Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rodney on August 21, 2013, 10:30:09 AM

Title: Columbia River northern pike reward program
Post by: Rodney on August 21, 2013, 10:30:09 AM: As some may already know, northern pike have been illegally introduced into Columbia River. The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operates has started a reward program. Anglers are asked to bring in all northern pike's heads and if a tag is found inside the head (not visible), then you will be rewarded with $500.

(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/2013/130821-1_zpsa9143c07.jpg)
Title: Re: Columbia River northern pike reward program
Post by: Tuckster on August 21, 2013, 11:37:35 AM: How/Why were they introduced? Bait buckets? was this intentional menacing?

Also, why do the pike have tags in them and are free if they are invasive? Is it just for the reward incentive?
Title: Re: Columbia River northern pike reward program
Post by: Rodney on August 21, 2013, 11:40:20 AM: The origin of any invasive species is usually unknown. They are most likely introduced illegally, when no one is watching.

The Ministry caught, tagged and released a few back into the river. It may seem ironic, but by doing so, hopefully it gives anglers a big incentive to go out, catch and kill as many as possible.

Just to add one more point to the above note. This reward program is for northern pike, not northern pikeminnow. Northern pikeminnow are native in most watersheds of this province.

(http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/species/identification/images/northernpike.jpg)
Northern pike

(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fish_profile/images/northern_pikeminnow.jpg)
Northern pikeminnow
Title: Re: Columbia River northern pike reward program
Post by: Burbot on August 21, 2013, 07:04:24 PM: They need to do the same for bass...
Title: Re: Columbia River northern pike reward program
Post by: zap brannigan on August 22, 2013, 07:49:52 AM: Definetly, why is there limits on invasive bass.
Title: Re: Columbia River northern pike reward program
Post by: dcajaxs on August 25, 2013, 06:38:09 AM: should give rewards on reporting illegal fishing on other river systems as well.
Title: Re: Columbia River northern pike reward program
Post by: trot on August 25, 2013, 08:12:47 AM: Quote from: dcajaxs on August 25, 2013, 06:38:09 AM
should give rewards on reporting illegal fishing on other river systems as well.

Would be better off giving rewards to COs for responding to reports.
Title: Re: Columbia River northern pike reward program
Post by: jacked55 on August 25, 2013, 07:32:09 PM: I wish CO's were given a bonus on actually illegal fish seized or some kind of system like that which would give them an incentive to get out and catch the illegal fishermen. Or the government could just hire more CO's to supplement the skeleton crews that are out there now.
Title: Re: Columbia River northern pike reward program
Post by: Tenz85 on August 25, 2013, 08:16:38 PM: while we're on the topic,
what do pike like to eat besides other fish?
Title: Re: Columbia River northern pike reward program
Post by: milo on August 25, 2013, 08:43:15 PM: My buddy Tadpole, my son Daniel and I will be chasing them next weekend with a friend who lives locally.
Would be nice to score the 500$. It would cover the cost of the trip.
Title: Re: Columbia River northern pike reward program
Post by: Fishawn on August 25, 2013, 09:03:48 PM: Are these things tough to catch? Been doing a bit of reading, and it seems like they'd be great fighters. Never tried fishing for them myself. Anyone have any experience with northern pike?
Title: Re: Columbia River northern pike reward program
Post by: Every Day on August 25, 2013, 09:23:44 PM: Quote from: dcajaxs on August 25, 2013, 06:38:09 AM
should give rewards on reporting illegal fishing on other river systems as well.

Rewards of up to $20 000 are given in B.C. if you report a person introducing invasive fish and an arrest is made...
Title: Re: Columbia River northern pike reward program
Post by: Tuckster on August 25, 2013, 09:24:29 PM: Quote from: Fishawn on August 25, 2013, 09:03:48 PM
Are these things tough to catch? Been doing a bit of reading, and it seems like they'd be great fighters. Never tried fishing for them myself. Anyone have any experience with northern pike?

Pike are super easy to catch, cast big spinners, top water, jerk baits. Good fighters in cool water, lethargic in warm water. Decent to eat too, but a little boney.