The state of Wisconsin has been in the news lately for various reasons. On the fishing front, there is a bill working its way through the State Assembly that would eliminate the ban against culling in bass tournaments. That’s overdue and if passed, will eliminate tons of confusion and controversy. Based on last year’s ABA fiasco in La Crosse, a lot of people think Wisconsin’s fishing laws are crazy. But if you want crazy, come on over to my home state of Minnesota.
In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we can’t legally bass fish until May 28, or about the time the spawn is over. Our prespawn lures like jerkbaits, grubs and rattletraps virtually go untouched. Chew on that for awhile. Then think about how fun it is to put the trolling motor on high and work your way to the back of a pocket. With eyes fixed to the water, the only thing that surrounds you is blooming dogwoods and warm, spring sunshine. Then you spot one on bed next to a log, and then another next to the post of a dock. The spawn is often the best fishing of the year and the best time to introduce new anglers to our sport. And in Minnesota, it’s not allowed.
Presumably, the premise behind the season is to protect the fish while they are vulnerable. While there is no proven biological justification, the idea of protecting the resource is noble. Except that in Minnesota, there is a peculiar line drawn along Highway 53 that extends from Duluth upwards to International Falls. If you’re north/east of this highway, the bass season begins May 14, not May 28.
Clearly, this rule was put in place for business – resorts and guides in particular. You see, the smallmouth fishing in the northeast part of the state is absolutely phenomenal. And when tourism interests (business) want the trophy smallmouths accessible during the spawn, the Minnesota DNR caves. Not so noble after all. Not only is it hypocritical, it’s hard to enforce. Anglers are allowed to fish for northern pike, crappies, walleyes, etc. beginning May 14. How does a DNR officer know if an individual is targeting northerns or largemouths with a spinnerbait? How do you know if a tube is for crappies or smallies? The way the rule is written it’s all about intent. The handbook states: “you may not intentionally fish for any species during its closed season.” The several friends I have in law enforcement say a rule like this that can’t be applied is of no value. Part of me wants to knowingly break the law, but it just feels wrong.
So what do we passionate Minnesota anglers do? We head over to Wisconsin every spring. Their bass season coincides with walleye season, although for the first few weeks it is catch and release only. But that’s the perfect compromise. Nobody wants to keep these bedding bass anyway. We just want to have some fun with a clear conscience.
For a state with a huge budget deficit, Minnesota might want to recapture some of the economic impact that goes to our neighbors to the east as we spend on tackle, licenses, gas, food and lodging. And if walleye and bass opener coincided, the state could save money by not having to fruitlessly attempt to enforce crazy laws.
There is some potentially good news on the horizon as a movement has begun to end the madness. The group “Minnesotans for an Early Bass Fishing Season” is growing in numbers and unifying its vision before presenting to the powers at be. Hopefully, Minnesota will recognize their hypocrisy and make May 14 the statewide catch and release bass opener. Because in the end, no one can tell me Wisconsin’s bass fishing is any worse than Minnesota’s. They just get to have more fun, which is what fishing is supposed to be about.
To learn more about Minnesotans for an Early Bass Fishing Season, visit their Facebook page here.
