The following pertains to walleye, but I guess for any other species, but here eyes.

The idea was brought up on a nearby thread about a certain lake having larger fish, but very few eaters. I have no clue if this is correct, but what would you rather catch - one or two fish over 26" all day or 13"-15" fish consistently (say 30+) all day?

I'd take the latter 100% of the time. Although, I have two on the wall - one 31.5", that might have something to do with it. Thoughts?

13-15s until dinner is locked in, then switch to whatever I think a trophy will hit.

In the BW I fish walleyes only when I want some fillets so I'll take the second option although 13" is a little small for my preferences. I like thick fillets so 18-21" fish are my ideal. If the walleyes are going to be smaller than that I'll try for a decent pike to fillet instead.

Nothing like hammering eater walleyes all day. Ideally they would be more in the 15-18” range but who really cares.

I know next to nothing about dedicated trophy walleye fishing but I’ll take my chances lucking into a hog while you’re on a school of eaters. I’ve seen it happen plenty of times.

This ^^^

I guess I’m different…I wouldn’t sit on a school of small fish and try to luck into a big one. It happens but it is luck… I’d move. Done it many times and although It isn’t always rewarded, more often than not I am rewarded with not a couple of 26 inchers but a school of 26 inchers. Those 13-15” fish are just babies and fight like it too. But find a school of 25 inch or bigger walleyes and you are in for some fun fighting.

T

The thrill for me is finding the fish and defining a pattern. I move off size and numbers, although I may go back to a spot with some big ones.

AmarilloJim: "The thrill for me is finding the fish and defining a pattern. I move off size and numbers, although I may go back to a spot with some big ones."

+1... exactly right.

As I've got older, it's all about quality. Only caught three walleyes last winter. One was 27" and just over 7 pounds. It made my winter.


Only thing better than seeing a flag up is a blinking red light at night. ;)

I don't understand the numbers thing. I know people have their reasons, some like to brag, some find it an enjoyable thing, but I've never understood the desire to sit and pull as many walleyes (or whatever species) to the boat as possible, only to release them.

I remember on another board a poster bragging about catching 100 walleyes one day. It spurred some debate.

In the BW, my fishing has always been limited to what I planned to eat for dinner. Fish released are a result of being too big or too small. Outside of the BW, fishing has been limited to either what I want for dinner or maybe a couple more (within the allowable limit) to freeze for another meal.

I'm not overly against fishing for numbers, maybe mildly against it as I believe it undoubtedly kills some of the fish. The rules allow it... it's not for me and I don't really understand the desire.

To answer the original question, I'd rather catch one trophy walleye than 30 plus because sitting there catching 30 plus fish would only make me personally feel bad about it.

When it comes to walleyes, I catch dinner then move on to the fun species. I've gotten my share of 24-26" fish that put up a respectable fight, but those have always come while targeting other species anyways.

Catching a trophy is always a great feeling, and something you remember for a long time, but catching multiple fish over several days is much more satisfying than getting skunked for a day or two then getting a big catch. Or what is more common in my experience, you go out fishing for the day and only one person catches a fish and it is a big one, but other people are going back to camp empty handed. I'd rather have everyone catch a small fish than one person catch a fish that they hang pictures of.

Eaters would definitely be my preference when it comes to walleyes. I'd prefer to catch 2 or 3 eater walleyes and then spend the rest of my day chasing big brown fish.

I'm out there usually to just have fun and hopefully get a meal out of it. Catching fish is fun so I don't care if they are smaller. Once I stop having fun with the dinks, it's time to chase a bigger one but if the school of small fish gives me a fish in the upper teens every so often it's doubtful I will leave. Don't leave fish to find fish, as they say.

Speckled: "I don't understand the numbers thing. I know people have their reasons, some like to brag, some find it an enjoyable thing, but I've never understood the desire to sit and pull as many walleyes (or whatever species) to the boat as possible, only to release them.

I remember on another board a poster bragging about catching 100 walleyes one day. It spurred some debate.

In the BW, my fishing has always been limited to what I planned to eat for dinner. Fish released are a result of being too big or too small. Outside of the BW, fishing has been limited to either what I want for dinner or maybe a couple more (within the allowable limit) to freeze for another meal.

I'm not overly against fishing for numbers, maybe mildly against it as I believe it undoubtedly kills some of the fish. The rules allow it... it's not for me and I don't really understand the desire.

To answer the original question, I'd rather catch one trophy walleye than 30 plus because sitting there catching 30 plus fish would only make me personally feel bad about it.
"

Fishing for sport is not for everybody. It's a different mindset, really. I see both sides and I practice different ethics in different circumstances. I view fishing as going out into nature in challenging circumstances and trying to solve a riddle. The reward for success is an up-close and personal, tactile experience with an animal that lives in a completely different habitat. I haven't got bored or tired of that yet -- but then again I've never had a 30-fish day, ever.

I like to catch fish, so numbers first, then size.

Size matters.

Size..keeps the thrill alive and makes the grit worth it on hard days.