Skunked on Cedar Creek

[Tim_T]

Maybe they could offer a reward to people who turn in the fish poachers. I remember when they were trying to build up the turkey flock, you could turn someone in for poaching and get a reward. We even let the conservation officer put signs up on our hunting lease telling people about the reward. Of course two of the signs got shot shortly thereafter LOL.

[Bass_King2007]

I fished Cedar Creek yesterday(Sunday) and killed them we cought 15-20 one of them being over 5lbs... Got on two patterns in two different places... A white and chartruse slone's spinnerbait, and i green pumpkin brushhog.. caught most of them off the boat ramp as alot of people where putting in..... I was in a red and white Lowe, probably seen some of u guys there..

[djh480]

The thing is there is no law enforcement on the lake. I have been there alot of times and still yet have seen a warden. Just for the hell of it a partner and me went down to the bank right there by the ramp and 5 people had LM from 12 to 18 inchs on stringers. If ya tell em they are wrong they just smile at ya. Easy pickings for a game warden. On Herrington I have been checked 2 times in 1 day for safety stuff in the boat and a license. Send some to Cedar.

[know1]

The thing is there is no law enforcement on the lake. I have been there alot of times and still yet have seen a warden. Just for the hell of it a partner and me went down to the bank right there by the ramp and 5 people had LM from 12 to 18 inchs on stringers. If ya tell em they are wrong they just smile at ya. Easy pickings for a game warden. On Herrington I have been checked 2 times in 1 day for safety stuff in the boat and a license. Send some to Cedar.

2 years ago I was checked about every other time I was out there. Last year, I was out there more and was only checked once.

[dmase]

Last fall I sat on a tree line and watched a fella catch 2 nice largemouth crankin. They both went in the livewell. Neither was 20 in.
If this is to be a true trophy lake a warden needs to be on duty, mabe even stationed at the ramps on an alternating schedule only known to the KDFW.
If they burn enough of them and I mean bad, word will get out.
In any event this has to stop, I predicted the rape of the lake last year to my brother. I hope it already isn`t happining.

[DJD]

It's always going to get poached because no matter what law or reg is in place some low rent mental midget will do what he wants. Unfortunate but true....

[vmky]

I live about 5 miles from the lake and I only fish there about 3 times a year. I was down there in summer last year and saw 3 separate stringers of illegal fish before I even left the dock. Not just bass, but catfish and crappie also. With all the pressure and fish poaching going on, I would rather fish Herrington, Cumberland, and Laurel because it gets me upset to see this kind of activity. I really like the idea about a poaching hotline. I also agree that they need more enforcement with the size limits. Wish there was something I could personally do to help with this problem, but I have also been told to mind my own business several times when I try to inform someone that their fish are illegal.

[Tim_T]

Everyone needs to call 1-800-858-1549 and let KDFWR know what is going on. The more people complain, the quicker something can be done. It is the squeeky wheel syndrome.

[td176]

I have to agree with Tim_T, the more calls made when we see these things the better. I for one will do my part and have in the past!!!!

[mhall]

Everyone needs to call 1-800-858-1549 and let KDFWR know what is going on. The more people complain, the quicker something can be done. It is the squeeky wheel syndrome.

Good Freaking luck, I've got one of the worst deer poaching problems known to man on the property that I manage for our hunting. I've called everybody but George Bush and I haven't seen dudely squat done about it. I've talked to main honcho's in Frankfort and seen no relief. My county doesn't even have a game warden AT ALL ANYMORE. Fishing is no different, they say they are understaffed and overworked. I tried to be a conservation officer out of highschool, I'd had better luck becoming an Albino astronaut with the red tape involved in making that a profession at the time, Sorry fellas I feel your pain and feel the same way as you but good luck with the complaining thing you are going to need it, LOL.

[know1]

I've said it before, but I have the poaching tip line programmed in my cell phone. I can't say as I've ever paid enough attention to what other people are catching to have to use it.

A year or two ago, I was in earshot of a boat at Cedar Creek that was stopped by the wildlife officer. They had a couple of fish that were too short (can't remember which species). They claimed ignorance and the officer let them pass.

[fatika]

So is there a good time to go to Cedar Creek ? I live a hour 1/2 away but I don't want to drive all the way down there if it is flooded with boats and you can't find a place to go. Is there a horsepower limit ? I read about it in some magazine awhile ago and been wanting to go. I might use a sick day this week. I agree with catch and release also, I might throw a couple in the livewell only to take some pictures later on. Why eat the bass ?, or how many crappie do you need for a good dinner ? Some people !!