What should I do with these suckers?

homerhomer · Jan 18, 2016

Hey all,

I went out last week and caught bunch of sucker fish. I usually put them back in the river but I noticed that some throw them on the bank. Does anyone have some reasoning on what to do with these fish?

Raincatcher · Jan 18, 2016

They make great fertilizer...just sayin'.

troutmasta · Jan 18, 2016

Suckerfish are native species that are critical to our local ecosystem.

Dont kill it unless you are going to eat it or you are 100% sure its destructive to our fisheries.

People killing native species because of misinformation makes me angry :mad-new:

DrTheopolis · Jan 18, 2016

troutmasta said:
People killing native species because of misinformation makes me angry

Amen, Brother.

We've had this discussion many times. I wonder how the "desirable fish" like salmon and trout survived for eons without the brave fishing warriors taking out suckers, peamouth, and pikeminnows?

Oh, that's right -- because salmon and trout eat the young of those species.

So, I guess if you're in favor of lower returns, and smaller fish, then by all means, kill them.

And in a mindboggling twist, it's often the people who insist on releasing bass and carp (INVASIVE SPECIES that are detrimental to the native fish).

hobster · Jan 18, 2016

troutmasta said:
Suckerfish are native species that are critical to our local ecosystem.

Dont kill it unless you are going to eat it or you are 100% sure its destructive to our fisheries.

People killing native species because of misinformation makes me angry :mad-new:

x2 Always throw then back!

Raincatcher · Jan 18, 2016

To set the record straight, I only use them for fertilizer if they can't be revived. Otherwise, I always toss 'em back.

Throbbit _Shane · Jan 18, 2016

DrTheopolis said:
Amen, Brother.

And in a mindboggling twist, it's often the people who insist on releasing bass and carp (INVASIVE SPECIES that are detrimental to the native fish).

Lol if that boggles your mind. I'm sure people who trample on redds and people that need a glory shot with a half dead native fish are more detrimental then carp and bass.

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DrTheopolis · Jan 18, 2016

Throbbit _Shane said:
people who trample on redds and people that need a glory shot with a half dead native fish

Those guys are amateurs. The really special ones throw on an ounce of lead and a piece of yarn and "drift" it through the tailout with frequent "hooksets"... in late March.

Love those guys

EOBOY · Jan 18, 2016

I used to throw them on the bank, but I have since read up on the history of our native fish. The Indians eat all the fish in our rivers,even the lamp Ray. Amazing what a little knowledge can do to change a mind.

EOBOY · Jan 18, 2016

think smelt and dip nets and no limit!

1 nut in the water · Jan 18, 2016

Smoke 'em up and give them to the neighbors and in-laws!

EOBOY · Jan 18, 2016

LOL

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jamisonace · Jan 18, 2016

DrTheopolis said:
Oh, that's right -- because salmon and trout eat the young of those species.QUOTE]

Are there other reasons why they are crucial to the success of our salmon runs or can we bonk the adults?

nicholas · Jan 19, 2016

jamisonace said:
DrTheopolis said:

Oh, that's right -- because salmon and trout eat the young of those species.QUOTE]

Are there other reasons why they are crucial to the success of our salmon runs or can we bonk the adults?

Click to expand...

How about you need adults for there to be more babies?

nicholas · Jan 19, 2016

Not to mention, why bother bonking them? What good does it do?

Steel4life · Jan 19, 2016

Technically they are a non game fish, so you can do what you want with them. But what's the point in killing something that you aren't going to use in any way shape or form?

pinstriper · Jan 19, 2016

Steel4life said:
Technically they are a non game fish, so you can do what you want with them. But what's the point in killing something that you aren't going to use in any way shape or form?

Exactly. I don't like killing something I'm not going to eat. Except skunks. And coyotes, I guess.

I think people especially dislike suckers because they nibble the bait out from under our bobbers.

EOBOY · Jan 19, 2016

What do you have against coyotes they keep the cat population in check

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pinstriper · Jan 19, 2016

EOBOY said:
What do you have against coyotes they keep the cat population in check

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Deer and elk babies, for one. My goats, for another.

EOBOY · Jan 19, 2016

I was just busting your chops

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What should I do with these suckers?

What should I do with these suckers?

Throw it back in the river

Throw it on the bank

They're delicious, I eat them. Don't tell anyone.

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