Thread: New KDFW Rules?

Sorry, I missed this conversation. The slot limit was one of them many proposals that we heard about in the KDFW Townhall meeting that was held at KY Dam State Park a few weeks ago. Again, we heard mannnnny proposals. And although we will give each one some consideration, because everyone's opinion is important to us...you pay our salary by buying a licenses ,
there are some ideas that have already been researched, studied and tried. If there is reason to believe the idea might work at KY and Barkley lakes we will consider it a little harder. But some ideas (i.e., crappie slot limit) have been tried in other lakes and the outcome did not meet the management objectives. Here at our two big lakes, the crappie fishery does not need a slot limit to help it out. That would be the worst thing for it. So, some of you can breath a sign of relief, we are not considering a slot limit for crappie at KY and Barkley lakes.

If you have not read a recent article I wrote about crappie, it is posted under articles on the home page crappie.com. I would be interested in any questions or comments you have about this information.

Paul Rister

Thanks for the article on the main page Mr. Rister, helps understand this thread a little better. I understand how cyclic some of our fisheries are and know you are doing your best at two of the best fisheries we have in the state. I don't ever get to fish KY/Barkley but am just as concerned as anyone about ANY fishery in Kentucky because they have the capabilities to supply us statewide with some quality fishing for anyone anywhere in the state. My father used to fish jonathan creek back in the 60's 70's. I take pride in our lakes and river/creek systems and would sacrifice to sustain a great fishery if thats what it took and was the BEST possible solution. I understand everyone has their own opinions and as long as I can fish for them(crappie)and limit my harvest knowing it was for the future sustainability of our fisheries I would be willing along with many others Id bet. I love eating crappie and keeping a limit whenever I can, but I can always keep some bluegill and sauger to eat. I hope fishermen can use good judgement and keep what they need for the next few years and let the fish rebound and then reap the rewards when the amazing 2012 class of fish reaches keeper size. I hope we dont have to resort to new creel/slot/embayment regulations on KY/Barkley but if the crappie were in really poor shape then its something that would need to be addressed. Fishermen have the ability to manage a fishery they care about through c/r and reduced harvest of big fish and I know a lot on this forum do that. Reading your article definitely gives some insight into the current fishery and recent cycles and population shifts/changes, and helps understand why some proposals were discussed. Catching the over/harvesters size violators would really help as well, especially during the spawn. The ones abusing the resource with no regards to its future need to be caught , and ENFORCING stiff fines/penalties would be the first step to deter them, but thats a whole different story. Anyways, good luck to yall lucky enough to fish the Big Lakes, hope ya catch em' .:D

BTW: the article on home page is def worth reading for anyone interested in KY/Bark

paul

thanks so much for the post on this topic. we are so lucky to have you stop in once in a while.
the article is a great read for any crappie fisherman anywhere. thanks again for your efforts,
really above and beyond the call of duty.

Originally Posted by ekySlabber

Catching the over/harvesters size violators would really help as well, especially during the spawn. The ones abusing the resource with no regards to its future need to be caught , and ENFORCING stiff fines/penalties

Amen and amen.

The department needs to post some highway billboards with the size and creel limits at every river crossing entering the state along with all major highways around the lakes region for the KY residents. You could even put a picture of one of the LEO's on there like the KSP did for deterring drive off's on all of the gas pumps. No legal, no license! :D

I agree with ekySlabber. I have been boating and fishing for 3 or 4 years at Kentucky lake and I have never seen the C.O. one time. They need to check for violators. The word of that getting around will stop a lot of it.
I have been stoped 3 time in 1 day at the same lake in Illinois by 3 differant C.O.'s thats a little much.

Great article Mr Rister, thanks.
Is there any consideration by the state to increase size limit to 10 inches on the central Ky lakes, Green, Nolin , Rough ?

Just my opinion, I vote quality over quanity .

I don't believe a size limit for crappie has been purposed for Nolin, Rough or Green. They are not in my district, so I don't follow those lakes closely.

Originally Posted by Quackrstackr

Amen and amen.

The department needs to post some highway billboards with the size and creel limits at every river crossing entering the state along with all major highways around the lakes region for the KY residents. You could even put a picture of one of the LEO's on there like the KSP did for deterring drive off's on all of the gas pumps. No legal, no license! :D

Do fisherman routinely make phone calls to C.O's "blowing the whistle" on violators who
are filleting small crappie? If so, has this been a affective deterrant?