Quote Originally Posted by mrdux View Post
I think the biologists at TWRA and KY F&W keep a close eye on the populations and the effect of not only fishing but environmental issues such as TVA dropping the lake level during the spawn and its effects on populations. I figure the limits are set to where folks taking their legal amount of fish won't have an adverse effect. It's the illegal take that worries me as much as anything besides the lack of concern from TVA/Corps.

This forum consists of many of the best fishermen and women on each lake that is represented. I seriously doubt the AVERAGE crappie fisherman on each of the lakes rarely catches a limit of anything. I would say that point is also figured into the biologists formulas for catch rates and regulations.
I have gone with the TWRA "Shock" "Stun" boats before. Yes they keep up with the health of the entire TN State water system. All species are collected, weighed and measured. At the end of the day totals are keep for each species. They then compare the numbers with previous years for any necessary adjustments or suggestions. They are trained and schooled a lot more than me. I fish with their recommended size and creel limits. Kingfish