Who says fishing doesn't pay? Anglers in Michigan can earn a $100 reward if they catch the right walleye.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources just announced that they've released 3,000 walleye fitted with jaw tags in tributary rivers of the Saginaw Bay. And, 20 percent of the tagged fish include the reward when reported back to the state.
There are actually two types of tags for anglers to watch for. A jaw tag, which is a tag in the fish's mouth, just like it sounds. The other tag is an orange disk tag. If you catch one of these fish, make sure to note the tag's identification number, the fish's length and weight.
Anglers also have the option of keeping or releasing their catch, but they have to get a clear photo of the catch.
To report a tagged fish, anglers have a few options. They can call the DNR Bay City Customer Service Center at 989-684-9141.
The tagged fish aren't just for fun, but rather are part of a study of walleye populations in the area.
"This information is essential to measuring the health of the population and is critical data we use to plan future management direction needed to protect and enhance this important fishery," said Dave Fielder, research biologist out of the DNR's Alpena Fisheries Research Station. "Besides ensuring the walleye fishery remains sustainable, we also annually estimate the population size with the aid of these tag reports."
Anglers who submit information on a tagged fish will also receive back a report on the history of their catch.
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