Hook n' Look's Perspective on Michigan's Proposed Bass Regulations 215.15

Hook n' Look's Perspective on Michigan's Proposed Bass Regulations 215.15

Although we haven’t received official word from the DNR, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission rejected a proposal night that would haven opened the bass season to year-round catch and release and permit pre-registered tournaments after April 30 and prior to the traditional bass opener.

For details of the original proposal, click here.

The DNR’s proposal triggered a controversial debate over allowing tournaments to be held five weeks earlier than what they are now. Liberalizing the tournament season has been strongly supported by the Michigan B.A.S.S. Federation Nation while adamantly opposed by others.

The commissioners announced at Thursday night’s public meeting that it had agreed to reject the Fisheries’ Division proposal before opening the floor to public debate. Nonetheless, the public was permitted to voice its opinions, of which there were many.

Michigan angler Kim Stricker, producer of Hook ‘n Look television show, may have had an influential hand in the commissioners’ decision. Prior to the meeting, he provided each of the commissioners a video of his perspective on the impacts of early bass fishing on Lake St. Clair which has been a centerpiece of the debate. (See video above)

As a former tournament angler and strong supporter of competitive bass fishing, Stricker voiced his concerns over adding pressure during spawning seasons on Michigan’s popular smallmouth lakes like St. Clair.

Michiana Outdoors News has remained neutral on the subject, but we’re sharing Stricker’s compelling underwater video and commentary. Stricker said that while catch-and-release fishing is less apt to cause harm to St. Clair’s smallmouth bass population, tournaments held earlier in the year might.

The DNR’s decision didn’t close the issue on opening the catch and release season earlier, but likely killed any notion of an extended tournament season yet this year.

We’ll keep you posted as we hear more. We welcome site visitors to post their opinions here and on our Michiana Outdoors News’ Facebook page.