Fishing derbies possible in future

LINCOLN — If a few Nebraska fish had a big bounty, would there be more anglers chasing those prizes?

Nebraska’s fisheries chief thinks so. And the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission agrees.

Commissioners approved a change Friday in state regulations allowing tagged fish for tournaments, derbies or contests in public waters if the events meet Game and Parks’ standards.

“Would people tend to fish in an area with a million-dollar fish swimming there? It’s worth a try,’’ said Don Gabelhouse, the commission’s fisheries manager. “Tagged fish can be life-changing amounts of money.”

Gabelhouse said there are no active plans for such events this year, but they are now possible.

Cabela’s, the Nebraska-based hunting, fishing and outdoor retailer, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year with fishing derbies in some states. Nebraska was not among them.

Gabelhouse said that many anglers still fish for fun and to spend time with family and friends, but some have found other things to do.

“This is just a new angle,” he said. “It’s a new direction in marketing fishing.”

Commission biologists would tag the fish and control the events, Gabelhouse said.

In other business, commissioners:

»Approved adding non-residents to those who may apply for deer-hunting permits in areas where there is a drawing for permits. Nebraska residents would get first crack at the drawing.

»Added the Platte, Platte Mule Deer, Frenchman and Frenchman Mule Deer areas as “draw’’ units for hunting permits. The Republican Whitetail area was withdrawn from the draw unit list.

»Heard a report from David Kostersky of Ducks Unlimited Canada that the dry winter in the Canadian prairies could hurt waterfowl nesting success next summer. The region is critical to the production of ducks and geese hunted in Nebraska.

»Elected Ron Stave of Waterloo chairman.

Contact the writer:

402-444-1127, david.hendee@owh.com

« Sports - Outdoors

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