The Al And Gavin Smallmouth Management System

[Wayne SW/MO]

You can't overlook the fact that restricted limits on a fish species will send many people in other directions. Obviously it won't send all to more productive waters, but it will many. I suspect there is more interest in trout by meat fishermen then there is by C&R types.

[creek wader]

The Railroad been very, very good to me! Spent 36 years with the BNSF with the last 27 as a Senior Special Agent in Chicago.

Well, I'm with the competition (UP). 30 plus years and still going. It's had it's ups and downs. But, I'm very thankful for the job. Even though they called my at 6 am (Christmas morn.) to go to work. I joined the crowd and told them I was sick. Actually, I've got a 4 foot drift stretching 20 ft. out from my garage. Ain't going to scoop that today. Wind gusts up to 40 mph. So, I'm not planning on going any where today.

I've talked to Chief about the RR before. I need to get down there so I can fish and RR with him.

[Gary Lange]

If you think it's good now wait until you retire.

[creek wader]

If you think it's good now wait until you retire.

10 yrs. 9 mos. left., and counting down. I'll have 42 yrs. in. If all goes according to plan.

[eric1978]

Okay, not to get off the RR guys, but does anyone else have any ideas or opinions about what type of management system they'd like to see on their favorite streams?

[Wayne SW/MO]

I would still like to see one size limit for all streams that allows people to keep fish, but in itself isn't all that attractive. I would then like to see them take a section from most streams and simply call it a trophy section, which to me is a no kill above a certain length, probably 15". A Trophy section could easily be set up between public access.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Three non topic post out of 45. You boys are totally out of controll!

But my two cents is that since brownie populations are not in decline, the current regulations on them must be working.

Haven't you beat the hell out of this subject yet?

[ozark trout fisher]

Okay, not to get off the RR guys, but does anyone else have any ideas or opinions about what type of management system they'd like to see on their favorite streams?

I like the idea of switching to a 14" and 3 statewide limit, and then working from there. That at least guarantees more protection for all streams, then we could set about making exceptions for streams that have special needs. In my opinion, that's where slot limits, catch and release regs, etc come in.

I do wonder in the back of my mind if a slot limit actually would be best as as statewide limit, maybe something like 10" to 15". I have a feeling that may have a negative effect on smaller streams, where few fish grow to 10" in the first place.

In the end, we just need to find something that is better than the current system, that a reasonable number of us can agree on. If any of us are too insistent about one particular aspect of the plan, we will never come up with anything to present to the Missouri Department of Conservation. I know some of you all are just leery of the idea of new regulations, but I hope that wouldn't come between you and doing what is necessary to protect one of the most important native gamefish in our state.

[Gary Lange]

I am wondering also if the number of anglers that actually take a few or any for the table has fallen over the years. The angler gets older and sees that taking Crappie or Bluegills is better and they taste better also. He enjoys the catching more then the eating and would like to preserve the thrill of catching a big Smallmouth for his Grandkids. I think the younger fisherman want to bring some home to show that they are successful as fisherman and as they grow older they realize that they don't need to do that anymore so they turn to catch and release.

[Gary Lange]

I like the idea of a Statewide size limit of say 15" and Sections of some rivers or streams designated as Trophy Catch and Release only water. I also believe that the public in general could be educated on the importance of conservation and catch and release. I look at the Map of Rivers and wonder if things could be made simpler by just saying no possession between March 1st and May 22nd for all Rivers and Streams East of the Mississippi River and South of the Missouri River or for all Missouri Rivers and Streams if the section North has some Smallmouths and could use some bolstering.