Quote Originally Posted by dhdr24 View Post
Tried this today, caught the limit, plus plenty of thro backs and several nice catfish, but also caught a few throw backs that had the crankbait deep in the throat and they were gilled. I know they had to die and I saw others floating that had been caught and gilled. I just don't see how any of the big 4 can maintain healthy numbers of quality fish with this type fishing and considering how many fish that are taken out of there during the spawn. I am not knocking anybody's methods, just making a statement. Regardless of the type of fishing, I just think they are going to have to give the fish and the lake a rest during some time of the year. Don't like the idea, but I just think it is going to have to happen to maintain the population.
Try taking the front hook off of your crankbait. I have been doing it that way for 4 years and you don't lose any more fish but it is WAY easier on the throwbacks.