12INCH LIMIT ON SPOTTED BASS

[BilletHead]

2 hours ago, Dutch said:

So are you guys going to keep KYs now?  I haven't eaten one in at least 20 years.  I don't remember what they taste like.  At least they don't smell like bull frogs as do the green fish.

I wish they tasted like bull frogs🤗,

BilletHead

[liphunter]

They kind of do. Since apparently everything taste like chicken...

[Flysmallie]

2 hours ago, Dutch said:

So are you guys going to keep KYs now?  I haven't eaten one in at least 20 years.  I don't remember what they taste like.  At least they don't smell like bull frogs as do the green fish.

Maybe a few caught with other species. But I bet there are a bunch that will. Tons of people out there keeping everything legal. Should be easy to catch a quick limit for awhile if so inclined. 

[Dutch]

58 minutes ago, Flysmallie said:

Maybe a few caught with other species. But I bet there are a bunch that will. Tons of people out there keeping everything legal. Should be easy to catch a quick limit for awhile if so inclined. 

Isn't the purpose of lowering the limit so that people will keep them and thus reduce their numbers and the competition with other species?

[straw hat]

OK, just got off the phone with a MDC official. He said the new regulation on 12 inch spotted bass was passed to late to be in the new fishing regulation code book. They are trying to find out why the Secretary of States office has not been notified and made an official change to the regulations. This official said he would also contact the Enforcement division and see if they new what was going on and what their position is at this time. When he calls back I will let you all know what he says.

[JCreek]

I got dibs on the first 11.75 inch one!!!!!!!!!!

[Flysmallie]

1 hour ago, Dutch said:

Isn't the purpose of lowering the limit so that people will keep them and thus reduce their numbers and the competition with other species?

If it isn't then it should be. If it makes everyone feel better I'll go fry up a few limits. I know some spots this would be easy on a summer afternoon. Well until this:

39 minutes ago, JCreek said:

I got dibs on the first 11.75 inch one!!!!!!!!!!

That's probably all I'll be able to catch. 

[BilletHead]

           Hey I look at it this way,

  I do target bass from time to time in Stockton and other lakes. Don't keep them to eat in the big reservoirs.  I do though eat bass from ponds early while the water is cold and some size control it needed. I know there are folks that harvest legal bass in big lakes such as Stockton and some of you bass fanatics cringe and I have even seen some on here belittle guys for keeping legal bass which is very wrong IMO. I know it will be a learning curve for those who do keep larger legal bass to recognize littl spotted bass. So to you who worship bigger bass wouldn't you rather the bass keeper folks get a limit of smaller spots and be done wit it? Thy may leave your bigger stinkin green fish alone ,

  BilletHead

[Quillback]

Beaver lake spots are pretty good, on the rare days I keep a few, I'll keep spots in the 12" to 14" range, they are as tasty as any freshwater fish (except St Francis channel cats 😃).  

AGFC Fisheries biologists want people to keep Beaver spots, they implemented the same sort of policy you're seeing on Stockton.  As far as I can tell it hasn't put a dent in the spot population.

I'd like to see a slot limit myself, release the ones over 15".  

[redshad]

I have to agree with BilletHead.  Keep the little ones and leave those big, tough, nasty tasting, smelly, slimy big one alone.