I would like to clarify I do not begrudge or judge those that keep legal fish at anytime as long as they eat them.

Particularly the Captains who's clients are paying to take fish home. Been there done that and nothing keeps clients and referrals coming in is meat going home . It not only makes a special trip and memories for the clients but provides needed cash for our community. They not only directly pay the charter, captain, mates, fish cleaners, hotels, and restaurants to mention just a few. And indirectly marinas, mechanics, baitshops and on and on.

The same can be said of all the visitors to our lake. The ramps are full of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee, and many more license plates. These guys and gals often only get to experience our wonderful fishery once a year. I can't blame them for wanting to take fresh fish home. And the arrogant side of me says they can't catch that many anyway, lol.

I feel blessed that I have the luxury of fishing most anytime the wind (and admiral) will let me. We don't always limit but we were lucky enough to never get skunked last year. More a testament to the abundance of fish. not our skill because in years past I was skunked many a trip. Bottom line we fill our freezer with as much as we can use and are at a point in our life where releasing big fish provides more pleasure than killing them. Besides the little guys eat better anyway.