Thread: Crappie rule changes??

I've fished Florida virtually all my life and have always fished by the set rules. The issue with the pressure on the great fresh waters of Florida is due to the population growth the past 20 years which equals more fishermen. In the past, the FWC has always been able to keep up the fishing pressure with their restocking program but like it was stated above budget cuts have affected the FWC. It's almost like the DOT. There is a 20 year lag with a road project. I really think the FWC are smart people and know exactly what they're doing...creating $$ for the fishing industry to name one. A $50 fishing license supports fish camps/lodges, restaurants, bait shops and convenient stores/gas etc. A lot more than $100 per out-of-state license is being spent per trip. One thing I know and it must be remembered, Florida is a tourism state. Always has been and probably always will be.
Fish and be happy! Just my .04
Canada??? Canada??? lol

I was watching a fishing show on TV the other day, and the game officer was explaining how they (their state) maintained their stock of above average crappie............ 5 fish limit per person per day, and a 12 inch minimum.

I would lose absolutely no sleep if our state implement the same.

I am all for management and self restrict fish caught in my boat above the legal limits. Unfortunately, there are others who do not respect our fisheries. The worst part is we do not have the enforcement to hold those people accountable. Rather laws stay the same or get stricter there are not enough officers to enforce them. FWC needs to increase man power drastically to get me to support any liscense increases or other changes. Any major lake should have a Lake Manager that's on the water or has officers on their behalf the 70% of the time. A 100% during peak fishing seasons and times. Next, we need to do something about our resources being raped at night. I for one don't want to stop it all together but maybe restrict it to a season so officers can enforce it. Not during the spawn either. In the heat of summer would be my vote. Just my 2 cents.

Adopt an incentive for FWC officers to do more evening checking beyond 5:30pm - would increase amount of funds avail to improve fishery and cut
down on poaching - overharvest of various spieces.

Crappie's spawn prior to Bluefill & Bass - hence Crappie cut into "fry" balance
pretty good. Not all lakes are equal to make one standard size rule ...
Also, there has been some discussion of "slot limit" on black crappie for
certain lakes to improve size & quality.


Cut down on lowering Kissimmee and related water sheds levels, whereby
spawing areas are dry and fish are more confined - All - in the name of water
table control in case of Hurricane - Duh... thats what we have locks for, not
for benefit of Sugarcane growers. or Lobbyists in Capitol.

I also believe officers should specialize in fishing and not be pulled in the fall for hunting. The increases in resources also should not be added to the saltwater fisheries more so than the freshwater fisheries. Develop divisions for each area.

Well said Crappie Limits,

Also when lakes are down stop the driving on lake bed to deep holes and surrounding trapped fish. Also the debris being left if the lake beds.

Originally Posted by crappielimits

I am all for management and self restrict fish caught in my boat above the legal limits. Unfortunately, there are others who do not respect our fisheries. The worst part is we do not have the enforcement to hold those people accountable. Rather laws stay the same or get stricter there are not enough officers to enforce them. FWC needs to increase man power drastically to get me to support any liscense increases or other changes. Any major lake should have a Lake Manager that's on the water or has officers on their behalf the 70% of the time. A 100% during peak fishing seasons and times. Next, we need to do something about our resources being raped at night. I for one don't want to stop it all together but maybe restrict it to a season so officers can enforce it. Not during the spawn either. In the heat of summer would be my vote. Just my 2 cents.

I don't disagree more manpower and other resources are needed but that costs a lot of money. License fees is a major funding resource for more manpower and enforcement. If we want more services from FWC then we must be willing to pay more. I would be in favor of reviewing and revising the regulations on no license fee required for Florida residents over 65.