Size limits ???

[dcbasser]

I know it is a little early to be talking about next year but hearing talk about maybe raising size limits on smallmouth next year from 18 to 21 inches at some lakes and maybe on Largemouth too. I have fished Laurel and Cumberland and the fish quality has gotten a lot better but seems to be in fewer numbers. Is 21 inches stretching it a little to much and how would this effect the many tournaments that go on. The pros had a hard enough time just a few weeks ago, just imagine making it a little tougher!!! Personally I like the 15(largemouth) and 18 (smallmouth) inch limits we have now and a good 18 inch smallie is nothing to laugh at.

[mhall]

I've been beating this drum for years, this would be a good thing. The KDFWR needs to quit managing the resource to suit tournaments and do what's right for the fishery's. Look at what the slot did for Dale, it would do the same for Cumberland.

[plowboy]

Good article in this months Bassmaster about how it has helped Dale Hollow. I like the slot even though touraments don't. Cumberland bass numbers are not down and the quality is up, way up. And the 24" will never happen, you can't be serious about believing that.

[CATCHEMALL]

I have also heard a rumor about raising the size limit or Dale from 21" to 24". Is this just a rumor or does anybody know. Now I like to catch big fish just as much as everybody else and only eat a few spots every now and then but is this stretching it a bit. A 24" smallie would weigh 8-9pounds at the right time of year. And you would have to beat me over the head to make me turn back a 7 pound smallie. That is the only fish I have yet to be able to mount. I already have the 10pound largemouth and after the 7 pound smallie my fish mounting will be done.