Thread: Orange Lake Spraying

If you would like an informed opinion on foliage spraying and what to expect, just ask a few of us Vietnam Vets. It ain't good for man, beast, nor fish. That's my opinion and I'm stickin to it. X2 on lake Toho.

I'm a Vietnam era vet, 26 years and retired in 1993 as a CWO4 (Navy). Spent most of my my time playing Hunt For Red October over the North Cape then the east Med and Lebanon. But my fishing buddy spent three flying tours in country... and he is one Vietnam vet that hates it when imported weeds choke out a lake.

I have no idea where you fish, but if you look at some of Florida's north central lakes like Sampson for example, they become literally unfishable to the point you can't run an outboard motor through the stuff.

Tom

While it is true that nature generally takes care of itself, we've often altered landscapes to the point of rendering some of those restorative methods ineffective. For example, in Florida, a lot of lakes would cycle between natural periods of high water and low water (storms, hurricanes, drought, etc.). These natural fluctuations would help control organic matter buildup (through oxidation and flushing), regulate nutrients, and periodically rejuvenate fisheries (ever hear of “new reservoir syndrome”?). We’ve altered many lakes here. People want stable water levels on lakes that aren’t naturally meant to be stable. We’ve altered the hydrology and re-plumbed many lakes and marshes through the use of canals, water control structures, dikes, etc.. The natural mechanisms that are designed to keep things in order have been hampered.
As others have stated, it is often best to nip exotic plants in the bud (no pun intended) before they get out of hand, as they can proliferate to problem levels in short order. Aquatic herbicides, when properly used, can be a cost-effective and labor-saving tool to help managers deal with problematic plant issues. They often walk a bit of a tightrope between maintaining proper levels of plants, the desires of many diverse users, budgetary constraints, weather conditions, seasonal timing and proper application windows, chemical effectiveness/plant resistance, while minimizing harm to habitats and the critters that use them. It’s hard to please everybody.

I’m not saying what they do is always pleasant, but sitting on their hands and doing nothing is not acceptable either, based on the reality of current conditions and the wants/needs of resource users in Florida. Plant biologists aren’t out to “nuke” everything indiscriminately. They are often interested in people's opinions and try to schedule their work around important fishing and hunting seasons, if possible. I’d encourage any of you to talk to biologists or attend meetings related to plant/fish/lake management, etc. when they come up. I'm not a cheerleader for herbicides, but I think they have their place, given the state of things.

Whoa. Pull back the machine guns. That was not the intent of my post. I too empathize with the weed choked lakes and understand the need for getting a hold on invasive weed situations. I just have a hard time with weed killing sprays as I suffer with disabling effects of past exposure. Also, as stated by someone else on here the results of spraying on Lake Toho as an example. So even with spraying not all is good. There seems to be no great cure all so we are left with whatever works. I did not mean to ruffle any feathers with my post, however, I am a living example of what can happen to people that are exposed to toxins. And when you joke of newbies nuking the river I cringe because you know they are over spraying and to me that is dangerous. This is all I will post about this and again from the bottom of my heart I only wish each of you the best. God Bless You All.

SandySkiff,

No feathers of mine were ruffled! I'm sorry to hear about your health issues. I don't doubt there is some connection between what went on in Vietnam and what you are experiencing today, and I can understand your aversion to herbicide spraying. I certainly didn't reply out of a place of argument or confrontation, and I sure hope it wasn't received in that way. If it came across in that light, I sincerely apologize! God bless you too, and good fishing!

Originally Posted by haveacrappieday

SandySkiff,

No feathers of mine were ruffled! I'm sorry to hear about your health issues. I don't doubt there is some connection between what went on in Vietnam and what you are experiencing today, and I can understand your aversion to herbicide spraying. I certainly didn't reply out of a place of argument or confrontation, and I sure hope it wasn't received in that way. If it came across in that light, I sincerely apologize! God bless you too, and good fishing!

All is good. May you always have Stretched Strings and Loaded Livewells.


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

One lake here in Osceola County was not sprayed and was overtaken by hydrilla, could only get on the lake without an outboard or trolling motor. Lasted for about 2 years and POOF the hydrilla died off, the lake became clear enough to see 8 to 10 ft. There is some hydrilla on that lake now but not overtaken by any means.

Many mistakes have been made in attempts to take care of the invasive weed situation, The Nile Perch AKA Tilapia, Smelly fish, they overtake areas that were once full of bass for the spawn. Any time you hear "I am from the government, we are here to help" take it with a grain of salt. They did realize they goofed when they straightened the Kissimmee River, and have put it back

Originally Posted by T_om

For all the anti-spraying guys... some lakes become unfishable unless sprayed. As for "nature" taking care of it, it is introduced pest weeds like hydrilla that cause the majority of the problems and 'nature' lets it run rampant.

So, what do you want, no spraying and unfishable lakes, or spraying to keep introduced weeds in check?

Tom

I'm not against spraying cause everything has its place. I just stated my experience. There are plenty other bodies of water to choose from close by.