How many AB ice fishermen release big perch?

[smitty9]

For far too long, anytime a lake produces decent perch fishing (for 8+" fish) it typically gets hammered. The CIA doesn't keep secrets as well as AB fisherman when it comes to perch honey holes.

No wonder; we all know that for decades, perch lakes have been on a steady rotation of pressure, depending how hot they are?

Here's an idea:

Release the big perch. Totally unheard of, but I like the ideas presented here in this video clip:

https://www.facebook.com/UncutAngling/videos/1504028342970675/

If you don't have FB, here's the entire episode on Youtube, the clip I'm speaking of starts at 19:37:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDu8eHQ4zjw


This is an issue that often is below the radar; what are the appropriate limits for our panfish species like perch, should we have a slot size or maximum size (only fish under 25cm can be kept, for example) or should we just let anglers self manage and hope that some big fish are being released? I would say far too few.

If the meeting in Lac La Biche goes in the way of convincing the ESRD to keep a few walleye, then great, but the issue of their forage base needs to go hand in hand.

This province is decades behind in actually using specific measures to manage specific populations. Many jurisdictions use slot sizes; it was tried and failed here due to low angler compliance. Perhaps it's time to re-visit, with this province having so little fish bearing lakes and 4+million people.

Anyways, to circle back, how many of you would release a 12-13+ inch perch?

Smitty

[Egymcara]

I release all the big perch I catch, but then again I release any big fish period, no matter what species. Pretty easy formula to follow if you like fishing for sport. Pictures are the best bragging rights and it feels good to release large fish to reproduce.

[Deep]

C&R is the only way to fish today. Yes, keep the odd one if in fact they are good eating but as a rule put them back to continue growing.

[338Bluff]

Nope. Right into the frying pan. Perch are for eating trout are for releasing. I'm not out there 3 days a week trying to get my 'quota' though......

A lot of the most popular lakes historically winter kill every 7-10 years. Think about that.

[pinelakeperch]

Big perch caught in deeper water are often "goners" regardless of whether or not they're released. I release EVERY trophy fish I catch, assuming I deem that it will survive the release.

[RACKER]

I have always have kept the larger perch.I do not understand how the perch populations get depleted by sportfishing.With most lakes having a limit of 5 you would have to have every angler on the lake during the ice season take home their limit everytime they went out to put a dent in the population.I am not knowledged in fish biology so I would gladly like to hear from people that have scientific proof that fishing for perch has been proven to dessimate fish stocks.I have seen proof myself that shallower lakes winterkill fish and this makes sense that populations take a beating because of that.Another question I have is why a lake such as Wizard lake that has thousands of little perch and a very healthy pike population that there are no larger perch to be found regularly?

[Bigspiker]

A friend and myself have caught and eaten 45 12 inch plus perch so far this year
We have a secret lake with a secret spot and a secret hook tipped with mealworms .... Oooppps that was the last secret
We Don't keep anything under "11" our best was "15"
We have realeased over 300 perch from "8-14" the last few years
Yesterday we enjoyed keeping another 10 that were all footlongs caught 15 released 5 from 9-12 inch 2 hrs fishing
Funny thing is lake X is a short ride away where 30 -50 trucks every weekend are filling buckets with micro perch 4-7 inch fish
We have worked hard and long to figure out the puzzle and now enjoy jumbos every Sunday :)
Our self imposed limits and perch management system seems to be working for many years and promises to continue producing qaulity perching for years to come
I Caught my first 12 inch perch ice fishing 40 plus yrs ago and have eaten thousands since !

[RavYak]

No way I throw back a 12-13 incher unless I got my limit already. If I was catching real monsters ~ 15 inches then I would probably release most of them(would like a couple for the wall though) unless I knew the lake was going to be fished out anyways.

I have always have kept the larger perch.I do not understand how the perch populations get depleted by sportfishing.With most lakes having a limit of 5 you would have to have every angler on the lake during the ice season take home their limit everytime they went out to put a dent in the population.I am not knowledged in fish biology so I would gladly like to hear from people that have scientific proof that fishing for perch has been proven to dessimate fish stocks.I have seen proof myself that shallower lakes winterkill fish and this makes sense that populations take a beating because of that.Another question I have is why a lake such as Wizard lake that has thousands of little perch and a very healthy pike population that there are no larger perch to be found regularly?

Limit is 15 on many lakes and 10 on a lot of others. 5 is what it probably should be everywhere to help a lot of these lakes.

Fishing pressure most definitely ruins perch fisheries here in AB. It has happened on many lakes. Word started leaking out 3 years ago that Crimson had lots of nice perch. The next year it got posted on here, FB, newspapers etc and within months you couldn't catch a decent perch anymore... That is just one of the more recent and obvious lakes but there are many more that have been decimated due to fishing pressure. That is why no one with half a brain posts their perch fishing spots because anyone that has been in the game for a while has seen some of their lakes get wiped out already.

In regards to Wizard, it seems perch seem to thrive on certain lakes and struggle on others. I don't know if Wizard was ever good but the fishing pressure and pike population would keep their numbers down as almost every half decent perch caught at Wizard is going home for supper...

[pikeman06]

Sorry guys the big perch I catch represent way too much cost, effort and time to toss back for me. I don't fish them deep, I don't keep cycling thru, if I get my limit I shut er down and leave them be. Good with a fillet knife and the precious few ounces of meat certainly don't get wasted. It's a personal thing I guess. As I have said before there is a certain group of big loner perch that just don't bite and when I get the odd one sheez mine.

[newguy]

A friend and myself have caught and eaten 45 12 inch plus perch so far this year
We have a secret lake with a secret spot and a secret hook tipped with mealworms .... Oooppps that was the last secret
We Don't keep anything under "11" our best was "15"
We have realeased over 300 perch from "8-14" the last few years
Yesterday we enjoyed keeping another 10 that were all footlongs caught 15 released 5 from 9-12 inch 2 hrs fishing
Funny thing is lake X is a short ride away where 30 -50 trucks every weekend are filling buckets with micro perch 4-7 inch fish
We have worked hard and long to figure out the puzzle and now enjoy jumbos every Sunday :)
Our self imposed limits and perch management system seems to be working for many years and promises to continue producing qaulity perching for years to come
I Caught my first 12 inch perch ice fishing 40 plus yrs ago and have eaten thousands since !
I would love to see some pics of those monster perch

[PerchBuster]

I generally keep mine. That's what I am targeting if a fish fry is on the agenda. I have released many but I have eaten lots too. Some of the finest freshwater table fare a man can get bar none. To be honest I find the filet is better off a 10" or 10-1/2" male than it is off 12" or 13" female. Perch are a very prolific species. Sometimes down but never quite out. They come back even when all seems lost. A winterkill or summer kill leads to some down years and then bam they'rrrrre baaaack! They have a short life expectancy compared to a Northern or Walleye. A real good fry recruitment year or 2 can lead to an eventual gold rush of keeper size Jumbos in just a few years. Knowing your lake and where it is in the cycle is key. Maturing from about age 5 to 8 you get a short window to harvest some good ones, they don't stick around much older than this. Then it seems like the lake is fished out but it's probably not. It's just in between cycles waiting for another big injection of a year class or two to grow large together and begin the next boom. Many lakes are examples of this type of ebb and flow in fishability and yet they all may get their moment to shine again at some point unless habitat degradation is a key factor. When that happens such as very low water levels or extreme oxygen depletion for example it may be time to move on to greener or golder pastures as it were. That's not to say that lake will be devoid forever. Put it on the five year calendar and check back later. You may be rewarded. A 15" Perch is pretty well getting near to the end of its life time. Can't argue with those who also admire the sight of them so much you are compelled to slip her back down the hole in favour of keeping that next 11 incher. I have before for good karma a number of times. Also keep in mind that Perch by their very nature are food to everything else that lives above and below the waterline. And for that reason alone I have no problem keeping some for the table. They are out there and not quite as elusive as some may think but you must go to school in order to learn their idiosyncrasies. Anybody can catch small Perch, but it takes some skill and a whole,lot of experience to consistently catch the big ones. They are different from lake to lake, month to month, week to week etc. Crack the code and things come easier but they remain highly unpredictable which makes them so much fun to target. Sometimes it's like they are jumping out of the hole and a day later they have lock jaw!

[RavYak]

A 15" Perch is pretty well getting near to the end of its life time. Can't argue with those who also admire the sight of them so much you are compelled to slip her back down the hole in favour of keeping that next 11 incher.

Not many perch grow that big even in the best lakes. Preserving the quality genetics is why a person should throw these fish back, even if they only reproduce 1-2 more years then that leads to a lot more offspring with the same good genetics.

[Bigspiker]

Well said perchbuster,
So many factors that dictate the natural ebbs and flow of a lake s cycle from natural to the human impacts
I've had the pleasure and pain to been a part of the bonanza days of the past hunting monster orange fins in the smallest puddles in northern Alberta to the stunted mega perch factories like Hastings,nakamun,cross,wizard,coal,banana,isle,syl van gull,etc
Perch are resilient have high reproductive rates taste great and simply put they are prey fish !

[Bigspiker]

Just a note to all the "deep water" guys , The big perch I target and catch are in 10 ft or less , this year we're crushing them in 6 ft
The biggest perch seem to run in small schools 4-6-8 or less and tend to be the shallowest
These mature perch are predators in their own right ... In the shallow water
they don't run and hide like little perch in deep holes or in large schools 20-30+
I've been fishing them on the shallow side my whole life and have a perch belly myself to prove it !
(Pics avail pm me)

[Brandonkop]

Well said perchbuster,
So many factors that dictate the natural ebbs and flow of a lake s cycle from natural to the human impacts
I've had the pleasure and pain to been a part of the bonanza days of the past hunting monster orange fins in the smallest puddles in northern Alberta to the stunted mega perch factories like Hastings,nakamun,cross,wizard,coal,banana,isle,syl van gull,etc
Perch are resilient have high reproductive rates taste great and simply put they are prey fish !

Beautiful fish Bigspiker!!! Great Jumbos!

[Kim473]

I don't believe in catch and release. I would sooner close a lake for a year or 2 and let nature do it's thing.

[58thecat]

If I am camping a shore lunch is appreciated but other than that it is catch, picture and release.

[G Kenworth]

Unless I'm fishing a stocked pond, I release all the big fish I catch.

[yoteblaster]

The big ones come home for supper unless I have my limit. All the small ones go back though. Hard time getting my youngest boy to throw anything back lol.

[FISHBATTEREDBEER]

Alberta is hurtin for big fish of any species compared to Sask Man Ont. We only have 800 lakes .My father inlaw was raised near Lac la Nonne and he said the farmers would net perch in the creek until their wagons were full,THEN THEY FED THEM TO THE PIGS!!!

[huntsfurfish]

Alberta is hurtin for big fish of any species compared to Sask Man Ont. We only have 800 lakes .My father inlaw was raised near Lac la Nonne and he said the farmers would net perch in the creek until their wagons were full,THEN THEY FED THEM TO THE PIGS!!!

I believe that number is 600.:)

Depends on where you go for big fish and if you are expecting big fish on every other cast. Many places have them, you just have to hunt for them.

[JDK71]

always C&R have not keeped a fish in years

[SNAPFisher]

Just a note to all the "deep water" guys , The big perch I target and catch are in 10 ft or less , this year we're crushing them in 6 ft
The biggest perch seem to run in small schools 4-6-8 or less and tend to be the shallowest
These mature perch are predators in their own right ... In the shallow water
they don't run and hide like little perch in deep holes or in large schools 20-30+
I've been fishing them on the shallow side my whole life and have a perch belly myself to prove it !
(Pics avail pm me)

Nice work! I like what you said about finding a gem nearby poorer choices. I wish you continued success, and, that your inbox is not overwhelmed with PMs :lol:

[last minute]

No releasing here staight into the pan.:sHa_shakeshout: and if anyone wants to release perch go ahead it's your choice

[Poppa]

I will never understand people's grand desire to keep fish. I'm total CnR...fun is in the catching, not the keeping. Also "Let 'em go, let 'em grow". With perch, specifically, it's such a pain in the ass to fillet...they're so small....makes zero sense to me.

If someone was wanting a shore lunch and kept one or two 18" 'eyes....that's not awful I guess.

[pikergolf]

I will never understand people's grand desire to keep fish. I'm total CnR...fun is in the catching, not the keeping. Also "Let 'em go, let 'em grow". With perch, specifically, it's such a pain in the ass to fillet...they're so small....makes zero sense to me.

If someone was wanting a shore lunch and kept one or two 18" 'eyes....that's not awful I guess.

Alberta logic, get what you can while you can, it'll be gone some day better get my share.

[jkind]

Catch, Photo, Release!

[PerchBuster]

Not many perch grow that big even in the best lakes. Preserving the quality genetics is why a person should throw these fish back, even if they only reproduce 1-2 more years then that leads to a lot more offspring with the same good genetics.

I tend to believe that big fish, Jumbo's included, got that way because they have been able to avoid capture and/or predation. Or they have been caught before and perhaps learned from the experience. I have studied a thousand Jumbos on the camera and the largest specimens are often the wariest, not even stopping to look at my presentation or when they do stop they are ultra cautious and often times what happens is a smaller fish that probably hasn't been caught before will rush in and grab the hook away. As for genetics, I believe they all have those inherent genes already inside them that will allow them to grow to trophy class if all habitat and forage conditions are conducive to their success. The big ones are very old and wise and thus a lot harder to catch most days. When all the stars align you can catch them but like most fish species majority of the time they are in a neutral to negative mood and thus become very selective. A fish only has 2 goals in life, 1) to survive, 2) to reproduce as often and as prolifically as possible. All fish of the same species, in the same system posess like genetics. Habitat, predation factors and forage availability play a much bigger role in their ability to grow to trophy status. Whether they can grow to 15 inches or not is simply a question of goal #1. Because of these reasons I strongly believe the best Perch lakes with trophy potential all have certain characteristics in common. Either the waterbody is so large and diverse that they have ample opportunity to avoid predation and live out the majority of their lives in relative seclusion or secondly as is the case in smaller bodies of water there will be a weak Walleye population if any at all and a stunted hammer handle population. That is to say a lack of large Pike and virtually no Walleye. They do very well in this situation. There are other ingredients to add to this as well that I have learned over the years such as lakes with sand bottom etc but put them all together and you have the makings of a good Perch lake.

[Tigger72]

For far too long, anytime a lake produces decent perch fishing (for 8+" fish) it typically gets hammered. The CIA doesn't keep secrets as well as AB fisherman when it comes to perch honey holes.

No wonder; we all know that for decades, perch lakes have been on a steady rotation of pressure, depending how hot they are?

Here's an idea:

Release the big perch. Totally unheard of, but I like the ideas presented here in this video clip:

https://www.facebook.com/UncutAngling/videos/1504028342970675/

If you don't have FB, here's the entire episode on Youtube, the clip I'm speaking of starts at 19:37:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDu8eHQ4zjw


This is an issue that often is below the radar; what are the appropriate limits for our panfish species like perch, should we have a slot size or maximum size (only fish under 25cm can be kept, for example) or should we just let anglers self manage and hope that some big fish are being released? I would say far too few.

If the meeting in Lac La Biche goes in the way of convincing the ESRD to keep a few walleye, then great, but the issue of their forage base needs to go hand in hand.

This province is decades behind in actually using specific measures to manage specific populations. Many jurisdictions use slot sizes; it was tried and failed here due to low angler compliance. Perhaps it's time to re-visit, with this province having so little fish bearing lakes and 4+million people.

Anyways, to circle back, how many of you would release a 12-13+ inch perch?

Smitty

Hmmm I think I'll pass on commenting on this one Smitty. I have said enough on the FBook page....lol.... but I agreed with you there ( if that was you) and I agree here!!

[TylerThomson]

Lot of self righteous folk on here it seems. If you dint understand why people keep perch then you must not enjoy eating fish. As long as people aren't being wasteful and following the law then I see no problem with it. All the catch and release fishermen at hypocrites at best. You are catching fish and killing a portion of them even if by accident for no reason other than your own pleasure.

[huntsfurfish]

Lot of self righteous folk on here it seems. If you dint understand why people keep perch then you must not enjoy eating fish. As long as people aren't being wasteful and following the law then I see no problem with it. All the catch and release fishermen at hypocrites at best. You are catching fish and killing a portion of them even if by accident for no reason other than your own pleasure.

I see your point but lumping all us C&R fisherman together is insulting.:)
We as fisherman, are weaker without the other side. So there is no need for finger pointing by either side. Both have there good and bad points.

I have practiced catch an release since before it was the thing to do and I defend people(fisherman) that wish to eat them. I think it is in every ones best interest to defend the other side.

And I believe if it is at all possible, harvest should be allowed. And that is reflected in many of my posts.

[TylerThomson]

Kinda like lumping all fisherman together that choose to keep some fish. Or lumping all Albertans together for having a gotta get mine screw the rest mindset.

(I'm not directing that at you huntsfurfish)

Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk

[Fishy]

I have always have kept the larger perch.I do not understand how the perch populations get depleted by sportfishing.With most lakes having a limit of 5 you would have to have every angler on the lake during the ice season take home their limit everytime they went out to put a dent in the population.I am not knowledged in fish biology so I would gladly like to hear from people that have scientific proof that fishing for perch has been proven to dessimate fish stocks.I have seen proof myself that shallower lakes winterkill fish and this makes sense that populations take a beating because of that.Another question I have is why a lake such as Wizard lake that has thousands of little perch and a very healthy pike population that there are no larger perch to be found regularly?

Perch populations (as most other fish populations) are depleted typically due to mismanagement. One of the biggest issues is the blind trust a sportsman puts into regulations and one who assumes it is anothers responsibility to manage the resource. Regulations allowing the harvest of any size of a species guarantees that the larger fish, which are more often than not mature breeding females and are typically in an older age class, are removed from the genetic pool of that fishery due to anglers keeping the biggest fish they are allowed to keep. Overtime, the largest fish with the best genetics, which would have allowed their predecessors to obtain a similar size, are all removed from the water and the mean size of fish within the population shrinks overtime, slowly overtime. If this occurs unchecked for a long period than the age class and genetic structure of said fishery becomes permanently altered or stunted. Now, unfortunately many people do not understand what a healthy fishery is as it is a subjective topic,let alone how to manage it, so they assume it is up to the government to make changes to the fishery and make possible the ability to catch the same trophy fish now as it was back in the day. If anglers knew that keeping every "good sized perch" was ultimately destroying their beloved fishery, they would most likely put back the big fish to spread their seed and enhance the fishery and keep the middle sized fish instead. The only way for this to occur is for the regulations in AB to be altered substantially. As for winter-kill, fisheries go through natural cycles, stocked or not, which depend on winter-kill for regrowth and regeneration, similar to a forest fires rejuvenating characteristics. No matter, the onus lies on the sportsman to educate themselves and put into practice the best of conservation practices regardless of the regulations; that is not to say disregard the regulations but when given the opportunity to keep a limit of 5 fish of any size of a species, use mindfulness, and choose wisely.

[TylerThomson]

Perch populations (as most other fish populations) are depleted typically due to mismanagement. One of the biggest issues is the blind trust a sportsman puts into regulations and one who assumes it is anothers responsibility to manage the resource. Regulations allowing the harvest of any size of a species guarantees that the larger fish, which are more often than not mature breeding females and are typically in an older age class, are removed from the genetic pool of that fishery due to anglers keeping the biggest fish they are allowed to keep. Overtime, the largest fish with the best genetics, which would have allowed their predecessors to obtain a similar size, are all removed from the water and the mean size of fish within the population shrinks overtime, slowly overtime. If this occurs unchecked for a long period than the age class and genetic structure of said fishery becomes permanently altered or stunted. Now, unfortunately many people do not understand what a healthy fishery is as it is a subjective topic,let alone how to manage it, so they assume it is up to the government to make changes to the fishery and make possible the ability to catch the same trophy fish now as it was back in the day. If anglers knew that keeping every "good sized perch" was ultimately destroying their beloved fishery, they would most likely put back the big fish to spread their seed and enhance the fishery and keep the middle sized fish instead. The only way for this to occur is for the regulations in AB to be altered substantially. As for winter-kill, fisheries go through natural cycles, stocked or not, which depend on winter-kill for regrowth and regeneration, similar to a forest fires rejuvenating characteristics. No matter, the onus lies on the sportsman to educate themselves and put into practice the best of conservation practices regardless of the regulations; that is not to say disregard the regulations but when given the opportunity to keep a limit of 5 fish of any size of a species, use mindfulness, and choose wisely.


Your argument breaks down when you realize those big fish used to be medium fish and they have been contributing the same genetics since year 4 or 5. Got anything to back this up? I'd think habitat, oxygen levels, and food availability have a much higher impact on the stunting of fish and depletion of populations vs angling pressure.

I would suggest you look into the research done on the arctic grayling and how expansive it's range used to be compared to now.

[FISHBATTEREDBEER]

Define "big"?

We fish some lakes where 8-9" fish go back for bigger.

[RavYak]

Your argument breaks down when you realize those big fish used to be medium fish and they have been contributing the same genetics since year 4 or 5. Got anything to back this up? I'd think habitat, oxygen levels, and food availability have a much higher impact on the stunting of fish and depletion of populations vs angling pressure.

I would suggest you look into the research done on the arctic grayling and how expansive it's range used to be compared to now.

Why would that argument break down?

You go to a lake and catch 2 fish, you are only able to keep 1 of them. One is a 10 inch perch and the other is a 15 inch perch. Regarding the 10 inch perch lets arbitrarily say there is a 20% chance it has really good genetics, 20% chance of it being a mature runt and 60% chance of being an average perch. In one case you obviously are removing a good genetic breeder, in the other case you only have a 20% chance of doing so and the same chance of removing a runt. It is pretty obvious which one is the better choice for the fishery.

Similarly lets use cattle as an example. You have a healthy looking cow and a skinny cow and you want to keep one for breeding and butcher the other one. It might be tempting to butcher the healthy cow and hope the skinny cow will still give you good offspring but to do so would most likely be a poor decision in the long run.

Yes there are other reasons for stunting, over population/lack of food being the most obvious one that does significantly affect perch in particular but to dismiss the effects of artificial selection(which angling pressure has to be considered as) is extremely short sighted.

[FishHunterPro]

Caught two 12" perch today and didn't have to think twice if I was keeping them or not. Seen both at different time jogging for walleye on the camera and had a trusty rod with light flouro on and the smallest 5 of diamonds on, sent that don't the hole both times with a minnow head and it was game over . I would take 14 more before I go home if I can .

[ice]

It's been proven perch have no issues with reproduction. The problem more often then not is is an overabundent supply of large predators, and extremely high fishing pressure. One cannot support the other wich ends with low fish populations. Better management is needed to fix the problem. Some lakes need high pressure on perch to keep population in check and others need higher pressure on predatory fish. Unfortunately this isn't how it's being managed in many cases

[TylerThomson]

Perch populations (as most other fish populations) are depleted typically due to mismanagement. One of the biggest issues is the blind trust a sportsman puts into regulations and one who assumes it is anothers responsibility to manage the resource. Regulations allowing the harvest of any size of a species guarantees that the larger fish, which are more often than not mature breeding females and are typically in an older age class, are removed from the genetic pool of that fishery due to anglers keeping the biggest fish they are allowed to keep. Overtime, the largest fish with the best genetics, which would have allowed their predecessors to obtain a similar size, are all removed from the water and the mean size of fish within the population shrinks overtime, slowly overtime. If this occurs unchecked for a long period than the age class and genetic structure of said fishery becomes permanently altered or stunted. Now, unfortunately many people do not understand what a healthy fishery is as it is a subjective topic,let alone how to manage it, so they assume it is up to the government to make changes to the fishery and make possible the ability to catch the same trophy fish now as it was back in the day. If anglers knew that keeping every "good sized perch" was ultimately destroying their beloved fishery, they would most likely put back the big fish to spread their seed and enhance the fishery and keep the middle sized fish instead. The only way for this to occur is for the regulations in AB to be altered substantially. As for winter-kill, fisheries go through natural cycles, stocked or not, which depend on winter-kill for regrowth and regeneration, similar to a forest fires rejuvenating characteristics. No matter, the onus lies on the sportsman to educate themselves and put into practice the best of conservation practices regardless of the regulations; that is not to say disregard the regulations but when given the opportunity to keep a limit of 5 fish of any size of a species, use mindfulness, and choose wisely.

Why would that argument break down?

You go to a lake and catch 2 fish, you are only able to keep 1 of them. One is a 10 inch perch and the other is a 15 inch perch. Regarding the 10 inch perch lets arbitrarily say there is a 20% chance it has really good genetics, 20% chance of it being a mature runt and 60% chance of being an average perch. In one case you obviously are removing a good genetic breeder, in the other case you only have a 20% chance of doing so and the same chance of removing a runt. It is pretty obvious which one is the better choice for the fishery.

Similarly lets use cattle as an example. You have a healthy looking cow and a skinny cow and you want to keep one for breeding and butcher the other one. It might be tempting to butcher the healthy cow and hope the skinny cow will still give you good offspring but to do so would most likely be a poor decision in the long run.

Yes there are other reasons for stunting, over population/lack of food being the most obvious one that does significantly affect perch in particular but to dismiss the effects of artificial selection(which angling pressure has to be considered as) is extremely short sighted.

That big fishes genetics are in the pool already. Your cattle comparison is laughable. The only way it compares is I'd those two perch you caught were the only two perch available not to mention how far inbred most cattle lines already are.

Also thinking that angling pressure on perch has a larger effect than predation does on natural size selection considering how prolific of breeders they are is also laughable. Who takes more perch. Fisherman keeping only fish 10 inches or better or cormorants, walleye, pike and all their other natural predators?

When those predators are killing perch do you think they are taking the biggest, the smallest or whichever they can fit in their mouths the easiest?

Here since no one wants to go look it up.



https://www.google.ca/url?q=https://novascotia.ca/fish/documents/special-management-areas-reports/yellowperch.pdf&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwik1rXwqIPSAhWM5oMKHWezCrgQFggRMAI&sig2=Wmlh-qi93EIyra3yBGaRXw&usg=AFQjCNFNqOTK_-VlazNr9RD5JrpFTyKUUQ

This next one is just interesting reading material about the natural environment of perch and their habits etc.


https://www.google.ca/url?q=http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/337848.pdf&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwik1rXwqIPSAhWM5oMKHWezCrgQFggNMAA&sig2=iqF567fVgMWsq7QyvO57vA&usg=AFQjCNGSCvn0J1Uy3PYs-ky_GDmQhnG5og

Like I said your argument breaks down.

Also as some bonus material do some reading on the difference between feral genetic distribution and stable lines in animals or plants. I'm not saying angling pressure doesn't put some natural selection on the size of fish but the amount it contributes is negligible.

[TylerThomson]

Here's another one on the effects of metal contamination in a lake.

Spoiler alert it changed the habitat reduced the food supply and stunted the entire population

https://www.google.ca/url?q=http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/337848.pdf&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwik1rXwqIPSAhWM5oMKHWezCrgQFggNMAA&sig2=iqF567fVgMWsq7QyvO57vA&usg=AFQjCNGSCvn0J1Uy3PYs-ky_GDmQhnG5og

[FlyTheory]

I have done both. Last time I kept 2 27cm perch. They should lower limits on lakes though, you people are right.

[wags]

I release 99% of the fish I catch. I have kept the odd perch for my wife, but unless i'm already decided to keep a fish or two for her, they all go back, regardless of size.

Cheers

[Fishy]

Your argument breaks down when you realize those big fish used to be medium fish and they have been contributing the same genetics since year 4 or 5. Got anything to back this up? I'd think habitat, oxygen levels, and food availability have a much higher impact on the stunting of fish and depletion of populations vs angling pressure.

I would suggest you look into the research done on the arctic grayling and how expansive it's range used to be compared to now.

Habitat, DO levels, and forage of course play a large role in determining the maximum size of a fish a fishery can produce, as well as many other factors, but this thread is specific to angling pressure, hence my focus on such. As well my intent was not to compare which factor stunts a population to a greater degree but to answer a question that pertains specifically to perch populations, angling pressure and population stunting. It is not an argument I made up as it has been scientifically proven. And as a side note, this can go both ways; a stunted population can be rehabilitated by utilizing strategic angler pressure, its all in the management.