I hope I don't get bashed for this but spots for bait?

[heath j]

I know that there are alot of problems with the spot population so would it be awful if they were used for cat bait from time to time?

 

[fishinvol]

The nerve you would ask such an awful question!!!!! emoLaugh I think that is a great idea, as long as the law permits it.emoThumbsup

 

[Fishin Fool]

I see no reason to worry about it. Like Chris said, as long it is legal, which I am not sure about. It might bring the population down and Lord knows that can't hurt.

 

[foodsaver]

its legal and i dont see any reason not to do it

 

[craazyboutbass]

No size limit on the Chick on spots... Catch the smaller ones and use 'em for bait, but save the bigger ones for me!

 

[Guest]

If I ran out of skipjack and had some spots yeah buddy! Not likely though that running out of skipjack is in the future for me though. Between Cathooker and myself I guess we have 300 or so and little time to use them.emoBawl

 

[Fishheadspin]

you might catch a world class, wall hanger, fat albert!

 

[MadBomber]

Why not keep a rod rigged for free-lining a small spot while fishing for more spots!!  Also, after cleaning a mess of spots for dinner, keep the heads for cat bait!!</p>

Don't forget, the limit changes March 1st.  Dam to South Chickamauga creek. 15 each/day!!</p>

 

[BigFishGuide]

Game fish that will be used for bait must be caught by rod and reel. Cast netted game fish can not be used to fish with. Just a side note. I'm really suprised at this thread.

 

[rsimms]

I cannot tell a lie... my personal best catfish was caught on a crappie filet (legal-sized, caught on rod & reel). I only caught one keeper... gill-hooked and didn't want to bother cleaning one fish so decided to catfish a while with him. I caught the below. I certainly wouldn't make a habit of doing that routinely, but I see no problem with it under particular circumstances. But I reiterate and emphasize what BigFishGuide said... you can only use game fish caught by legal means. Catch 'em in a cast net and they have to go back in the water!

 

[Guest]

I do like the spot head idea MB. I wonder if TWRA has come up with a way to enforce the boundary on the spot limit.

 

[heath j]

Thanks for the kind replies but it just popped into my head for some reason and I thought what the heck and asked. I can't tell you the last time I went to Parksville and not waisted an entire bucket of minnows on spots. They are fun to catch but they are exploding in populous from years past.

 

[MadBomber]

cheez - 2/21/2008 2:00 PM I do like the spot head idea MB. I wonder if TWRA has come up with a way to enforce the boundary on the spot limit.

</p>

Unfortunately, I think it will depend on the particular officer who happens to check.  I'm not going to worry about it.  Also, I'm going to concentrate on the Dam to creek section so I can have maximum impact on the selected area.  When the area is rechecked in a couple of years, I hope the result would show an increase in the Smallmouth ratio.  One of the reasons the Chief Regional Biologist was against changing the limit was "It won't do any good, a Bass fisherman won't keep a 10" bass"!</p>

My dilemma has been what to do when I catch a 6" spot.  If I throw the little sucker back, it will just grow up and contribute to the problem.  So, if I want to reduce the spot population, it's just as profitable to eliminate a 6" spot as it is to take a 12" spot.  I like the bait idea.  I don't like to throw them up onto the bank, but I have done that. </p>

Remember, the new mantra is "selective harvest", not "catch and release".</p>

Sign up for "Derby Day"!!!! in May</p>

  </p>

 

[Guest]

Here is an idea that might be pretty cool, at least for us catmen. Go spot fishing and when we catch the 6" spot rig him up live or partially filleted and hang it out in a rod holder for catfish whilst we continue spot fishing.