TWRA proposes dramatic change in smallmouth bass limits

[rsimms]

For 40 years bass fishermen have considered it taboo to keep and eat ANY smallmouth bass caught in Chattanooga-area waters. But if a new regulation passes, that might change. TWRA's proposed new regulation will basically be encouraging anglers to keep and eat more smallmouth and spotted bass. Read why here: https://bit.ly/4gh9YaA There is also a Link where you can share your opinions, but be sure you read about TWRA's reasoning before you do.

 

[Urban_Hunter]

Interesting about the hybridization. I agree with the proposal. I don't think taking 10-12" bass out of the lake is going to harm anything and potentially allow the larger fish to grow with less food competition. I say that in theory, because I doubt many people will keep them anyways. My question would be how is it going to affect tournament anglers. Now they can only keep 1 smallmouth (of size), I think it's going to completely change how they are targeted.

I will say, having eaten 12" bass out of the creeks where it is legal compared to 15-16" fish out of the lake… there is no comparison to the quality of table fare. The 12" bass is about as good as it gets in the bass world (in my opinion)

 

[WTM]

yeah probably about time. ive mentioned those alabama spots on here a few years back.

on a side note if you havent eaten a spot then youve been missing out.

 

[Buzzard Breath]

Those pesky bucket biologists. My only question would be "will enough people actually keep them to help slow the spread of hybridization?"

 

[redblood]

Those pesky bucket biologists. My only question would be "will enough people actually keep them to help slow the spread of hybridization?"

I dont see many anglers ever keeping a smallmouth. I wont unless it has swallowed the bait and wont survive release. Spotted bass i will keep from cold water streams