Lots of guys selling catfish

[Drew1233]

Mr. Brooks, I feel like the best way to catch these people that do not have the lisence and that are selling these fish is to have the pay lake owners fill out some sort of a forum or paper that shows the lisence number the amount and sizes of the fish. These pay lakes need to have a limit on how many fish they can buy and of what species because clearly a blue cat will not thrive in these environments because of the lack of flowing water. I know this probably won't change your thought but I hope it will. I hope to be able to fish the rivers and lakes of Kentucky when I'm old. I'm not one to often fish the river but I feel like its only right to keep the lakes and rivers in balance. I would also like you to look at the conversations on here about the dead fish in the river because of the dams. I was told there were many dead fish from a variety of species in the water. Thank you very much, drew

[steve douglas]

My representative Dave Floyd just called me back and assured me he will be at the October meeting.
How about your rep.

[KDFWR Fisheries]

Drew, I am answering this because I failed to state earlier that I rarely have time to scan the various discussion boards and almost never have time to get into a running discussion. Therefore, I will limit my posts to address issues in a fashion similar to the catfish response I gave yesterday. It's not that I do not want to talk to anglers, I simply do not have the time on these many forums. We are looking at possibly getting a person to keep an eye on the forums so that we can address at least some of the questions and concerns that a broad number of people may have - such as this catfish issue.

Having said all of that, I will try to answer your questions since i'm here. I agree that actually catching illegal sales of fish is not easy, but when it becomes as widespread as it sounds like this has, we do have resourceful Conservation Officers. I would reiterate that the most important factor in catching people who persist in breaking the law is the public who are willing to call us. If someone is really concerned about illegal selling of big catfish, then it should be no problem to turn the culprit(s) in.

I also want to tell you that there are several states talking together to address oversight of pay lakes given the popularity of the trophy catfish aspect of the business.

Fish kills below dams can occur if large amounts of water is released and the plunging below causes supersaturation of nitrogen in the water. The fish end up with nitrogen bubbles in their circulatory system which can be fatal. Not alot that can be done in those cases short of major renovations of the way water is released or by creating a situation where there is minimal plunge associated with the release. There has been some research dedicated to this issue. Google "nitrogen embolism in fish" for more information.

hope this helped.

Mr. Brooks, I feel like the best way to catch these people that do not have the lisence and that are selling these fish is to have the pay lake owners fill out some sort of a forum or paper that shows the lisence number the amount and sizes of the fish. These pay lakes need to have a limit on how many fish they can buy and of what species because clearly a blue cat will not thrive in these environments because of the lack of flowing water. I know this probably won't change your thought but I hope it will. I hope to be able to fish the rivers and lakes of Kentucky when I'm old. I'm not one to often fish the river but I feel like its only right to keep the lakes and rivers in balance. I would also like you to look at the conversations on here about the dead fish in the river because of the dams. I was told there were many dead fish from a variety of species in the water. Thank you very much, drew

[peter]

Catfish anglers are concerned about the number of trophy fish in the Ohio River. Many in the pay lake industry have added a trophy fish component to their fishing opportunities which has increased the value of large fish. Consequently, the likelihood of increased harvest of trophy catfish for pay lakes coupled with decreases in trophy catfish weighed in at tournaments have compelled anglers to request size restrictions on trophy catfish harvest. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has routinely sampled the Ohio River to monitor the catfish populations, but during the past year, the Department increased its sampling effort and solicited data from other states and universities to gather enough information to be able to confidently assess blue, channel and flathead catfish populations in the river. The Department is holding a public meeting at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 26, 2013, at the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton, Kentucky. We will discuss the status of trophy catfish in the Ohio River and potential regulations that may be proposed to enhance the trophy catfish numbers in the river and statewide. This meeting will begin with a presentation describing catfish data collected over the past several years with a special emphasis on this past year’s increased effort. Following the presentation, a survey that will be distributed so that all participants are assured their opinions are recorded. Finally, there will be an open-discussion period to allow participants (who wish) to speak publically on the issues. Everyone with an interest in Kentucky’s trophy catfish are invited to attend this meeting.

The address to the Research Center is:
University of Kentucky Research and Education Center
1205 Hopkinsville St, Princeton, KY 42445



Ron Brooks
Fisheries Division Director
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Sportsman's Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601

[Rudypoo4444]

We have to look no further than the history of the Missouri river to find out what over harvest by CF will do. Catfish need regulations the same as the rest of sportfish that are high in demand before over harvest plain and simple. Why hasn't someone created a pay lake full of bighead and silver carp????they get huge,are great fighters and get air...Two birds,one stone.This is what our big blue population has to look forward to....dumpsters behind the paylakes. Sad

Can you tell us what paylake this was?

[riverrat12]

Can you tell us what paylake this was?

I believe it is Catfish Paradise in OH. Chuck

[gocards40]

Maybe I am missing something, but how can they afford to pay that much? I haven't been to a pay lake in a while, but don't most charge in the $12 range for someone to fish and let them keep about five fish for that price? If they pay anywhere near those prices to stock the fish, it seems like they would run themselves out of business in no time.

Maybe if they were having a big fish contest that particular lake would pay that for one big fish, but I can't imagine they pay that as a going rate to stock their fish. Plus wouldn't they would need a more reliable guaranteed source in order to meet the demands of their regular scheduled stocking?

I am not trying to belittle the problem this thread is bringing to everyone's attention, because obviously there is a problem and for whatever reasons it sounds like too many people are taking way too many fish. I am just trying to understand the numbers.

what I have been told about the pay lakes that have the blues is that you are not allowed to take the fish from the pay lake. It has to be released. I don't know though.

[jfw]

Is that legal?

You are supposed to have a commercial fishing license to sell any fish ...period

[Beespringer]

Missouri, Tn ,WV and Alabama all have regulations on catfish and their quality shows it. Ky has lagged behind in this matter even though other species have limits and regulations. Many C/F from other states come to Ky to catch big catfish for the paylakes because their states reckonized the damage done and made it illegal,
its not only the Ohio river that's being hurt its also other rivers and reservoirs like Ky and Barkley lakes.
Many of these trophy fish that are netted in KYs wild waters are taken out of state and stocked in pay ponds !
Imagine the outrage if this were Bass or trout.... If you feel the same as I do than call your Rep and request him to attend the meeting.

[mhall]

Missouri, Tn ,WV and Alabama all have regulations on catfish and their quality shows it. Ky has lagged behind in this matter even though other species have limits and regulations. Many C/F from other states come to Ky to catch big catfish for the paylakes because their states reckonized the damage done and made it illegal,
its not only the Ohio river that's being hurt its also other rivers and reservoirs like Ky and Barkley lakes.
Many of these trophy fish that are netted in KYs wild waters are taken out of state and stocked in pay ponds !
Imagine the outrage if this were Bass or trout.... If you feel the same as I do than call your Rep and request him to attend the meeting.

AGREE..............

[riverrat12]

AGREE..............

Mark I believe the rep. we need to talk to here is Ernnie Harris, Oldham Co. State REP. (502) 564-8100. Chuck

[riverrat12]

Missouri, Tn ,WV and Alabama all have regulations on catfish and their quality shows it. Ky has lagged behind in this matter even though other species have limits and regulations. Many C/F from other states come to Ky to catch big catfish for the paylakes because their states reckonized the damage done and made it illegal,
its not only the Ohio river that's being hurt its also other rivers and reservoirs like Ky and Barkley lakes.
Many of these trophy fish that are netted in KYs wild waters are taken out of state and stocked in pay ponds !
Imagine the outrage if this were Bass or trout.... If you feel the same as I do than call your Rep and request him to attend the meeting.

Yes very well stated. Chuck