1994 to 2011 Catch and Release Data

[Tony Scime]

I've added a pdf report detailing NMA Catch and Release Data from 1994 to 2011. This has nothing to do with lures, colors, anglers, or any of that fun stuff. Just the fish, and the ups, downs, and overall health and quality of the fishery.

This data is way more important to us than that other "fun" info. You have to have fish to catch fish. If you have fish, you can catch them with almost any lure, color, or angler.

The report is in the "Release Reports" section, and is available to members only.

Some interesting observations: NMA members reported more C&Rs in 2011 than any other year since 1997 (the big crash). And the fishery has bounced back nicely since the 2005 to 2007 die-off (I'm still not sure if any fisheries people have acknowledged this). The catches in 2006 and 2007 were horrendous, no wonder I switched to bass for a few years.

I'll be providing more analysis in upcoming newsletters.

[Scott McKee]

Prior to 2005 when I took over the newsletter responsibilities from Tony, our newsletter had a much different "feel" that it does today.  There were lots of chart and graphs and analysis of hard data by Tony.  If you ask me, it was awesome.  When my newsletter arrived each month you could count on me being late for work.  I would read it cover-to-cover no matter how late I was running.  The July issue sort of has that "feel" to it for about eight pages and then the rest of it has much of the sophomoric "humor" the last seven or so years have provided.  Tony's ADS article in the July issue is a must-read piece for anyone who is serious about muskies and our fishery.  I strongly urge you to not skip this article.

[John Miller]

Tony, I just spent sometime reading the December 1994 and 1995 News Letters and it really helped me realize how great our fishery once was.  The December reports reflected November catches and there were alot of big fish being caught in the river at the time.  Seems like a November in 94' or 95' produced more big fish then the river does in an entire season now......sad that I missed that.  Hopefully shes on her way back to greatness.

[Scott McKee]

John, if you want to get sick to your stomach, checkout the 1996 Release Report and what happened on Opening Weekend.  You won't believe your eyes.

[John Miller]

I read July 1996 Newsletter and I can not believe what I have read!  Oh God please help this fishery rebound to its past potential.