I think Pirogue is correct. Some people will complain about losing a $6 crank bait in a commercial fisherman’s net. I’ll risk losing a crankbait or a jig to preserve the fishery. The carp have completely disrupted the food chain. The carp eat the food the baitfish eat. If they have nothing to eat, no baitfish. The crappie eat the baitfish. If no baitfish, then eventually no crappie. No crappie means no need to waste money on cranks and jigs to fish lose in a net.

Look at all the reports and pictures of thin fish. They didnt go on a diet, they dont have enough to eat. No reports of baitfish being seen on sonar. The Crappie USA tournament this past wknd reported the lowest weight ever for Ky/barkley according to the tournament director. My letter of concern is gone to Mr. McConnell and Mr. Paul. If we sit aroumd and do nothing we can only blame ourselves if that is the result we get.

The only way I see to eliminate or reduce carp numbers to the point they dont affect the food chain is to overharvest them. Profitability is the only way to cause that to happen. The federal government is the only pocket deep enough to subsidize commercial fishermen to make it profitable to overharvest. Extra funds are also needed to help KDFWR do their job. I will risk losing a crank bait or two to preserve the fishery. I wish we could unite and work together to help solve the problem before we just sit back and ignore it beyond repair. Any other suggestions out there to do it? Lets talk.


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