Smallmouth regs

[d.roy]

I saw an article in a recent outdoor news magazine about public refusal of proposed DNR regs to limit small and largemouth bass on the namakan reservior to C & R for all bass over 12". Although the 12" limit is pretty restrictive, I am happy to see that there is discussion on the subject. I mainly fish smallmouth C & R anyway but I can understand that for those who do keep these for a meal that 12" and less may not be the preferrable keeper for the table. It was interesting to read the DNR comments on the issue. Primarily, they want to keep walleye the priority species for management but also feel that it is time to more intesnively manage the bass. From my experience, the bass fishing remains excellent with size and quanity but I can understand the DNR's interest in wanting to keep it that way. What I found most interesting is how long they said it takes to create these bass conditions - the DNR reported that in the shield lakes that it can take 20 years for a bass to reach 20 inches. I have a new respect for the 20 inchers that I've caught (and released) on those lakes, those fish are real survivors! Although I do occasionally take a bass for a treat (they do taste great) I am a strong proponent of C & R. I'd like to see the bass management discussions continue and would be in favor of a slot limit for bass on this chain of lakes to help preserve the quality bass population. What are other's thoughts on the subject??

[WoodlandSavage]

Sounds good to me.

I go up every year the second week in June and we always C & R some big bass on Namakan and Sand Point. We've never really had a problem cathcing them so I wonder if the numbers are really down. Why would the DNR put such a restrictive limit on them? I'm in favor of a new limit, but it would be nice to keep one over a set inch limit in case you catch a trophy. Maybe 1 over 20 inches???