Actually Tennessee did studies before enacting the new Smallmouth regulations for the state. The final paper on it is titled "Tennesee Smallmouth Bass Management Plan" and can be read on the TWRA website...and you don't need a degree to read it..just the ability to read. Also there are two exceptions to the statewide limit you did not mention...one being Boone which is still 16" and will go to 18" next year and Kentucky Lake which will still have a 15" minimum length.