As in previous years, TWRA recently held a public meeting in Paris to consider the public’s comments regarding crappie fishing on KY Lake. To be clear, I was unable to attend the meeting, but I have been to others in which the same old issues were raised but were ultimately dispelled by an impartial analysis of scientific data and research.
In a subsequent TWRA Fisheries Management Committee meeting, Frank Fiss, Chief of Fisheries Division, summarized the public event and expressed TWRA’s views on comments received. The following is a link to a video stream of that particular committee meeting. I urge each KY Lake crappie fisherman to seriously consider TWRA’s positions vs the comments expressed by those who attended the public hearing. FYI, the KY Lake presentation begins about ¼ of the way into the video:
https://www.twra.tv/playlist-view/56...04cb200b3e69d1
In short, Mr. Fiss stated that:
Length Limits: The 10” minimum length is “adequate”. In fact he went on to describe an 11” minimum (or longer) as being a “bad idea”. In effect, due to the very high natural mortality rate of crappie, it would result in diminishing returns. Thus, no changes to length limits are being recommended by TWRA.
Creel Limits: Based on TWRA creel surveys, only 6% avg. of anglers catch limits. There’s a good bit more about this on the video, but basically, a reduction of the creel limit would make very little difference (if any) in increasing the population. Thus, TWRA is not recommending any change to the existing creel limit.
Pole Limits: TWRA’s position, as it should be, is that the “spider riggers” must honor the same creel limits as does everyone else. Thus, no change to pole limits is being recommended by TWRA.
Good Years/Bad Years: We have undoubtedly experienced several off years in catch rates but, based on what I heard in the video, this is attributable to the inherently high mortality rate of crappie, as well as adverse environmental conditions at spawn. However, TWRA research reflects good hatches in both 2014 and 2015 year class fish. In light of such, TWRA anticipates that this upcoming year should be better.
Grand Finale: At the end of this segment of the meeting, Mr. Fiss opened the floor to Q&A. Commissioner Connie King (District 6) requested that a 20 fish creel limit be imposed on KY Lake as a “feel good” measure … in spite of what even she acknowledged to be factual evidence to the contrary. With all due respect to Ms. King, this country has far too many “feel good” measures in place right now. If this “feel good” measure passes this year, then I’m guessing that next year the big bad multi-polers will get a good dose of the “feel goods” too. That’s how it works folks. If its all the same, I’m going to have to side with science on this one and I intend to contact TWRA and to urge them to do the same.
