You might better talk religion or politics rather than "best places to hook the big one" with a Walleye lover. Fisherman from New York to the Dakota's can all list favorite spots. But few can dispute the lunker size that come from Lake Eire. And according to 2017 data, the number of walleye pulled from the waters are staggering.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has done an annual survey on the number of fish taken since 1988. Last year's figures say 70-thousand Walleye hit the net. That would be the biggest haul in 30 years.

DEC officials say the numbers have been consistently growing for the last few years due to large reproductive success in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015. Given the average Walleye lives 10 years, New York anglers should great numbers for several years to come.

And size does matter. The walleye industry puts 8-pounders at trophy size. Lake Erie routinely produces 8-10 lb fish with most tournament winners coming in at a minimum of 11 pounds. More details on the 2017 walleye numbers are available at the DEC's website.

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