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Multiple questions address the issue of Motor Trolling. Here they are for your consideration:
QUESTION 75. Allow Motor Trolling Statewide
Motor trolling is trailing a lure, bait, or similar device used to attract or catch fish from a boat while being propelled (forward or backward) by a motor or a sail. Currently, motor trolling is illegal except in some counties, specified waters, and for certain disabled anglers.
Some anglers feel that allowing motor trolling statewide would reduce complexity, simplify fishing regulations, increase angling opportunity, reduce unnecessary confusion and citations, and remove any confusion about dragging suckers while musky fishing. Motor trolling is allowed in all waters of surrounding states and Ontario, without any adverse effects. If trolling were allowed statewide it would remove confusion on where you can and cannot legally motor troll, and would eliminate the need for “position fishing” rules and disabled motor trolling permits.
75. Do you favor allowing motor trolling statewide?
75. YES _____
NO ______
And:
QUESTIONS 18-20: Motor Trolling (Please also see Question 75 on the WCC side of the questionnaire, simply asking “would you support trolling statewide, YES or NO?”)
“Motor trolling” is trailing a lure, bait, or similar device used to attract or catch fish from a boat while being propelled (forwards or backwards) by a motor or a sail, or while being towed by a boat being propelled by a motor or sail. Casting and immediate retrieval of a bait or lure while being propelled by a motor or a sail is not motor trolling. Where trolling is allowed, anglers may use up to 3 lines (effectively 3 hooks, baits, or lures).
Currently, rules governing motor trolling differ across the inland waters of Wisconsin, and no substantive biological justification can be provided for the current situation. In 18 counties throughout the state, motor trolling is specifically allowed on all waters; in 45 counties, one or more specifically named waters are open to motor trolling; and in 9 counties, all waters are specifically closed to motor trolling. Wisconsin is the only state that maintains any statewide or regional restrictions on trolling.
Motor trolling has been controversial because trolling may take up more acreage per angler than casting and could result in higher user conflicts among anglers. However, allowing trolling may not result in any change in the level of user conflicts, given the number of other recreational boaters and jet skiers currently using lakes and large rivers. A 2010-11 statewide mail survey of musky anglers found that conflicts with speed boats, jet skis, etc., was the 4th highest ranking problem in musky fishing; and conflicts with other anglers ranked 16th out of 18 identified problems. In addition, if motor trolling were legalized statewide, 91% of musky anglers indicated that they would engage in some amount of trolling.
In 1998, the Department proposed a rule change at the spring hearings to allow motor trolling with one hook, bait, or lure in all areas closed to trolling. The result was 1,322 YES to 1,969 NO, with 34 counties in favor and 35 against. Since then, two region-wide proposals have passed to open entire counties to trolling, including several counties in south central and northwest Wisconsin.
18. Would you support rule changes that would allow motor trolling statewide with the current allowable 3 lines per angler?
18. YES _____
NO ______
19. Would you support rule changes that would allow motor trolling statewide with up to 2 lines per angler?
19. YES _____
NO ______
20. Would you support rule changes that would allow motor trolling statewide with only 1 line per angler?
20. YES _____
NO ______
There's a lot to chew on there. Our neighboring state Minnesota allows motor trolling with one line per angler. This forces you to make a decision as to your preferred fishing method. You don't see guys in Mn. casting while dangling a sucker unless one guy is doing the casting and another is tending the sucker.
Another consideration I believe is the size of the body of water you're on. Some of you may remember the days when "backtrolling" was allowed. It was almost ridiculous to see multiple boats out on a 300 acre lake with planer boards all over the place and the ensuing "conflicts" with other fishermen and recreational boaters that took place.
There are times when I would love to be able to throw out a line and just motor around for a break or if I have clients that are physically unable to cast for a whole day however, I really don't want to see boats out there looking like they're salmon fishing the great lakes. I'm personally a little undecided on how I'll vote for these questions but am leaning towards the following:
Question 75: No (again with the too broad of a definition deal)
Question18: No
Question19: No
Question 20: yes
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