statewde 10" limit

[dblevens]

Been mentioned here and there. Think it would work? Personally I don't think it would work everywhere but I'd be for trying it a couple years on public waters.

[constructskeeter]

Well I think in public waters if they'd do a 10" limit AND take the pressure off the crappie for a few seasons by trying to get alglers to target other species of fish for the 1st couple years the crappie would have to thrive. Here's another idea, reduce the daily limits on that lake just a season or 2 to increase numbers and let that 10" size take effect? I think more than anything though, it's all about being somewhat conservative. Where's the brush sinking programs, where's the improved stocking programs, where's the bait fish stocks, or the lake levels left at the right position for a good spawn to take place instead of 20+ ft high and then dropping it like it's hot....i.e poor water management. So many other things would have to fall into place before we'd see a 10" length limit to really work at it's best.

[NIMROD]

Some lakes it would not work. Nimrod has an over population problem IMO .
We need some way to thin them down such as reduced limit on 12'' and bigger while relaxing limits on those under 10''. They tried a 10'' limit years ago and said it did not work. Some lakes with low numbers already have length and or reduced creel limits.

[Gomer Snerd]

Can't use a one size fits all approach. Besides I ain't cuttin' 4 inches off for nobody!!!

[Lkconwayguru]

I am all for the limit being reduced to 10 daily limit and a 12" minimum length limit statewide for 4 years. If changes are being thought about we should atleast entertain the thought of making it interesting for sure enough results. there are plenty of other species of fish out there swimming around that are really good eating and provide equal fun for catching. you can hardly tell the difference between walleye and crappie fillet after they are cooked, and bluegill and catfish are good to, bass as I have heard are just mearly good fertilizer for meatgetters garden.

[Crappie Greg]

I say leave it like it is, if it ain't broke don't fix it!!!! 12" would never work, lots of lakes would just over populate and this would just defeat the purpose, 10" would be better overall but every lake is different.

[MEATGETTER]

amen on the fertilize, tomatoes loves bass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Buckrub]

I would vote to change the limit to 30 statewide instead of just Southeast, and put in a 10" min length limit. Texas had these same arguments but implemented it statewide and they have very good crappie fishing. Just like deer hunting, don't shoot the spikes, let them grow up to be big deer.

The length limit is also way easier to regulate/enforce than counting slimy fish to 20 or 30......

[Turtlebait]

We're jumping in over our head when we think they are "plenty" of other fish to chew on.
The only way i see it working on any lake is by county by county with someone over each countys waters.
They would have to post signs on each waterway as to lenght size limit,maybe 5 limit on one and 50 on another. Plus make war on what we call trash fish on each waterway to thin them out as to have more food for are prize winning fish. Each fish has its purpose in a waterway,even the gar,bufflo,carp,drum have their purpose. Why,its to costly unless we want pay more tax dallors to support the gettem bigger ideal it be as is.
Do you think if the woods were full of tree rats eating every nut in sight that a 4 point rule would be better then a 8 point. Is that the season tree rats can be shot year round now,thin them out,more food for the 3 ponit rule. Control the trash fish first......

[constructskeeter]

Some lakes it would not work. Nimrod has an over population problem IMO .
We need some way to thin them down such as reduced limit on 12'' and bigger while relaxing limits on those under 10''. They tried a 10'' limit years ago and said it did not work. Some lakes with low numbers already have length and or reduced creel limits.

Well lots of different opinions looks like. If Nimrod has good numbers wouldn't that prove the worth of that 10" slot years ago though. I keep hearing how many crappie Nimrod has, it may have just worked. It reminds me of that lake Pine Creek over in OK that's chocked with smaller ones. I still have plans of transplanting some fish from that lake into others. way I see it is if your going to catch them lil buggers while trying to achieve a mess of decent ones you might as well keep the bubbles on and take em to lakes that actually need em. It's the wrong time of the year to do it now though so we should wait for colder weather. As with the brush the state game and fish do not appear to be stepping in to transplant fish so us anglers might as well do it ourselves. I can't see how it could hurt, a 10" length limit that is. A lot of folks throw that size back already. I can also see state wide limit going back to 20 or less state wide. Lets face it if a guy has a partner in the boat 20 good crappie makes a lot of meat! That would only be a 10 and 10 limit doing it that way. I'd go for it.