Catch & Release Providing Big Results

Everything has it's place.

There is a reason for the trees.  There is a reason for the butterflies.  There is a reason for illness.  And there is a reason for predators.  This is the same in the world of angling.  There is a reason to keep and there is a reason to release.

This past weekend presented an opportunity for myself to head back to "God's County" and fish a small lake that a friend had introduced me to last year.  Rose Lake.  Despite the distinction of being named a lake, this body of water is more of an oversized pond.  Though small, this prime fishing water provides some big catches, all of which is a direct result of Catch & Release practices.
(Pictured right, largest mouth of the weekend on a Livetarget trout jerkbait)

I fish this water for two reasons:
1) It is quite.  You do not often find many people at this location.  This area is peaceful and the wildlife is abundant.
2) The bass are big and abundant.  It's almost impossible to have a day without catching any fish.

I have read that there is a multitude of different species swimming within this warm water fishery.  Perch, crappie, and catfish round out the diversity.  I have not personally caught these species, but from hearsay, I can share that anglers can expect these catches.  My main pursuit lies within the lunker largemouth bass and pesky pickerel.  Both can be caught in good numbers, but the bass provide good size.


(<--Doubleheader caught on a Livetarget jerkbait)

Once entering the property of Rose Lake you will be met with a sign asking you to only keep the pickerel that you catch.  If you wish to keep them, of course.  All other species, specifically bass, are to be released back into their environment.  This is not a place to fish if you want a meal to take home, unless you are seeking pickerel.  This is a lake that is being preserved in a way that offers anglers with a relaxing afternoon of catching quality fish in the same way that parts of Penns Creek produces the same adventure.     (Pictured right, a hefty bass landed with the use of a Berkley Crazy Legs Chigger Craw on a football head jig)

By the catches provided within the article show, if people are willing to make the investment, catch and release will produce in the end.