Thread: Crappie rule changes

Originally Posted by Wind Knot

So, any time a rule is imposed, the restrictions can only get tighter? Awesome.

Pretty much, once we lose it , its gone...so we need to come together keep what we have.

I troll and didn't like the 3 pole change at Sardis but once in place and a couple years later its no big deal. Just makes you fish harder for that 15 limit. Honestly most folks want that 15 just to brag about getting there limit. So if they would bring the limit to 10 that would be perfect. The 3 pole is in place to slow down trolling catch rate that's it. Less poles lowers the chance of getting 15. Just makes it a challenge that's all. They will pass 3 poles without a doubt. Cheaper on tackle also. It will be fine.

MDWFP is proposing to change crappie regulations on Arkabutla, Enid, Sardis, and Grenada Lakes, also known as the Flood Control Reservoirs (FCRs), and Eagle Lake. The proposal for the FCRs will make the regulations uniform across all of the lakes. The proposed rule will make the minimum length crappie that anglers may keep 12 inches, set the daily creel limit to 15 fish per angler, and limit the number of poles an angler can use to three. In addition, boats with three or more anglers will be able to keep 40 crappie per boat. Daily creel limits in the FCRs' spillways, including Sardis Lower Lake, will also be reduced to 15 fish per angler. "The proposed rules for the FCRs are intended to maintain our top-ranked, nationally recognized crappie fisheries," said Larry Pugh, MDWFP Fisheries Bureau Director. "Having the same regulations on all of these lakes will also simplify regulations for the anglers," added Pugh.

Just got my news email from MDWFP. This is what was in it about crappie fishing. Everyone needs to write a letter to them if they want to stop or change this proposal before the date mentioned. This is what was in the email newsletter.

Crappie Regulation Changes Proposed for Flood Control Reservoirs and Eagle Lake

MDWFP is proposing to change crappie regulations on Arkabutla, Enid, Sardis, and Grenada Lakes, also known as the Flood Control Reservoirs (FCRs), and Eagle Lake. The proposal for the FCRs will make the regulations uniform across all of the lakes. The proposed rule will make the minimum length crappie that anglers may keep 12 inches, set the daily creel limit to 15 fish per angler, and limit the number of poles an angler can use to three. In addition, boats with three or more anglers will be able to keep 40 crappie per boat. Daily creel limits in the FCRs' spillways, including Sardis Lower Lake, will also be reduced to 15 fish per angler. "The proposed rules for the FCRs are intended to maintain our top-ranked, nationally recognized crappie fisheries," said Larry Pugh, MDWFP Fisheries Bureau Director. "Having the same regulations on all of these lakes will also simplify regulations for the anglers," added Pugh.

On Eagle Lake, the proposed crappie rule will impose an 11-inch minimum length limit and reduce the daily creel limit to 30 fish per angler. "The proposed rule will protect smaller fish from harvest and allow more fish to grow to a larger size," said MDWFP Fisheries Biologist Jerry Brown. The proposed rule change will be contingent upon Louisiana adopting the same regulation, and will go into effect October 1, 2015.

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed change may do so in writing to MDWFP Fisheries Bureau, 1505 Eastover Dr., Jackson, MS 39211, no later than June 21, 2015

These rules just got me wondering. Grenada has had 3 pole for years as I understand it and the mml has been kept at 12 for a long while as well. This past year the number of 3+lb crappie caught (even in a single boat) was down right freaky so I just wonder if with all these lakes set the same if the same result can be expected in the near future for Enid, Sardis, and Butla?

Originally Posted by KDAVID1

These rules just got me wondering. Grenada has had 3 pole for years as I understand it and the mml has been kept at 12 for a long while as well. This past year the number of 3+lb crappie caught (even in a single boat) was down right freaky so I just wonder if with all these lakes set the same if the same result can be expected in the near future for Enid, Sardis, and Butla?

They would all get better. But it seems the majority on here are wanting more poles. The proposal claims they are trying to keep these lakes top ranked. The biologist must have some concern in order to propose lowering limits and poles in order to keep these good. I hope everyone puts some thought into before they hastily send a letter because there buddy did it, or that's what everybody else is doing. I sent an email an told him I thought the proposal was the best possible thing to keep these lakes world class and I really appreciate there hard work with this. He responded and thanked me for the positive response. He said with all the negative responses it was nice seeing something positive, and he appreciated it. The truth is these people do this for a living, they have degrees in this field, and they are working hard to maintain our world class fisheries.

Originally Posted by KDAVID1

These rules just got me wondering. Grenada has had 3 pole for years as I understand it and the mml has been kept at 12 for a long while as well. This past year the number of 3+lb crappie caught (even in a single boat) was down right freaky so I just wonder if with all these lakes set the same if the same result can be expected in the near future for Enid, Sardis, and Butla?

I don't think Sardis will ever be equal to Grenada just for the simple fact that it's the easiest to get to coming from the north. I know Arkabutla is technically closer , but most don't even consider it or Enid either. Sardis just gets hammered with pressure.

I just wrote my letter to the MDWFP. I still do not think that the amount of poles have anything to do with this issue. I can understand having limits and creel sizes and each and every lake needs to have its own size and limits as every lake is different. Each lake is different with different needs just like a person going to the doctor no one has the same problems and needs. But this pole limit is not needed in maintaining fish limits and creel sizes.