While much of our conservation focus over the past 18 months has been on saltwater species – redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, and menhaden – the FFI Gulf Coast Council has also been busy monitoring and taking conservation actions for crappie.
Recently, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) announced new daily creel limits for this popular species at four flood control reservoirs in the northern part of the state. Lakes Grenada, Enid, Sardis, and Arkabutla are nationally-recognized for producing very large crappie. The previous regulations were 15 per day, minimum size 12 inches, with a boat limit of 40. The new limits will be 10 per day, minimum size 12 inches, with a boat limit of 25. The new rules go into effect July 24th.
All four lakes have seen substantial fishing pressure in the past few years. Of greater concern for biologists is a particular advancement in fishing technology – live imaging sensors. Also known as forward-facing sonar, Livescope, and other brand names, LIS allows anglers to spot fish in real time and watch an individual fish’s reaction to a lure in real time. In some studies, there can be up to 70 percent higher catch rate with LIS than without. In addition, the technology can be used to readily identify larger specimens, i.e., the prime breeding stock.
Crappie management has long been predicated on the narrative that the species is extremely fecund, only seasonally active and difficult to catch at other times of the year. Studies in last decade have proven that not to be the case. While a female crappie may lay a large number of eggs (about 30 percent more than a largemouth bass of equal age), the fingerlings are quite susceptible to predation. With the advent of 3D Sonar – and now LIS – anglers have greatly improved success at all times of the year. Add to that a large increase in fishing pressure – boosted by widescale tournaments – and suddenly crappie are no longer the “endless resource” they were once perceived.
While the regulations imposed on the four control reservoirs were specifically aimed at retaining a quality fishery, other lakes across Mississippi have seen a reduction in creel limits in recent times (now 15 to 30 depending on waterbody) due to changes in fishing pressure. Currently, the FFI-GCC is working to get new regulations for Louisiana which has by far the most liberal limits of any state (daily creel 50).
As for Grenada et al, the FFI Gulf Coast Council supported a reduction in the boat limit, from 40 to 30. In reading the study, it was apparent that many boats were harvesting the boat limit and this was the greater concern. However, as is our policy, we will always applaud a more conservative, but reasonable, ruling.
In 2020, the Eastern Shore Fly Fishers of Alabama hosted a first of its kind fly fishing only tournament in the Mobile Bay area and surrounding waters. The tournament format was Catch-Tag-Photo-Release (CTPR) targeting the Atlantic Tripletail only. Participants used dart tagging kits and the Fishing Chaos app to log and submit their catches.
Since 2007, the Gulf Coast Council has annually recognized individuals and clubs for their accomplishments in education, conservation, service and other areas that promote the goals and ideals of our organization. FFI members and member clubs are encouraged to submit nominations. Deadline is June 30th.
On April 26th, the Gulf Coast Council – and the world of flycasting – lost one of its greatest advocates. Dr. Sydney Smith of Gulfport, a former Casting Director for the GCC, passed away at age 82. A former neurologist, Army veteran, and native of Jackson, MS, he retired from medicine in 2011.
Building on the success of last year’s event, our 2024 Classic proved even better. In terms of attendance and monies raised, it will go down as the 3rd most successful festival / conclave in the 18 year history of the GCC.
The FFI Gulf Coast Council is raffling off a five-day adventure trip to beautiful Costa Rica, donated by 4 Corners Costa Rica. Anyone can purchase a ticket online until all online tickets are sold. A reserve number of tickets will be sold at the FFI Gulf Coast Classic on May 3-4, 2024, in-person only. The drawing will be held at the Classic on Saturday, May 4th. Winner does NOT need to be present to win.
Today the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Commission (LWFC) amended a Notice of Intent (NOI) for new redfish regulations, increasing the daily and possession limit from 3 fish to 4 fish. The proposed slot size of 18″ to 27″, with no overslots, remains the same. This change will add 11 more years for the Spawing Potential Ration (SPR) recovery to reach the Conservation Standard.
