Stream Smalmouth Conservation

[Bonefish]

I am quoting from an article from the Ohio Conservation stationary on http://www.smallmouth.org/OhioC&R.html. The article is titled "Why Is It Important to Practice Catch & Release?"

It states stream smallmouth bass require 5 years to reach 12 inches in length. A 15 inch bass is seven years of age. This surprised me to be honest. When I was stream fishing back in the 70's and 80's, I use to catch a few in the 3 and 4 pound range in pools left by low water levels in the fall. I just didn't realize how many years it took for a smallmouth to reach that size and weight. I think I can appreciate smallmouth stream fishing a little more now.

This article urges us to protect our smallmouth streams by "Catch and Release" and follow state regulations and guildelines in order to keep our fisheries productive.

[MrSplitshot]

Good article, good points, and good standards to live by on the creeks and streams. You're looking at the same characteristics in Kentucky waters.

The Ohio Smallmouth Alliance is a good outfit. I've had the pleasure of meeting some of their members...they love fishing moving water and they love smallmouth.

[JoeB]

Although I'm sure it would never pass muster with the F&W commission, I would be perfectly happy with a one fish, 20 in. limit on smallmouth in ALL streams in KY.

[redneckshadrap]

Although I'm sure it would never pass muster with the F&W commission, I would be perfectly happy with a one fish, 20 in. limit on smallmouth in ALL streams in KY.

I would also, but getting it passed and having enough KDFW officers to police it is a different story...

Billy