Quote Originally Posted by justbob View Post
Had another great week last week on the TFF but did catch way too many Smallmouth Bass. I just talked to some friends who are on the Minaqua Chain and that's what they have been catching instead of walleyes also. Anyone have any info on why so many smallmouth bass?
Very poor recruitment happening on the chain. Besides, the environment on that chain is drastically changing due to environmental and man-made factors: Warmer water temperatures, too many nitrates & nasty stuff draining in, shoreline development and removal of original habitat required for YOY survival.. You get the idea.

Can't say that the bass are being overprotected. Healthy fisheries happen for a reason, and that is because of common sense.

To answer the original question; Blame overfishing. In addition, certain anglers need to quit keeping every single legal walleye (the spawners) they catch. Simple.

But if fish aren't being caught, maybe it's time for fishermen to start thinking outside of the box? Try new techniques that maybe fish haven't seen? Put the jigs and live bait away?

I've been observing that out of 8 every 10 boats seen at Fisherman's Landing at least 8 of them are probably after walleyes. Of the two remaining, I'm one of them who fishes for bass and is happy.