Woods Reservoir Crappie Limit is 15

This past week there were two grown men fishing together at Woods Reservoir and once back to the dock, one of them told the guy coming off water behind them they had their limit of 30 each. Well, the limit is only 15 each at Woods Reservoir and that applies to many of the major lakes in Southern Middle Tn. These men seemed shocked once told but left with the 60 fish anyway. They were told it's a fine of $125.00 per fish if they got caught but went on as if they did nothing wrong. On top of that, there is court cost extra to pay. Point is, its not worth it to take more fish from the lakes than you deserve as you are robbing the resource from each and every other fisherman. Also for those of you who think it's OK to go get your limit, then go to the truck and pack it away someplace then back out to the same spot on the water you were fishing you are not fooling anybody. The day is coming, you will be caught too as that is not legal either. Anglers should know the lakes limits and minimum size requirements before they go fishing at any location. Those guys this past week were from Giles Co which is a little further from Woods Res than most travel to get there but still should have known or asked before over harvesting. As it turned out this day, they were very lucky because the game warden showed up ready to check all boats wells for fish and limits just a few minutes after they were gone.

PS.Go enjoy the fishing. Harvest what you want that's legal. It's a good thing releasing any fish you don't need or don't have to harvest then have to find somebody to take them. There is definitely those on the water now who are practicing catch and release with crappie and are starting to understand that if we all just release at least the ones 14 inches or bigger we can make a difference in the amount of large fish out there to be taken. Our club even has a program to reward those who catch 14 inch fish or bigger and we encourage each and every member to practice catch and release for those larger sized fish. Who knows, maybe someday we can have members catch some really truly monster sized crappie all because there was enough anglers out there practicing catch and release on bigger fish at least and it made a difference. Actions by a few can change things for many.

Wish the TWRA had got them. Game hogs ruin it for everyone.

Well Said. I hate poachers.

Last tournament we had 2 fish brought in over 2 pounds and both were released back to Tim's ford. This is what needs to be done to protect our fisheries. To many times I have seen these lakes go through what is called cycles, where the lakes get pretty much fished out by over harvesting and then it will be 2-3 years before they recovering. I practice catch and release most of the time. Not saying that is appropriate for everyone but it should be in the back of every ones mind that over harvesting just hurts the lake.

I have seen the catch and go to the truck thing many times. Their day will come. Only take what you need and throw the rest back. That will help us all. If they catch a few of these guys it may make enough money to keep our license fees down or buy some more fish attractors!

If anyone knows the guy that talked to the Giles county couple, please PM me with his contact info. I met him at the ramp Thursday at Morris Ferry and while we were talking he accidentally left his motor toter in my boat. He was probably early 60s, wearing a Vietnam veteran cap, and fishing out of a tracker boat. Seemed like a real nice guy and I would like to get his toter back to him.
Thanks for any help.
TerryD