Under size fish expensive in TN.

Two guys were cleaning under size fish (less than 10") when the game warden came upon them. Why do people think that if it is there, they are entitled to get what they want. Don't they understand that those small and fish taken over the daily limit will eventually have an effect upon the lake.

Greed is sad, this is a great sport, take what you can eat, throw the rest back. Set a self imposed size limit like 12" in a lake that currently produces those, and those lakes that don't, select 11", even if the minimum is 10". That is if you want to. Your choice.

http://www.nooga.com/163064/fisherme...legal-crappie/

I have found that during the spawning season a 10" female will produce between 7000-8000 eggs. With a 20% survival, that means 1400-1600 fish will be available in two years. Of course that is stats and it is most likely less, but you get the picture. If the 10% who feel that fishery is for the taking and they will get more than their share because it is available, then someday they will find that the honey hole lake is no more a honey hole lake and move on to rape another lake.

Love and protect the sport of fishing, no matter what you want to catch. Don't be greedy, and if you see someone abusing the sport, turn them in. You are protecting this resource for your children and grand children.

Just my two cents. Have at.:fish

This Is what I'm trying to get my buddies to do (but they ain't going for it) the first fish you put in live well sets the keeping size for the day. Just think about it, would be fun and most would never miss what they turn back.

The lake we fish on has a limit of 10 over 10 and 5 under 10. I was keeping fish for crappie camp but now that it is over we are only going to keep the overs unless something is wrong with the under and he wont make it. It's me and my wife fishing and we are usually around 15-16 overs, so I cant eat that much crappie and give part of it away now. If everyone would do that like you said we would have a better fishery in a few years.

I think fishing will improve over time because technology(i.e. crappie.com) allows information to flow more freely to places it couldn't before. People will slowly begin to understand the effects of over-fishing by simply reading a post like this one. I am excited that a place like Crappie.com has many members who are cognizant of their actions. Just a couple of posts such as this one each year will tremendously impact and improve fishing all over the country. Baby steps...etc, etc.

Let me just say this. Punishment should match the crime. Does anyone think our system is even handed. We are speaking of a few fish . I know that's not good but how much should someone be punished when other criminals like the executives of the bailed out companies got ??? Just saying...

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Originally Posted by Knot2Bad

Let me just say this. Punishment should match the crime. Does anyone think our system is even handed. We are speaking of a few fish . I know that's not good but how much should someone be punished when other criminals like the executives of the bailed out companies got ??? Just saying...

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Agree completely. They were fined more than the guy caught selling my stolen firearms after we were robbed.

Nothing wrong with their fine the other guys got off to easy

i'm in favor of heavy fines, whether is be locals (in staters) or tourist.................
Get the message accross..............protect our fishery and enjoy it now and in the
future. Being on FCC director board we have had many meetings regarding tournament
fishing - and results being posted of equipment, and depth fish were being found...also
some have had complaints that we were helping put a fishery in trouble with our posts.
That by not necessarily putting fish back into lake (ie: bass tournaments) we were
hurting the lake for repopulation.

The LEO's and judge were doing their jobs, the two fishermen got what they deserved per the laws. If a fish is close to the limit, I throw it back, no sense taking chances over a fish. JMO.

Should have taken fishing and hunting licenses for at least two years.

FWC needs to spend a little more time patrolling freshwater
docks at night from 11pm - 3am...at heavy pressured lakes,
ie: Tarpon - Walk-in-Water - Kissimmee - Would be amazed
at number of fish brought in............... ! ! ! ! !! ! ! Would have added Medard, but Hillsborough county park, ramp
and night fishing permit have put themselves out of people
fishing. $100.00 park permit, $100.00 launch permit &
$50.00 night fishing permit per year kinda puts damper on
nite fishing an 800 acre impoundment that is in its 5 yr after
draw down for dam repair.

There are bottom feeders out there that don't get the justice for their crimes and know the system is broke. But we as a crew of crappie.com members can save our innocent bottom suckers for future generations to enjoy.

amen

most the people who keep little fish don't read these posts unfortunatly

Good point Danwalleye.

So true, so true - am preaching to wrong choir............

Get what they deserve

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Originally Posted by clfarms1

Nothing wrong with their fine the other guys got off to easy

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To me that's the bigger problem. I think more get off easy or punishment is not even handed way to often. I think we have all seen that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fishin813

FWC needs to spend a little more time patrolling freshwater
docks at night from 11pm - 3am...at heavy pressured lakes,
ie: Tarpon - Walk-in-Water - Kissimmee - Would be amazed
at number of fish brought in............... ! ! ! ! !! ! ! Would have added Medard, but Hillsborough county park, ramp
and night fishing permit have put themselves out of people
fishing. $100.00 park permit, $100.00 launch permit &
$50.00 night fishing permit per year kinda puts damper on
nite fishing an 800 acre impoundment that is in its 5 yr after
draw down for dam repair.

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Wow that's a high use fee. When I was growing up in Tampa we went night fishing all the time. Doesn't look like I can afford it now. Guess I should look else where to retire...

I definitely agree that you should only keep what your going to eat. My wife and I have been coming to Florida every year for the last 20 years. We both love to fish and enjoy the fellowship with all. We eat fish once a week and maybe twice sometimes. Last year we caught over 1300 crappie in 2 1/2 months and kept 32 fish to eat. All big fish that we catch no matter where we are fishing get put back to be caught again. Last year we caught 41 over 2 lbs and all were released. Everyone has different thoughts and ideas about this subject, you should do what's right for you and for the fisheries.

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Originally Posted by Knot2Bad

To me that's the bigger problem. I think more get off easy or punishment is not even handed way to often. I think we have all seen that.

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Yes they get caught 1 time in 100 violations. They should loose their license for at least two years.

Chuck

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Originally Posted by Anchor Man

I definitely agree that you should only keep what your going to eat. My wife and I have been coming to Florida every year for the last 20 years. We both love to fish and enjoy the fellowship with all. We eat fish once a week and maybe twice sometimes. Last year we caught over 1300 crappie in 2 1/2 months and kept 32 fish to eat. All big fish that we catch no matter where we are fishing get put back to be caught again. Last year we caught 41 over 2 lbs and all were released. Everyone has different thoughts and ideas about this subject, you should do what's right for you and for the fisheries.

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So true, I have seen you and your wife on Lake Talquin and I know you two are not greedy. You post great info and I would venture to say that you release 60-70% of the fish you catch.

Thanks for being a great sportsman who enjoys crappie fishing.

To the greedy, you have to live with it. I can sleep at nights.

Chuck

Thanks for the input, it just frustrates me that some people feel that if it (crappie) is there, then it is their right to take what they want. Dam the rules set up to protect the sport. Maybe if we found a way to communicate with these people and make them understand that this is a resource and it must be managed so it will provide the great experiences that we have now, and that those experiences will be available for the youth in the future. We don't want to be like the present administration. I have been told that I am "IDEALISTIC, BUT UNREALISTIC". I want everyone to enjoy life and each other.

I no that almost all of you have experienced a lake that produce great quality and quantity of crappies for a time, until the lake was raped by a few and now it is just a pretty body of water.


Just my 2 cents.

Have a great memorial day and remember those who gave it all so that we can do what we love.

Chuck

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Originally Posted by chuckauten

Yes they get caught 1 time in 100 violations. They should loose their license for at least two years.

Chuck

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Well every view point has its side. No doubt the fishing violations are deliberate and not a result of ignorance. They should be punished without a doubt. Just saying there are many crimes committed everyday and most are repeated offenses. We all justify what we personally do or we would be doing it.

As a simple example and there are many... I exceed the speed limit everyday by 5-10 mph not 40-50 mph. I do this because sometimes I'm in a hurry to get somewhere, sometimes I'm not paying attention like I should be. I also see people texting or talking on their cell phones while driving. One of my pet peeves. None of these are deliberate acts intending to hurt anyone but the books are filled with the unfortunate and devastating result that can and do happen from these acts. In my view the potential results for the vehicle infractions are far worse than having caught more or undersized fish than those allowed. 5 or ten not 40 to 100 fish. So should the punishment for speeding or texting while driving be losing your driving privileges for 2 yrs or maybe a $1500 fine? :twocents

Regardless I struggle to catch a limit so going over is almost an impossibility...

I agree with the losing of privileges, money does not hurt as much as taking away a right. Good point.

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Originally Posted by Knot2Bad

Well every view point has its side. No doubt the fishing violations are deliberate and not a result of ignorance. They should be punished without a doubt. Just saying there are many crimes committed everyday and most are repeated offenses. We all justify what we personally do or we would be doing it.

As a simple example and there are many... I exceed the speed limit everyday by 5-10 mph not 40-50 mph. I do this because sometimes I'm in a hurry to get somewhere, sometimes I'm not paying attention like I should be. I also see people texting or talking on their cell phones while driving. One of my pet peeves. None of these are deliberate acts intending to hurt anyone but the books are filled with the unfortunate and devastating result that can and do happen from these acts. In my view the potential results for the vehicle infractions are far worse than having caught more or undersized fish than those allowed. 5 or ten not 40 to 100 fish. So should the punishment for speeding or texting while driving be losing your driving privileges for 2 yrs or maybe a $1500 fine? :twocents

Regardless I struggle to catch a limit so going over is almost an impossibility...

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Can not compare speeding and stealing resources. Now causing an accident is close , because you take something from someone. You are comparing two entirely different things. They are enforced by separate entities for a reason. We must set strict regulations and enforcement. I am blessed to catch a limit most days, but I don't always keep fish. When I do keep I hold myself to a higher standard and keep only worthwhile filet size crappie(12inch). If a thief come to your house and stole your rods, you would want them fully punished. These things are replaceable, but not living resources. This is why we should be strict. Not to mention the litter bugs and need for reckless boating laws.

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Originally Posted by crappielimits

Can not compare speeding and stealing resources. Now causing an accident is close , because you take something from someone. You are comparing two entirely different things. They are enforced by separate entities for a reason. We must set strict regulations and enforcement. I am blessed to catch a limit most days, but I don't always keep fish. When I do keep I hold myself to a higher standard and keep only worthwhile filet size crappie(12inch). If a thief come to your house and stole your rods, you would want them fully punished. These things are replaceable, but not living resources. This is why we should be strict. Not to mention the litter bugs and need for reckless boating laws.

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Well said. See you in November at Talquin.

Mr. Chuck and Sam has taught me very we'll as a former salt water man I only keep 12' fish,the limit might be what it is but who likes freezen burnt fish un
ess you sell them I will post pics of what we got this afternoon all 13 of them 15" or better

Attachment 163652Not a good pic but here it is

Nice catch. Good eating size. I would rather clean a 12" and eat fish steak.

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Originally Posted by crappielimits

Can not compare speeding and stealing resources. Now causing an accident is close , because you take something from someone. You are comparing two entirely different things. They are enforced by separate entities for a reason. We must set strict regulations and enforcement. I am blessed to catch a .most days, but I don't always keep fish. When I do keep I hold myself to a higher standard and keep only worthwhile filet size crappie(12inch). If a thief come to your house and stole your rods, you would want them fully punished. These things are replaceable, but not living resources. This is why we should be strict. Not to mention the litter bugs and need for reckless boating laws.

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Originally I was just saying that the punishment should be dealt out using a graded approach. Equal to the crime committed. Yes I would want them punished if they stole from me or anyone else for that matter. I also want poachers, speeders , and litter bugs punished. I was just saying the punishment should be administered fairly. Yes your right my gun, car, house and all my personal properties can be replaced at a cost. And living resources are defined as renewable at a cost also.

A lot of work can be ruined by a few. Ask the Native Americans about buffalo. I really can not understand your debate? Do you feel that a man keeping multiple fish should get a verbal warning the 1 out 100 times they get caught? I personally think it should be a fine per fish and loss of license after so many. Speeding was referenced earlier in this post, most states have a point system for violators on traffic violations. Maybe add points per fish too. 10 poached fish loss of license for 2 years.

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Originally Posted by crappielimits

A lot of work can be ruined by a few. Ask the Native Americans about buffalo. I really can not understand your debate? Do you feel that a man keeping multiple fish should get a verbal warning the 1 out 100 times they get caught? I personally think it should be a fine per fish and loss of license after so many. Speeding was referenced earlier in this post, most states have a point system for violators on traffic violations. Maybe add points per fish too. 10 poached fish loss of license for 2 years.

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I am having difficulty understanding also. My point I though was a simple one. Yes crime should be punished and the greater the crime the greater the punishment. Perhaps that is where our opinions differ. My idea of greater evil does not match yours. Someone in an earlier post said some people broke into his house and stole his items right out of his house. I see that as a bigger crime than catching a few fish. Not 800 fish but a few. You can not say they got away with it 100 time and only caught once. No more than I can say they burglarized 100 homes and were only caught once. I agree that this probably was not the first time for either. I am not looking for anyone to agree with me. I am stating my opinion and that how I feel. Just like I don't think the draft dodgers of the 60's and 70's should have been given amnesty. Many other think it was the right thing to do. Using Buffalo as and example to support your argument is no more far fetched than my using speeding as an example of another crime.

Sorry if I can not make my point clearer. Cheers:cheers2

closed per OP.