I need to know how anyone has had success catching large minnows/suckers. Researched cast nets but they're very heavy (upwards of 12 lbs). The suckers were spawning mid May2011 on Gijikiki and there were hundreds all around our canoe in a shallow bay.

Suckers will subsequently be used in a bridle rig and bobber presentation for large pike.

Besides being heavy, cast nets are illegal in Minnesota.

quote VenisonSteaks: "I need to know how anyone has had success catching large minnows/suckers. Researched cast nets but they're very heavy (upwards of 12 lbs). The suckers were spawning mid May2011 on Gijikiki and there were hundreds all around our canoe in a shallow bay.

Suckers will subsequently be used in a bridle rig and bobber presentation for large pike. "

Mitch,
Welcome Aboard I see you just signed on here on BWCA.com
Like Flyfishing, Hunting, and Canoe Country...It doesn't get any better than that!

Good to have you.

SunCatcher

Take some night crawlers with you and fish for your bait.

quote tonyyarusso: "Besides being heavy, cast nets are illegal in Minnesota."

I'm open to all methods regardless of legal status.

Fishing for bait sounds reasonable.

Perhaps a small gill net??

quote VenisonSteaks: "I'm open to all methods regardless of legal status."

What the hell is wrong with you? Go ruin some other state's resources then!

quote tonyyarusso: "

quote VenisonSteaks: "I'm open to all methods regardless of legal status."

What the hell is wrong with you? Go ruin some other state's resources then!"

+1, Bigtime.

In fact, if thats your attitude, maybe don't even go outside at all. Anywhere.

they are pretty easy to catch with a small hook with a piece of nightcrawler.

another option is a minnow / crawfish trap baited with bread

You can just use ciscos for pike, no need to trap suckers.
Or bring suckers in. They don't have to be alive for pike fishing.

quote apugarcia: "

quote tonyyarusso: "

quote VenisonSteaks: "I'm open to all methods regardless of legal status."

What the hell is wrong with you? Go ruin some other state's resources then!"

+1, Bigtime. "

+2, is this guy serious?

quote VenisonSteaks: "

quote tonyyarusso: "Besides being heavy, cast nets are illegal in Minnesota."

I'm open to all methods regardless of legal status.


Fishing for bait sounds reasonable.


Perhaps a small gill net??"

In that case, I suggest a couple of sticks of dynamite. We'll alert the authorities...

quote VenisonSteaks: "I need to know how anyone has had success catching large minnows/suckers. Researched cast nets but they're very heavy (upwards of 12 lbs). The suckers were spawning mid May2011 on Gijikiki and there were hundreds all around our canoe in a shallow bay.

Suckers will subsequently be used in a bridle rig and bobber presentation for large pike. "

Suckers are a rough fish, so try seining or spearing some.
You can also use a large cone type minnow trap with the throats stretched open to at least 2 inches wide. Do this with a long necked beer bottle by inserting the neck of the bottle through the existing throat hole, then keep pressing and turning it until the hole size is to your liking.
You will be surprised at how large a sucker can fit through a 2+ inch hole in a cone trap.

Regardless of legal status WTF if u ever are @my camp for a fish fry ur gonna get the pieces with bones in them regardless of legal status

quote tmoneyfsu: "

quote apugarcia: "

quote tonyyarusso: "

quote VenisonSteaks: "I'm open to all methods regardless of legal status."

What the hell is wrong with you? Go ruin some other state's resources then!"

+1, Bigtime. "

+2, is this guy serious? "

+3, either he's serious and the riciculously irresponsible type or he's laughing his head off and not serious

quote The Great Outdoors: "Suckers are a rough fish, so try seining or spearing some.
You can also use a large cone type minnow trap with the throats stretched open to at least 2 inches wide. Do this with a long necked beer bottle by inserting the neck of the bottle through the existing throat hole, then keep pressing and turning it until the hole size is to your liking.
You will be surprised at how large a sucker can fit through a 2+ inch hole in a cone trap. "

Interesting...Some good advice here, i will have to try this, thanks.

In regards to my original question, said net would only be used during sucker spawns where large concentrations are observed in a small area and therefore taking 1-2 suckers would not upset the balance of the lake. I have found this (using native suckers) to be the best method for catching trophy sized fish.

I doubt if taking a couple walleyes outside of the slot limit on Lakes with a slot limit would upset the lakes eco system, but it is still %#@$*&* illegal!!! WTF.....

Wow.

I doubt stealing a few suckers from TGO's minnow tank while he's not looking wouldn't ruin him financially but its still wrong.

Looked at his picture in his profile with his legal or not thoughts wonder what zoo he poached that out of.

If ALL of us diregarded rules like that....where would we be? Where could we go? WOW is right. Probably spotlighted/poached with a rifle.......hell- it was just ONE! WOW. Forget legalities...think morality.

quote kyleyewongster: "I doubt stealing a few suckers from TGO's minnow tank while he's not looking wouldn't ruin him financially but its still wrong. "

Actually stealing some suckers from TGO's minnow tank or traps would help him get some fresh bait for his leech traps, if he caught you!:)
Bwahahahahahahahahaha

I can't believe your Candor! Your absolutely serious when you say this nonsense. I'm honestly shocked.
I feel bad for your Parents....and Children.

quote The Great Outdoors: "

quote kyleyewongster: "I doubt stealing a few suckers from TGO's minnow tank while he's not looking wouldn't ruin him financially but its still wrong. "

Actually stealing some suckers from TGO's minnow tank or traps would help him get some fresh bait for his leech traps, if he caught you!:)
Bwahahahahahahahahaha"

Nice!

Wow I would leave his kids out of this right now but yea geezI I don't want to stop at a country stop sign when I can see for 500yds but I still do just went fishing for mr wally on mississippi rvr in illinois caught seven 14 3/4 inches 15 inch limit went home hungry but all went back and I was happy

Does anyone think the police in Minneapolis MN would be intrusted in Mitchell's (VenisonSteaks) conversation about his illegal netting. I can even give them photo ID of him.

...I love this thread LMAO, what a gomer

quote VenisonSteaks: "

quote tonyyarusso: "Besides being heavy, cast nets are illegal in Minnesota."

I'm open to all methods regardless of legal status.


Fishing for bait sounds reasonable.


Perhaps a small gill net??"

Grenades will get you 'big suckers', Big Suckers

quote MeatGun: "In fact, if thats your attitude, maybe don't even go outside at all. Anywhere. "

+1

quote VenisonSteaks: "

quote tonyyarusso: "Besides being heavy, cast nets are illegal in Minnesota."

I'm open to all methods regardless of legal status."

Really? I hope you are open to paying fines and spending time in jail when eventually you are caught. It is disappointing to hear of folks that have such an open disregard for the rules and regulations that protect our resources. Very sad indeed.

Before you all decide to be this man's judge, jury and executioner, a quick check of the regs should be in order.

"Licensed anglers and children under 16 may take rough fish by spearing, harpooning, archery, and hand held dip nets on all inland waters, except where taking fish is prohibited."

Rough fish include suckers. Some lakes and streams are prohibited (mostly wherever there are trout"

Anyone who doesnt know the regulations well enough to know that rough fish can be netted (or speared or arrowed) probably shouldnt be being all high and mighty and passing judgement on a fellow outdoors man, and probably would be served better reading through the regs that they clearly do not know well enough.

quote BearDown: "Before you all decide to be this man's judge, jury and executioner, a quick check of the regs should be in order.


"Licensed anglers and children under 16 may take rough fish by spearing, harpooning, archery, and hand held dip nets on all inland waters, except where taking fish is prohibited."


Rough fish include suckers. Some lakes and streams are prohibited (mostly wherever there are trout"


Anyone who doesnt know the regulations well enough to know that rough fish can be netted (or speared or arrowed) probably shouldnt be being all high and mighty and passing judgement on a fellow outdoors man, and probably would be served better reading through the regs that they clearly do not know well enough."

Your missing the entire point, What pisses everybody off is his statement that he was open to all methods regardless of legal status. You can stick up for him if you want, but he is the kind of outlaw we do not need in Canoe Country.

The problem is that he says, "I'm open to all methods regardless of legal status."

Thats the issue

quote halvorsonchristopher1: "The problem is that he says, "I'm open to all methods regardless of legal status."


Thats the issue"

EXACTLY the issue!! He never claims that he is legal. What he claims is "regardless of legal status". Maybe it was a bad choice of how he stated his intentions, but what he stated, is not sitting well with this audience.

He only said that after he asked for help on a common legal practice that is used across the US to catch bait, and got a lie for a response. I follow the regulations, but I probably woulda said the same smartass response to piss off the liar. There are way too many people passing off as fact, their opinions of what is best for the environment, when they have no actual knowledge. I've listened to way to many people telling others what they should or shouldn't eat or they shouldn't fish that way or use this deadbait, when all anyone should be doing is following the regulations.

I'd say "lie" is a pretty bold assumption.

LIE; noun 1. a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood.

I don't know how you can determine whether the response he got was "in error' or "a lie". As I see no intent to deceive, I would say the response was not a lie, but simply in error.

Beardown, I'm not sure what amazes me more, venison admitting openly on this forum that he doesn't care on the legality of what he does or you coming out and defending him. At least the two of you seem to be out numbered and the majority of those here don't condone his actions or statements.

Gillnet? I didn't know. I thought it was against REGS where I came from. Must read up. It should be easy fishing now. What great publicity for BW.

BearDown, read the regulations you pasted again. They say handheld dip nets, NOT cast nets, making my response 100% accurate, and OP flagrantly dismissive of that fact.

quote overthehill: " If ALL of us diregarded rules like that....where would we be? Where could we go? WOW is right. Probably spotlighted/poached with a rifle.......hell- it was just ONE! WOW. Forget legalities...think morality. "

I don't rifle hunt. The buck you question was shot at 22 yards via bow and arrow in the northern suburbs.

quote Huntindave: "

quote VenisonSteaks: "

quote tonyyarusso: "Besides being heavy, cast nets are illegal in Minnesota."

I'm open to all methods regardless of legal status."

Really? I hope you are open to paying fines and spending time in jail when eventually you are caught. It is disappointing to hear of folks that have such an open disregard for the rules and regulations that protect our resources. Very sad indeed."

Certainly, however discussing such methods is not illegal.

quote tonyyarusso: "What the hell is wrong with you? Go ruin some other state's resources then!"

Lets employ this logic in a real world scenario. Say we were to discuss the efficacy of myostatin inhibitors to adding LBM for athletes. Since the administration of myostatin inhibitors is illegal under IOC rules,
your logic states that the experiments/data/results should be deleted from the medical record, and those associated with its debate should be shunned from the medical community for merely examining the topic.

This logic does not lend itself to progressive thinking.

quote fishfry: "Does anyone think the police in Minneapolis MN would be intrusted in Mitchell's (VenisonSteaks) conversation about his illegal netting. I can even give them photo ID of him."

@ fishfry; I'm calling you out on this one. You should TOTALLY do this!!! I would LOVE to see the look on the conservation officers face when you bring this thread to his attention!!

"Rough fish are defined as carp, buffalo, sucker, red horse, sheeps head,bowfin, burbot (eelpout), cisco (tullibee), gar, mooneye, and bullhead.
The regulations below apply to spearing rough fish in state waters unless noted other wise in this booklet
It is unlawful to possess on, or near waters, a net or any device that can take fish. The exceptions are angling equipment and landing nets used for angling, seines, and traps for taking minnows for bait, and as otherwise specifically authorized."
PP 75-76. MN DNR Regs, 2013.

As a newbie to this forum, I have made several observations based on this thread:
1) A significant percentage of people are more interested in trolling/flaming then contributing original thought; and do so
2) without adequate knowledge or research to comment with any certainty and have the tendency to make ASSumptions.

One of the purposes of these types of forums is to have the opportunity to discuss ideas without fear of being punished.
Additionally, we should aim to allow a free exchange of ideas so that we may modify techniques in order to increase their efficacy. If one chooses to employ illegal techniques then they will inevitably receive their proper comeuppance.
At no point did I assert that illegal tactics would be used, rather that all ideas should be explored and weighted.
The goal was to explore methods used to catch large-suckers, discuss and assess their efficacy in situ, modify if necessary, and experiment with these methods.

Unfortunately this thread has not lended itself to (m)any of these goals.

In order to retain some integrity of this forum I encourage the forum moderator to delete all flamed posts so that we may gain something from this topic.

I have been a member of this forum for quite some time and although I have not always agreed with everything everyone has posted, venison steaks is the first poster who I will just ignore and not even open or read anything that he posts in the future. Won't make any difference in the overall scope of things but at least I won't waste my time.

quote VenisonSteaks: "

quote tonyyarusso: "What the hell is wrong with you? Go ruin some other state's resources then!"

Lets employ this logic in a real world scenario. Say we were to discuss the efficacy of myostatin inhibitors to adding LBM for athletes. Since the administration of myostatin inhibitors is illegal under IOC rules,
your logic states that the experiments/data/results should be deleted from the medical record, and those associated with its debate should be shunned from the medical community for merely examining the topic.


This logic does not lend itself to progressive thinking."

For such a logical person you're rather prone to making logical errors. In short, your conclusions about other poster's 'logic' do not follow from the premises. It doesn't seem to me that anyone was stating their opposition to posts with the kind of theoretical, hypothetical, research-oriented character which you've retro-actively attributed to your previous posts. The crux of the matter is that your openness "to all methods regardless of legal status" is patently (based upon what you say in your posts) not for the sake of a mere discussion of "efficacy". You clearly indicate that your being "open to all methods" is for the sake of "use" ("praxis", as distinguished from "theoria"), namely use "in a bridle rig...". So tell me, after you caught some of those trophy-sized fish you mention, using illegally obtained suckers, being a one-man research institution and all, which peer-reviewed journal were you going to publish your findings in? Please, don't let the posters here impede scientific progress by deterring your trailblazing efforts. After all, Galileo was persecuted too.

You said you are "open" to illegal methods. That makes you a poacher, and as such absolutely unwelcome here. Your drivel about just "discussing" illegal methods is bullshit and you know it. If you think a method ought to be illegal, take it up with the DNR, and then you can talk about using it after they decide to change the rules, but since you're looking for a lazy way to harvest fish that are spawning, we all know there's no way in hell that's going to happen, so just scram.

quote tonyyarusso: "You said you are "open" to illegal methods. That makes you a poacher"

No it doesn't.

Perhaps then I misstated, I'm open to learning about all methods of catching large suckers.

quote tonyyarusso: "You said you are "open" to illegal methods. That makes you a poacher, and as such absolutely unwelcome here. Your drivel about just "discussing" illegal methods is bullshit and you know it. If you think a method ought to be illegal, take it up with the DNR, and then you can talk about using it after they decide to change the rules, but since you're looking for a lazy way to harvest fish that are spawning, we all know there's no way in hell that's going to happen, so just scram."

Agreed. If it is OK to come here and break ours laws, how about I come and empty my RV black tank in your yard. Also just as illegal. Is that OK to talk about in the interest of "open" discussion?

quote georgelesley: "Agreed. If it is OK to come here and break ours laws, how about I come and empty my RV black tank in your yard. Also just as illegal. Is that OK to talk about in the interest of "open" discussion?"

Certainly, however a bit inappropriate for this forum.
PS. I don't have a lawn....

quote kayakrookie1: "For such a logical person you're rather prone to making logical errors. In short, your conclusions about other poster's 'logic' do not follow from the premises. It doesn't seem to me that anyone was stating their opposition to posts with the kind of theoretical, hypothetical, research-oriented character which you've retro-actively attributed to your previous posts. The crux of the matter is that your openness "to all methods regardless of legal status" is patently (based upon what you say in your posts) not for the sake of a mere discussion of "efficacy". You clearly indicate that your being "open to all methods" is for the sake of "use" ("praxis", as distinguished from "theoria"), namely use "in a bridle rig...". So tell me, after you caught some of those trophy-sized fish you mention, using illegally obtained suckers, being a one-man research institution and all, which peer-reviewed journal were you going to publish your findings in? Please, don't let the posters here impede scientific progress by deterring your trailblazing efforts. After all, Galileo was persecuted too."

FINALLY SOME ORIGINAL THOUGHTS, THANK YOU kayakrookie1!

PS: I'm not aware of any scientific journals dedicated to sport fishing. But please feel free to enlighten me.

quote mutz: "I have been a member of this forum for quite some time and although I have not always agreed with everything everyone has posted, venison steaks is the first poster who I will just ignore and not even open or read anything that he posts in the future. Won't make any difference in the overall scope of things but at least I won't waste my time."

+1
Don't keep feeding this stooge.

quote kyleyewongster: "

quote mutz: "I have been a member of this forum for quite some time and although I have not always agreed with everything everyone has posted, venison steaks is the first poster who I will just ignore and not even open or read anything that he posts in the future. Won't make any difference in the overall scope of things but at least I won't waste my time."

+1
Don't keep feeding this stooge."

I agree, it's hard to match wits with a unarmed man!!!!

quote kyleyewongster: "

quote mutz: "I have been a member of this forum for quite some time and although I have not always agreed with everything everyone has posted, venison steaks is the first poster who I will just ignore and not even open or read anything that he posts in the future. Won't make any difference in the overall scope of things but at least I won't waste my time."

+1
Don't keep feeding this stooge."

I agree, it's hard to match wits with a unarmed man!!!!

i knew this thread was going to be entertaining when i first saw it. stick with the 24" dip net or worm-hook-bobber. a gill net in your possession will get you fined weather your using it or not. and as soon as the walleye's are done doing there thing the suckers(whitefish also) will move into those area's to feed on the walleye spawn first, then suckers will spawn shortly after that. ya there is no shortage of suckers in the BW but the law is the law.

VenisonSteaks: "I need to know how anyone has had success catching large minnows/suckers. Researched cast nets but they're very heavy (upwards of 12 lbs). The suckers were spawning mid May2011 on Gijikiki and there were hundreds all around our canoe in a shallow bay.

Suckers will subsequently be used in a bridle rig and bobber presentation for large pike. "

OK so here’s what I learned.

1. The best way to catch suckers is usually just hook, worm and bobber, might as well setup a minnow trap at camp while you’re at it.
2. Dip nets are evidently legal however impractical imo.
3. Cast-nets seems like a good idea but casting into a group of suckers sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen, and it would be difficult to catch just 1 or 2 suckers like the OP wanted, besides being heavy and illegal.
4. Gill net is pretty much out of the question, destructive, and also illegal.
5. Seine netting might be an interesting idea however double check the laws as they apply and they might differ per region/lake system.

Overall the easiest method of catching trophy pike in the BWCA is to simply bring in frozen ciscoes (check lake regs first).

I no longer go to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area “Wilderness” because of large amounts of traffic, rubbish and generally novice and amateur travelers. I don't really think of the area as wilderness.

A special shout out to all the nonsense on this thread though. It’s funny how distorted things can get by a one word.
Same rules apply if you’ve ever gone faster than the speed limit, or knowingly broken any law in any way, ever.

Damn , Venison steaks been waiting 9 years to set the record straight LOL. Dip nets are effective IF your in that window right after walleye spawning 10 days after ice out (generally speaking)and pass on the ciscoes even if you can find them , stick with suckers in that 4"-9" range. Been telling you all this for years , screw the ciscoes get and freeze suckers in a sandwich zip lock (4-6 at a time) then what i do is freeze the ziplocks in layers in a 6-pack type cooler(that fits underneath seat) , your golden on dead bait for 5+ days. & some ice for a KLC !

shock: "Damn , Venison steaks been waiting 9 years to set the record straight LOL. Dip nets are effective IF your in that window right after walleye spawning 10 days after ice out (generally speaking)and pass on the ciscoes even if you can find them , stick with suckers in that 4"-9" range. Been telling you all this for years , screw the ciscoes get and freeze suckers in a sandwich zip lock (4-6 at a time) then what i do is freeze the ziplocks in layers in a 6-pack type cooler(that fits underneath seat) , your golden on dead bait for 5+ days. & some ice for a KLC ! "

SOLID ADVICE, THANKS!!!

Easy to catch your bait these days with electronics. I just use a sinking bead headed nymph or muddler minnow and let er fall slow into the school.