Thread: NOT Enough FISH

This is a tough one Sarge. I view this similar to other technological or technique advances over the last few decades. I have no doubt that LiveScope makes it easier for people to catch fish. But so did improvements to rods, reels, fishing line, lures, trolling motors, any other sonars, spider rigging, trolling, ect...
I wasn’t old enough to remember this but I could only imagine what anglers were saying about the first generation recreational sonars. I’m sure that it was a similar reaction. I’m not super concerned right now but it is on my radar. When this technology (or more advanced technology) gets more affordable and the average angler (someone like me) can afford it, it may be a different story. Right now the average angler isn’t spending $2,500+ to catch more fish. I can only imagine what the future holds for fishing tech. I bet it will be more advanced than this though.

A few years ago during angler creel surveys, I started asking how many rods they fished with to determine if the number of rods was correlated to angler catch rates. While some rough patterns were developing, there wasn’t a clear angler to the question (yet). Similarly, this past year, I stated keeping track of the make and model of sonars on angler’s boats during angler creel surveys, to attempt to develop relationships that effect angler catch rates. During the three month survey on Lake Overcup, I only noted two LiveScope units. I am betting that the percentage will continue to increase during future creel surveys. We are also keeping a close eye on sample results. We have the ability to determine mortality of fish from year to year. If we start to see a consistent significant increase in total annual mortality, additional study will be warranted. The take home message is that we are aware of the technology and the potential impact and are monitoring the fish population data. Management actions will be used if necessary. Thanks for asking the question.


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Matt, if you have not used livescope it IS RIDICULOUSLY easy to catch em. My main concern is that before 90% of the fish were caugh by 10% of the fishermen. I can take someone who never crappie fished and within a day or two they will pull out double limits..It is happening today on maumelle....... You can absolutely fill multiple freezers. That is fishing 30-45ft deep.

Originally Posted by Old Sarge

Matt, if you have not used livescope it IS RIDICULOUSLY easy to catch em. My main concern is that before 90% of the fish were caugh by 10% of the fishermen. I can take someone who never crappie fished and within a day or two they will pull out double limits..It is happening today on maumelle....... You can absolutely fill multiple freezers. That is fishing 30-45ft deep.

I hear ya. I was just giving my opinion on the topic.


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Matt,

I have noticed a big difference in Overcup since the last drawn down was done...I am not trying to say AGFC is messing the fisheries up but seems like the drawn down had a negative effect on the lake instead of improving it.