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Let’s say you set up tip-ups for

walleyes. Your flag goes up and
maybe one to five minutes — or
longer — pass. You set the hook
and catch a 14-inch walleye, but
the treble hook is in the fish’s
gullet. Mortality often happens
when you attempt to remove
hooks from the gullet or gills.

Because hook-setting devices set
the hook immediately rarely does
a fish inhale the bait. A quick hook
set almost always hooks the fish in
the top of the mouth. So, in my

opinion these type of products will
only help protect and preserve our resources.

As anglers, we also need to think hard about large tournaments on small bodies of water. The
jamborees that allow fish kills can negatively impact that lake. When I see these events on small lakes
that have the biggest pike, walleyes, bass, or other species all on a board for minimal prizes, I feel this is
a waste of the natural resources. I think many of our lakes need to be properly managed and hopefully
more jamborees consider catch and release. I support many of the jamborees that practice catch and

release.

Take a moment and think about what you can do today to help protect and preserve the resources for
the next generation.

Eric Haataja is a professional angler, guide and educator who chases big fish in the harbors and bays of
Lake Michigan or on a hot bite throughout various inland waters in Wisconsin. www.wibigfish.com