I am not sure I follow the surmise ( I can be dense that way at times). Basically I am saying that havesting of bass is in decline with the advent of catch and release yet fishing pressure is taking a greater toll on our bass. In my eyes the increased fishing pressure is due to the growth of T-fishing and in some part to all of the floaters from tournaments in summer months. If tournaments keep and ate all of their fish there would be even a greater impact and I suspect KDFWR would be slapping tighter regulations on all - quickly. At least catch, haul, weigh in, and release works some times. It all comes down to choice in the end. KDFWR's regulations have tightened over the past 20 years yet bass fishing still remains in decline. But take Dale Hollow as an example and the strategy of making it a trophy lake. It is restrictive for both T and harvest fishermen yet look at the major impact it has had on the fishery. These type of regulations are going to happen all over if we can't come to grips with these pressures and I for one welcome them. If we stick our heads in the sand and don't find a solution KDFWR will for us.

kc