Ky Lake Creel Survey

This past Saturday we were fishing in Johnthon Creek and here comes the Ky Fish & Wildlife biologist doing a creel survey.
I have no problem with them doing this but have been reading some of the post on the Ky board about what the state is going to do about the fish population. Just wondering what they are going to accomplish with doing this. In my opinion (and we all have one of those) why don't they send someone out there that can write these law breakers a ticket who are keeping short fish or those keeping over the daily creel limit. Back several years ago they did this and lowered the daily creel limit. Although it was just red tape they had to wade through. I asked the question of how many people that he seen in a day that had short fish in there posession and he said quite a few. I asked what was there reason for keeping these short fish and they told him religious reasons. HA.
I'll tell you one thing you better not get caught killing more ducks than you are supposed to because they will nail you to a Cross.

I guess we need to find out what religion they are.. No really I was checked also Saturday. I'm like you he may not have the authority to write them a ticket but he didn't have to let them have them back. When he measured them if they were too small he should have thrown them back, no questions asked, or get on the radio and report them..Quit cutting back the limit and take care of the real problem.

Hi Slay,

I agree that there needs to be enforcement on creel and size limits. I can tell you I am friends with the KDFWR enforcement officer for Calloway County. Last year I saw him one day and he had written almost a book of tickets for short fish that day. So they are out there. I have his cell number so I can call him if need be. But you are right. I got into it with some guys one day on Jonathan at Town and Country. I was cleaning the days catch and it looked like these guys were cleaning eveything they caught. I called them on it and they told me to mind my own business and I told them fishing was my business. I couldn't get anyone there that night but law enforcement was there the next day checking fish at the cleaning station. I don't know if these guys were caught but maybe it threw a scare into them. And tourists are part of the problem but I know locals as well that won't turn a fish back regardless of the law. I was talking to a guy tonight that I am guiding for next month. I told him I have gotten to where I hardly clean any fish. usually its only for clients. The couple fish I am holding in my profile picture were turned back. I'll be the fist one to admit they are delicious but I have a hard time putting a knife to something that brings me so much joy.

Lyndon

That guy doing the creel survey is getting payed with my tax $'s & is working for the state. :mad: Can't they deputise him or something. I mean even a rent-a-cop can hold someone till the law gets there! All he should have to do is get a name & address/boat numbers & have them a ticket sent to their house or notify the Game Warden. I f they can take a picture of you running a stop light & send you a ticket, They outta be able to do that!

This is a sore spot with me & it really chaps my butt. I don't care if I pi$$ some people off, this year I'm say'n something & make'n the call! I'm tired of it! :mad:

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Originally Posted by Wiskers

That guy doing the creel survey is getting payed with my tax $'s & is working for the state. :mad: Can't they deputise him or something. I mean even a rent-a-cop can hold someone till the law gets there! All he should have to do is get a name & address/boat numbers & have them a ticket sent to their house or notify the Game Warden. I f they can take a picture of you running a stop light & send you a ticket, They outta be able to do that!

This is a sore spot with me & it really chaps my butt. I don't care if I pi$$ some people off, this year I'm say'n something & make'n the call! I'm tired of it! :mad:

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I agree with you buddy. If I see illegal activities regarding our resources or anything that endangers others on the water, I'm getting law enforcement involved this year. I've seen several incidents with people taking fish over the creel limit and under the size limit and let it go, but I now think it's our job to help police our own.

Old Guide,
I just want to comment on your post. First crappie guy I have heard shares my feeling about the fish. I don't want to get into all the stuff about population control etc. Just wanted to say I feel the same way, I let almost all my fish go, especially the really big ones. When lucky I get to go about once a week and keep 5 fish so we can have a mess that week, and sometimes a few for friends and family.
Here in central KY we have the same problem, people keeping short fish and then there are guys who get to fish all the time and they keep everything, every day.
These guys are taking out 100's of fish each year. I am not a biologist and admit I don't know if it hurts, but I hate a hog as much as anything.

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Originally Posted by Old Guide

Hi Slay,
I told him I have gotten to where I hardly clean any fish. usually its only for clients. The couple fish I am holding in my profile picture were turned back. I'll be the fist one to admit they are delicious but I have a hard time putting a knife to something that brings me so much joy.

Lyndon

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Here where I fish there are no size limits. And several people I know will keep just about everyone that they catch. I've set a personal 10 in. limit for myself. I sure wish the state would do the same. No wonder I have problems catching the bigger fish. There are very few in there. IMO

I fish Kentucky Lake all the time and havn't been checked for at least 3-4 years.I agree that anyone who keeps short fish should at least be fined .It wouldn't bother me to be checked at anytime,and I wish there was more enforcement. If I catch a fish that is even close to the 10" minimum or questionable I will throw it back, but I remember back a few years ago I was cleaning 7-8 fish at the cleaning station at the Irvin Cobb Marina, when an old guy came up to see what I had caught. Most of the fish were in the 13" to 15" range with 2 of them a little over 10 1/2". The old guy told me that the smaller one's were short fish, and too small to keep. I told him to go get a ruler and I would let him measure them. It just really irked me to be accused of something when I know that I was right. The old guy didn't fish himself, but went around from person to person talking about everyone else. I feel sure that he told people that I was cleaning illegal fish.

In my opinion, I find it more important to be tougher on people who keep too many legal fish (10" >). Because those are the fish that reproduce not the short fish.

I agree that people keep too many fish and sometimes short fish. I've known people who hide fish and I've seen some get out on the bank and clean fish before going in to the ramp.It' sad, but that's people for ya.Doh There just aren't enough game officers to get the job done right. We all need to report anyone we see breaking the law...Hands Clapping

I have been a frequent visitor to this site for many years. I think this is a great site with a lot of good men with some good advise. However, this is something I find profoundly rediculous. Why is there a constant bashing of "tourists" or people who come to kentucky lake from out of state. I love the cheap shots that show up anytime this comes up. I live north of Indianapolis, where the fishing is horrible. I get to come to Kentucky Lake once a year, if I'm lucky, for about 3-5 days. So I'm sure that what ever I'm doing in this time is ruining your day, maybe even your entire crappie season. I LOVE it down there, wish I lived there. But I don't, I have a family here and that is just the way it is. My frustration is with the locals who I've seen keep huge numbers of fish day after day. And then look at me like I'M robbing the lake. I'm proud to say I have had some good luck there, not great success. And I have never been over my daily limit OR my POSSESSIOIN limit. So if you see me out there please wave and call the C.O. to let him know where I'm at. All I want, like many others, is a few good days of fishing on a BEAUTIFULL lake thats has some GREAT fishing.

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Originally Posted by RobbinsJ

I have been a frequent visitor to this site for many years. I think this is a great site with a lot of good men with some good advise. However, this is something I find profoundly rediculous. Why is there a constant bashing of "tourists" or people who come to kentucky lake from out of state. I love the cheap shots that show up anytime this comes up. I live north of Indianapolis, where the fishing is horrible. I get to come to Kentucky Lake once a year, if I'm lucky, for about 3-5 days. So I'm sure that what ever I'm doing in this time is ruining your day, maybe even your entire crappie season. I LOVE it down there, wish I lived there. But I don't, I have a family here and that is just the way it is. My frustration is with the locals who I've seen keep huge numbers of fish day after day. And then look at me like I'M robbing the lake. I'm proud to say I have had some good luck there, not great success. And I have never been over my daily limit OR my POSSESSIOIN limit. So if you see me out there please wave and call the C.O. to let him know where I'm at. All I want, like many others, is a few good days of fishing on a BEAUTIFULL lake thats has some GREAT fishing.

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Maybe it's the "tourists" like yourself, who seems to have a big chip on his shoulder, who piss all us locals off. Have you ever had a pistol pulled on you by a "tourist' from Indiana on Ky Lake? I have and I didn't like it one bit! Especially when I was 100% minding my own business and keeping my distance from their boat---something many "tourists" can't seem to find within yourselves to do. Have you ever dropped a marker buoy in Jonathan Creek and had a boat from Indiana start fishing it before you could even get turned around and back to it? I have--many times-- and didn't like it one bit! Have you ever had somebody from Indiana literally push your boat out of the way so they could anchor in the exact spot you had been fishing for some time? I have and didn't like it one bit. I'm sure these actions aren't reserved for folks from Indiana or any other state for that matter. A little courtesy goes a long way, regardless of where you are from or going.

I have a lot of "tourists" who are great customers of mine and would share a boat with any day. Many are from Indiana. I also hear some horror stories from some of them about rude people--locals and OOSers, game hogs and violators, and those who think since they come here once a year and spend a few $$ that the rules don't apply to them. Before anybody decides to take a big,wide brush and paint any group as all being the same, take a couple of minutes to see things from the other side or "walk a mile in my shoes".

mrdux said it all.............Whatever happened to COMMON COURTESY. Have thought about taking a firearm with me in the boat......I have come to realize that I
don't trust myself with people like the kind mrdux mentions above that lack fishing etiquette and are ALL OUT RUDE ! It seems as if the farther one travels to get
to the lake the more they feel they are entitled; whether it be numbers kept, size or the place they fish or how they find the fish. They could arrive from far
eastern Ky and feel this entitlement ! But I have experienced this extreme lack of courtesy on numerous occasions with boat ID's from OH and IN especially.
Legality is one thing but to bump a boat from his spot; fish another persons buoy before he/she can or cast into an area where another boat is already fishing
and tangle your line with theres is INEXCUSABLE ! Would you teach you children to act in this way...with total disregard for others. MARK MY WORDS....SOMEONE
WILL DO THIS TO THE WRONG PERSON ONE OF THESE DAYS.....SOMEONE WHO DIDN'T LEAVE THE FIREARM AT HOME ! It's a big lake....find your own spot....don't
try and fish mine !!!!

Hey Guys,

I just wanted to jump in and add my two cents. In my post on this topic I was sure and note that I have had as much trouble with locals keeping everything they catch as I have with visitors. I have lived in Indiana and Kentucky and can tell you that decent fishermen are the same everywhere. And jerks are the same everywhere. No matter what letters are on your boats bow. (KY, IN, IL, TN, MO, etc.)

I was launching once on Jonathan Creek (the new ramp) and the line to the ramp stretched out to 68. I walked down to the ramp and there were four boats from Ohio blocking the ramp. They decided to wait until they backed down to the water to put in the rods, minnow buckets, lifejackets, etc. Me and about ten others were mad and I was about to blame the entire state of Ohio when I thought, “hey, these guys are likely jerks (or morons) on their home water as well.” Ohio people probably sent them to us! LOL

That said, I have also had my share of run-ins with people with KY and TN on their boat. Last year Wiskers and me were comparing issues we have had with locals. He has a jerk on the north end that claims to own every stump and brush pile in the lake. I have one or two that feel the same way about the south end. I got news for you. When it leaves your boat it becomes public property and anyone’s to fish. I don’t like being bird dogged or pushed off a spot. Again no state as the prize for that one. But if I pull up on a spot I created and someone is on it big deal, I move on to another. Whether it is local or visitor. I put cover out to help the crappie population as much as I do for a spot to fish. I think people loose site of that.

Anyway RobbinsJ, don’t let anyone make you less of Kentucky Lake. It’s plenty big enough for everyone to fish. And I am sure if you get on here asking for help plenty of guys will step forward to help. I don’t think any of the forums on Crappie.com have better people than those here.

Lyndon

Want to clarify.....When I mentioned my spot I am referring to the spot I am fishing now this instant. Old guide speaks of brush put out by someone. I am not talking about that being my spot. I agree...once that attractor sinks it is public domain. Oh no, I am speaking of the area around my buoy that I am casting to. Please give the
fisherman that arrived there first his spot. If you would like to fish there...fine....just wait until he/she leaves then it's all yours. But show courtesy and give the fisherman
some area to fish !!!! TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED know
matter what state you are from or how far you traveled or how little you get to fish !
It's a big lake....search out your area....don't invade someone elses.

I am not from KY but do fish KY lake a lot as a lot or maybe even most of KY Lake is in TN. I am not sure how much of it is in TN but I know a lot of it is. Below the different dams I fish at in TN the game wardens don't have enough sets of hand cuffs to round them all up. It is a constant struggle and it is not the out of state folks who are doing the damage. It is the locals...or I should say they may live here but there is not much local about most of them. I don't quite understand the problem some of you have with people keeping a legal limit of Crappie. Are Kentucky waters in trouble with their Crappie population?? Last I checked Crappie are prolific breeders. Here in TN some lakes don't do well with the Crappie so the state will do a stocking every 3 or 4 years. In some instances they will put 300,000 fish in at a time. Some lakes do not require any stocking. I am sure a lot of the older folks on this forum remember when there were no limit on Crappie in TN. Fifty years ago we would go out and catch 100 a day out of Old Hickory but I don't remember getting those 14 inch Slabs like we do now. I have been given business cards from all the wardens from the locations I fish at and have been asked to call if I see something illegal going on...and I do. But I have to tell you it is an uphill battle when you see people who are cited for their 3rd or 4th offense and have to pay a 1500$ fine and yet they still break the laws. That kind of money will buy a lot of fish. I just don't understand it.
Regards

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

But I have to tell you it is an uphill battle when you see people who are cited for their 3rd or 4th offense and have to pay a 1500$ fine and yet they still break the laws. That kind of money will buy a lot of fish. I just don't understand it.
Regards

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Those are some stupid people (note that I didnt say sportsmen).:rolleyes:

I agree BG. I have dropped a marker only to see a rush of boats in my direction. It gets even worse if the boats around you aren't catching and you pull up and nail one or two right away. It more than some people can stand! :cool:

Yep, they are everywhere but maybe we just notice the OOSer's more. Last year me and a buddy were casting a bank and here comes an Indiana boat right in between us and the bank, just easing along with the boat motor. I just looked at him kinda perplexed and shook my head, it's not worth the trouble to get into a fight over a fishing spot, but boy the nerve of some of these guys. Yeah, each state has their share of idiots, but some may have more than others.

I visited my dad last aug on green river lake and all we caught was short fish. Never threw so many crappie back in one day before. Are they that overpopulated or just don't grow that fast? I threw back my first short fish today out of a couple weeks fishing here in TX.

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Originally Posted by A2O

I visited my dad last aug on green river lake and all we caught was short fish. Never threw so many crappie back in one day before. Are they that overpopulated or just don't grow that fast? I threw back my first short fish today out of a couple weeks fishing here in TX.

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Green River Lake Crappie : are cyclic in production numbers & size. They're not "overpopulated", you probably just found the year before last hatch :p. They obviously don't grow as fast as they would, in more Southern waters, since they have 3-4 months of Winter to survive.;) Not to mention that these same fish have to try & survive predation from 2 strains of Muskie, the Walleye, and the Bass population.
The fact that you were fishing GRL in August, may have been a reason for catching many short fish. You may have been fishing too shallow/deep, or in the wrong area. Doh
I've personally caught many 2lb Crappie from the waters of Green River Lake, so .... yeah, it does have the capacity to grow decent sized fish. I've even heard, from people I know, of catching only short fish ... from lakes like Reelfoot, Weiss, and the canals of Florida :eek: ... it happens, even to the most experienced anglers :o
I don't get too disturbed, even when it happens to me. I just consider it a sign that, in the following years, the chances of catching alot more keepers has just gone waaaay up Hands Clapping

... cp :cool:

I can't ever remember any of us locals complaining about anybody keeping a legal limit of fish. I do have a problem with locals or OOSer's breaking our laws or being rude. I realize that it's hard for some of you guys to understand why some of us get so blistered over these issues. It is our tax $'s that are taken and used to maintain the resources around here & we hate it when anyone comes in and thumbs their nose at us and do as they please. It just ain't gonna fly. I want to say that it is not just the OOSer's, it's some of the locals too. Either way it ain't right. We are frustrated that this resource has been depleted to the point that we may have to endure more reductions & restrictions in the future.

I'm sure there is a limit as to how long a post can be & I have to get some sleep someday or I would give you numerous accounts of my witnessing violations and having encounters with rude/ignorant fishermen. I can forgive stupidity but the rude deal I got a problem with.

I'm not trying to toot my own horn but you have no idea how many PM's, phone calls & e-mails I get asking for help form out of town folks. I empty my in box at least once or twice a week. I have never turned anyone down for help. I have shared fishing spots, gave advice... etc. I enjoy helping people have a good time. I may not be able to put them in the boat with me or we may not get to hook up for one reason or another but any help is better than none. All I ask in exchange is to treat everyone right & obey the law when you visit. I don't think that's too much to ask. Pretty even swap the way I see it. As far as I know, no one that I have ever helped has ever let me down in that respect.

I am not the only one on here that's willing too help either. I know a lot of these guys personally and consider them good friends. Several of them are from out of state. I don't know what I would have done without them last fall when I had my Crappie.com fall get together! Thanks again guys! Yall know who you are. And guess what. Over half of the folks that showed up were from out of town/state. Best bunch of folks I ever had the pleasure of be around, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

You folks that come visit should be just as passionate about the rules and courtesy issues as we locals are. Following the rules & being considerate of others, just makes for a better experience for everyone. Yall spend a few days a year dealing with this, we see it on a near daily basis and it gets old. What adds to the frustration is many of us spend a lot of time, money, & energy putting out habitat. It is personally aggravating to me to set & watch anybody set on a spot that I put out & keep short fish after short fish. Makes me feel like I'm an accomplice to the violation. Don't bother me a bit that they are fish'n that spot, especially if they have kids in the boat that are have'n a good time. That's what makes it all worth while to me. :D Fish it all you want. Just keep what's legal.

I extend an invitation to any and all of yall to come and enjoy this area. Stop by and set on my deck at the lake, have a cold one, talk fish'n, & watch the sun set over the lake. Lot 72, Big Bear Campground. Look for a fat boy with a white Lowe & a black dog. :D

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Originally Posted by Wiskers

I can't ever remember any of us locals complaining about anybody keeping a legal limit of fish. I do have a problem with locals or OOSer's breaking our laws or being rude. I realize that it's hard for some of you guys to understand why some of us get so blistered over these issues. It is our tax $'s that are taken and used to maintain the resources around here & we hate it when anyone comes in and thumbs their nose at us and do as they please. It just ain't gonna fly. I want to say that it is not just the OOSer's, it's some of the locals too. Either way it ain't right. We are frustrated that this resource has been depleted to the point that we may have to endure more reductions & restrictions in the future.

I'm sure there is a limit as to how long a post can be & I have to get some sleep someday or I would give you numerous accounts of my witnessing violations and having encounters with rude/ignorant fishermen. I can forgive stupidity but the rude deal I got a problem with.

I'm not trying to toot my own horn but you have no idea how many PM's, phone calls & e-mails I get asking for help form out of town folks. I empty my in box at least once or twice a week. I have never turned anyone down for help. I have shared fishing spots, gave advice... etc. I enjoy helping people have a good time. I may not be able to put them in the boat with me or we may not get to hook up for one reason or another but any help is better than none. All I ask in exchange is to treat everyone right & obey the law when you visit. I don't think that's too much to ask. Pretty even swap the way I see it. As far as I know, no one that I have ever helped has ever let me down in that respect.

I am not the only one on here that's willing too help either. I know a lot of these guys personally and consider them good friends. Several of them are from out of state. I don't know what I would have done without them last fall when I had my Crappie.com fall get together! Thanks again guys! Yall know who you are. And guess what. Over half of the folks that showed up were from out of town/state. Best bunch of folks I ever had the pleasure of be around, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

You folks that come visit should be just as passionate about the rules and courtesy issues as we locals are. Following the rules & being considerate of others, just makes for a better experience for everyone. Yall spend a few days a year dealing with this, we see it on a near daily basis and it gets old. What adds to the frustration is many of us spend a lot of time, money, & energy putting out habitat. It is personally aggravating to me to set & watch anybody set on a spot that I put out & keep short fish after short fish. Makes me feel like I'm an accomplice to the violation. Don't bother me a bit that they are fish'n that spot, especially if they have kids in the boat that are have'n a good time. That's what makes it all worth while to me. :D Fish it all you want. Just keep what's legal.

I extend an invitation to any and all of yall to come and enjoy this area. Stop by and set on my deck at the lake, have a cold one, talk fish'n, & watch the sun set over the lake. Lot 72, Big Bear Campground. Look for a fat boy with a white Lowe & a black dog. :D

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Can't ask for much more than that. The local lakes I fish Don't even have a size limit on them and I don't keep nothing under 9" on them.

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Originally Posted by crappiepappy

Green River Lake Crappie : are cyclic in production numbers & size. They're not "overpopulated", you probably just found the year before last hatch :p. They obviously don't grow as fast as they would, in more Southern waters, since they have 3-4 months of Winter to survive.;) Not to mention that these same fish have to try & survive predation from 2 strains of Muskie, the Walleye, and the Bass population.
The fact that you were fishing GRL in August, may have been a reason for catching many short fish. You may have been fishing too shallow/deep, or in the wrong area. Doh
I've personally caught many 2lb Crappie from the waters of Green River Lake, so .... yeah, it does have the capacity to grow decent sized fish. I've even heard, from people I know, of catching only short fish ... from lakes like Reelfoot, Weiss, and the canals of Florida :eek: ... it happens, even to the most experienced anglers :o
I don't get too disturbed, even when it happens to me. I just consider it a sign that, in the following years, the chances of catching alot more keepers has just gone waaaay up Hands Clapping

... cp :cool:

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Ya we stayed on his house boat at Holmes bend and fished the slips there. I know there are some nice crappie there, the ratio to small ones to keepers was 75/1. The were prety deep too. He doesn't know where to catch crappie at other than that so kinda was handcuffed. We did manage to catch a good slab while trolling for muskie. I apologize for the post that you deleted, always wanted to but never have. It gets irritating when people have know respect for your fishing areas. Would be quite funny though.

Just about all the things complained about here have happened to me here in in by KY fisherman. I was on the bank out on a trunk of a treetop in a 10 town lake and 3 ky guys come up and start fishing the very spot I am fishing the one threw in and tangled my line.

These guys come here all the time fish all day long and go home with a cooler full of fish out of a ten acre public lake. At Patoka while in my boat I have had many of the same things happen to me that have happened to you by both IN and KY fisherman. When I come to KY there is a chance a KY boat will do one of these things to me to if I am on fish.

Just because Joe IN or Joe KY doesn't mean you or I do this. I for one am from IN but I will not be fishing your marker buoy before you get there or will I be bumping your boat to fish any area. I will also not be taking short fish or over my creel limit. Courtesy and common sense goes a long way here. Lets face it not all people have it and no one is exempt from being aggravated by rude fisherman.

Let's also take things in perspective this is fishing its not life or death. To even show that you have a firearm on board would be intimidation. That if prosecuted is jail time. Remember fishing and hunting is being watched by all the non fisherman and hunters all the time.

I have found over the years I got 3 choices. I can get mad, I can get even, or I can let it go. I choose to let it go because I am there for the sport, relaxation, for the scenery and to maybe catch a fish or two. Not because I need to feed my family that nite or they will go hungry.

I just want to say again that I know most guys on this site are great guys and seem more than willing to help others. Many of you have helped me just by looking in and reading posts from time to time. I also know full well that most of you truly care about the health of your public waters and do a lot to improve the lakes fishing. For all that you do I sincerely thank you. I just don't like feeling like I'm crossing enemy lines when I come down, if the tables were turned you wouldn't like it either. The bottom line is any time the resources are great, hunting or fishing, jerks will take more than their share. I did want to be clear that I do not keep short fish either, I just saw that I said nothing about that. My small slice of heaven will be April 14-17. I will likely be firing up the grill at the Irvin Cobb marina getting my $15 burger and dog at lunch every day, well worth it by the way. I will quietly go back to doing what I do best and just read your post. I wish all who make it to the lake a safe and exciting season with all the fish you can handle.

I would llike to give an idea of what this site has done for me. I began fishing for Ky Lake crappie about 8 yr ago. Before that we only came down in summer, July. I had never seen anyone before that first trip tightline fishing. So our first year down we stunk...it was cold and we caught maybe 30 crappie the whole trip. Shortly after that trip I started looking for some info on this type of fishing and found you guys here. I think my fishing tactics and success has improved each year in large part because of what I have learned from you guys. Sincerely, Thank You! I hope I didn't ruffle any feathers, I was just sharing my opinion.

Things to remember while on the water:
1. Obey the law
2. Know the law
3. Be considerate
4. Don't carry a gun on the water to point at someone.
5. Don't point that gun at someone over a brushpile.
6. Don't play bumper boats over a spot.

I THINK I WILL STOP NOW......I WAS GOING TO CONTINUE BUT IT WAS SEEMING TOO MUCH LIKE COMMON SENSE. :D What do ya think? Let's have a good crappie season guys! Remember this is America. Ok......that last sentence was cheesey.;) Good luck all at Kentucky Lake this year.....it will be fun.
dkb

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Originally Posted by RobbinsJ

I just want to say again that I know most guys on this site are great guys and seem more than willing to help others. Many of you have helped me just by looking in and reading posts from time to time. I also know full well that most of you truly care about the health of your public waters and do a lot to improve the lakes fishing. For all that you do I sincerely thank you. I just don't like feeling like I'm crossing enemy lines when I come down, if the tables were turned you wouldn't like it either. The bottom line is any time the resources are great, hunting or fishing, jerks will take more than their share. I did want to be clear that I do not keep short fish either, I just saw that I said nothing about that. My small slice of heaven will be April 14-17. I will likely be firing up the grill at the Irvin Cobb marina getting my $15 burger and dog at lunch every day, well worth it by the way. I will quietly go back to doing what I do best and just read your post. I wish all who make it to the lake a safe and exciting season with all the fish you can handle.

I would llike to give an idea of what this site has done for me. I began fishing for Ky Lake crappie about 8 yr ago. Before that we only came down in summer, July. I had never seen anyone before that first trip tightline fishing. So our first year down we stunk...it was cold and we caught maybe 30 crappie the whole trip. Shortly after that trip I started looking for some info on this type of fishing and found you guys here. I think my fishing tactics and success has improved each year in large part because of what I have learned from you guys. Sincerely, Thank You! I hope I didn't ruffle any feathers, I was just sharing my opinion.

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Not a problem Robbins. You have every right to your opinion, Sometimes I think we locals do tend to get on the OOSer's more than the local butt holes. Myself included.

We really want everyone to feel welcome! Thumbs Up That's a fact. Heck we have adopted BIGBADDAD & his wife & they're from Chicaga. :D I can still remember the first time he said "yall." Brings a tear to my eye to see him come so far. Heck he even shot a deer off his porch, in his pajamas. Yep he's come a long way! Hands Clapping

We still ain't figured out how that deer got in his pajamas. Rofl

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Originally Posted by dkb23

Things to remember while on the water:
1. Obey the law
2. Know the law
3. Be considerate
4. Don't carry a gun on the water to point at someone.
5. Don't point that gun at someone over a brushpile.
6. Don't play bumper boats over a spot.

I THINK I WILL STOP NOW......I WAS GOING TO CONTINUE BUT IT WAS SEEMING TOO MUCH LIKE COMMON SENSE. :D What do ya think? Let's have a good crappie season guys! Remember this is America. Ok......that last sentence was cheesey.;) Good luck all at Kentucky Lake this year.....it will be fun.dkb

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I'm with ya dkb! I can't wait till the 17th! Hands Clapping

It's a shame that everyone that fishes doesn't follow the Crappie.Com Code of Conduct set forth by this great site. If they did then we wouldn't even be having this conversation. JMO

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Originally Posted by wannabe fisherman

It's a shame that everyone that fishes doesn't follow the Crappie.Com Code of Conduct set forth by this great site. If they did then we wouldn't even be having this conversation. JMO

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I agree with you wannabe. I'm sure that everyone on this sight was taught by someone a "code of conduct" when they learned to fish. That being their father, grandfather, mother, whoever. All that needs to happen in most cases is USE YOUR HEAD! For me it was my father. From the time I was a little fart we have fished all sorts of lakes from Minnesota to Kentucky. Now.....This may be a shock to you guys but I have been fishing Kentucky Lake since I was about 7 years old (we fish it alot) and have never ran into any problems as such described in this post. Maybe I am lucky? But for the most part we just fish. It is more about being out there with my kids, my father, my wife, my buddy, whoever I am with at the time. Every day I get to spend on the water is truly a blessing from God! For "these people",whoever they might be, to be doing what they are doing on the water they had to be taught by some Jack Wagon. I know it is hard sometimes to keep your mouth shut when someone acts up on the water but when it comes down to it......is it worth the fight? And not only that, is it worth the fight between us here on CDC? We have enough trouble right now in this country and we have some good natural resources to protect. This sure as heck is not the way to protect them. By the way.....I AM NOT A LIBERAL.:D Just would like to give you a beer out of my cooler while fishing a spot rather than fall into the Jack Wagon code of conduct. (I know.......you can't drink on Kentucky Lake.....please don't start that conversation now........just go to Wiskers camper.....he should have plenty of beer for us! :D ) GOOD FISHING EVERYONE!
dkb

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Originally Posted by wannabe fisherman

It's a shame that everyone that fishes doesn't follow the Crappie.Com Code of Conduct set forth by this great site. If they did then we wouldn't even be having this conversation. JMO

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x2. Some people just can't stand to see you catch fish when they are not. You should see this creek that I fish a white bass tournament on every year here in TX. It would have you pulling your hair out. Heaven forbid you let someone see you catch a fish. Swarm you like honey bees to a coke can in July.

What you local guys down there need to understand upfront, is that Kentucky Lake is a Regional draw...if not National draw, it's that good a lake. So you're going to have EVERY different kind of jack on that body of water and it's irritating, heck I run into it on small, 150 acre lakes. Talk about frustrating, because on small bodies of water you can't get away from the idiots. Kentucky Lake and Barkley are huge bodies of water and you can easily get away from the morons.

As a fisherman, the pleasure boaters drive me nuts. The jet skis, speed boats and pleasure boaters who are drunker than a sailor need to be ticketed. Up here in Indiana, the poor ole fisherman get stopped while the pleasure boaters blast their music and party like rockstars with their beer or drug of choice. Big lakes have these drawbacks unfortunately, you've gotta let it go or you'll never enjoy the experience IMO.

I find it crazy that the people taking the survey didn't at least take down their license number and turn it over to the game warden. I work for the state as an inspector and know their are many crazy rules but we are always looking for people to turn people in who do illegal things. I have the technology to run license plates on vehicles so I am assuming if a license from a boat is turned in Fish and Wildlife can find out who own's a boat. Send them a warning letter at least as a warning and keep a file on them and nail their butts if they actually catch them. I never keep anything unless it is 10 inches no matter what the size limit is because there simply isn't enough meat on the smaller ones. Once I have enough crappie for my family I switch to bass and bluegills. I never keep the bass and have a few parties and fish frys with the gills. I also never personally keep anything over two pounds because I like releasing them for the future of the crappie unless of course i get a three pounder and she will be on my wall.

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Originally Posted by Old Guide

I agree BG. I have dropped a marker only to see a rush of boats in my direction. It gets even worse if the boats around you aren't catching and you pull up and nail one or two right away. It more than some people can stand! :cool:

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I will throw out a maker on some days in an area I know is dead just to see people flock to it. I did it one day and some kids fished over it and limited in no time. Sometimes you just get lucky.

The only thing that really bothers me is when I see people on these thread brag about them and a friend taking 150 good size fish on a weekend trip. And also the small fish I see wasted at the cleaning stations upsets me. Throw those small ones back for next year.

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Originally Posted by Majesticman

I will throw out a maker on some days in an area I know is dead just to see people flock to it. I did it one day and some kids fished over it and limited in no time. Sometimes you just get lucky.

The only thing that really bothers me is when I see people on these thread brag about them and a friend taking 150 good size fish on a weekend trip. And also the small fish I see wasted at the cleaning stations upsets me. Throw those small ones back for next year.

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Hey Majestic,

I hope you tied a knot in the line of that lying marker and sent it into the deep six. I wouldn't let it back in my boat!

LyndonRofl