over populates with smaller trout you will see more reduction of bigger fish.

Bigger fish will just leave the estuary for easier food access ...

You don't have to take my word on this but look at the trout shootout and STAR weighs pre and post limit change

And to me releasing a trout over 27inchs is really useless because its more likely to die than live.... Smaller trout have a higher chance of survival after release


And I think that 2 over 24 or what ever it is
.. Is the dumbest crap I ever seen...

#1 I have been checked a bunch of times and never have been asked to measure any fish..and a few times we have had some logs....

Only trout I measure is if its close to 12 inches....