Creek Spawners - Give 'em a Break

[restornator]

you have to remember that fry recruitment in fish (except sharks) is very small, say 1 in 10,000 reach the adult stage, which is why fish tend to lay 10's of thousands of eggs at a time. The recruitment rate of fry from a trophy isn't going to be any higher, and genetics are overrated in my opinion.

[CreekChub]

Is there any documented negative effect if the fish are caught off the nest and immediately returned? I stood over a 1.5 lb SM on the bed in a creek yesterday, eventually caught him and returned him immediately. He was still locked down the on the nest as I waded back by on my way back to the truck 1-2 hrs later. Dont see why we shouldnt be allowed to catch em, but I wouldnt mind a 100% catch and release may for all black bass.

[smashdn]

Best thing I know to do is keep back a few of the 18" plus brown bass for a fish fry this time of year when you you should be letting them spawn. During late Feb and March when the big brown ones are easier to catch we fill a few quart bags with fillets so that we don't disturb the ones that are nesting now when we want a fish fry. Plus when you keep the bigger ones out it gives the smaller fish more room and cover to spawn in without having to worry with the big ones eating the fry.