? about size limits on lakes

**SteveJ** · 06-09-2011, 07:02 AM

We did have a 10" size limit on Okatibbee for a number of years, this old mind can't remember how long, and I truly believe it made a big difference on the size of the fish being caught this year vs the years prior, they are bigger now. Not in the range of the big 4 COE and The Rez but I think that is due to the forage base. My old bass tournament partner use to be the COE manager here and about twice a year he would send some of his crew to the Tombigbee to net threadfin shad to put in the lake to try to get a good population started here, it seems to have worked somewhat, don't know if Jack, present manger still does or not. Jack is not a fisherman. Any thoughts? I know lakes go through cycles, maybe that is what is happening here or if it was the prior size limits.

**ScottV** · 06-09-2011, 07:17 AM

Maybe we're just better perch jerkers now Steve. We just catch the better fish. Haha. I also think something is helping at Okatibbee. The removing of the 10 inch slot didn't effect the fish we keep but I'm sure lots of folks eat dinks. I can see a difference in the average size this year so maybe Okatibbee is improving. On the big lakes they need a limit on the big fish you can keep.

**DonDon** · 06-09-2011, 07:30 AM

I've seen it in you guys pics. Compare last summers pics to now. Night and day difference. Looking at your pics, I think ya'lls fish are fatter than Enids now and coming on up

**ScottV** · 06-09-2011, 07:47 AM

The crappie over here were at their best back in the 80's. There were lots of fish over 2 lbs. caught back then. There were more crappie fishermen at Okatibbee then, in my opinion. I remember times during the spawn when it looked like you could jump from boat to boat in the Gin Creek flats or in the minnow ponds area. Maybe the lake is on a cycle upturn.

**DonDon** · 06-09-2011, 08:16 AM

I know how that boat to boat thing is man. The welfare hole gets that way when the waters coming on through the 43 bridge. Danged hard to spider rig through there when there's a little bit of wind. Sure hope ya'll are on the upswing Scott.

**Wannabe...** · 06-09-2011, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by ScottV

Maybe we're just better perch jerkers now Steve. We just catch the better fish.

Nah, that can't be it.

Wannabe...

**willsjwills** · 06-10-2011, 06:57 AM

Read an article once about crappie populations in our lakes- about ups and downs. Written by one of the biologists at MDWF. Spawns, water quality, available baitfish, fishing pressure, cover. A lot of variables come into play. Hope your lake continues to improve.

**SteveJ** · 06-10-2011, 12:14 PM

We have also had 3 years of low water if that makes a difference, never did get up to summer pool.

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