Should there be a catfish creel limit?

[hoggerhead]

Just wondering if you guys think there should be a creel limit on cats, just like crappie? I know they have the 35 inch rule, but do you think that is enough to keep a healthy balance of fish?

 

[rsimms]

I don't think it matters from biological standpoint... for now our catfish population appears to be self-sustaining even with significant sport and commercial harvest (and commercial harvest is certainly less than it used to be).

However I would support a creel limit... not for any particular reason. I just would.

How many?

Good question and I'm glad you asked. Again, for no particular reason, I'd say 20 fish per person per day. No size limit.

Of course the huge problem with trying to get a catfish creel limit passed statewide is the commercial aspect. How in the world do biologists convince catfishermen they they have to abide by a creel limit without placing a limit on commercial fishermen? And as I said at the beginning, I don't think it is necessary... and it is certainly not practical for commercial fishermen or law enforcement.

For that reason I doubt it would ever happen unless there was great hue and cry by a large and loud number of sport fishermen across the state to make it happen.

But unless you limit commercial fishermen... what's the point?

 

[CATCHMAN]

It would have to be a "catfish" limit and not a specific species limit. Could you imagine teaching the general public about blues, channels, flatheads, yellows, bullheads,etc?

 

[captXtreme]

RSimms Should there be a catfish creel limit? unless you limit commercial fishermen... what's the point? I agree

 

[hoggerhead]

I see your point simms, But you would think they would have a limit for the commercial fisherman too.

 

[akoutdoors]

good idea and i would also support it...easier said then done though, have fun trying to enforce that.

 

[sprestwood]

Commercial fishing limits are the strongest way to to beef up a population. The freezer size seems to be the limit most folk go by. I have the tendecy to appreciate un frozen freshness so I dont stock much. But many CFF'ers seem to have more bait in their freezers than I would ever have in fish marked for consumption. The warm waters in the lower states seem to do a good job in supporting of influencing fast growth in such species as catfish. Until a survey says otherwise, I would say the one-over-34 rule is just fine.