BIRCHWOOD, Tenn. — Tennessee anglers will have a chance to help shape the future of bass fishing in the state, including at a public meeting in Hamilton County later this month.
Tennessee biologists say it is becoming increasingly difficult to find genetically pure smallmouth bass these days. They say more and more, DNA tests show they are hybridizing with spotted bass, especially the agressively-spreading Alabama-strain spotted bass. They hope the new regulations might slow that trend. (Photo: Richard Simms)
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is asking for public feedback as it develops a new statewide Black Bass Management Plan.
The plan is intended to guide long-term management of black bass fishing in Tennessee and was developed by TWRA staff along with a citizen advisory committee representing a range of bass fishing interests.
Richard Simms shows off a trophy-sized spotted bass taken on Parksville Reservoir in Polk County. (Photo: Jim Miller)
TWRA says the plan establishes management goals, objectives and strategies for producing quality bass fishing across the state. The agency notes it is intended to guide future management decisions but does not replace the existing process for setting fishing regulations.
People can review the draft plan, watch a summary video and complete an online survey through the TWRA website. The public comment period remains open through Sept. 4.
For many years Chattanooga-area anglers have only been allowed to keep one smallmouth bass, over 18 inches in length, per day. However most anglers release any and all smallmouth bass. Now, with a dramatic change in management philosophy, area anglers will be allowed to keep five smallmouth bass of any length per day (except only one fish can exceed 16 inches). (Photo: Richard Simms)
TWRA is also hosting five open-house meetings across Tennessee where anglers can speak directly with agency staff. The only meeting in the NewsChannel 9 viewing area will be:
Birchwood Elementary School5623 Highway 60, BirchwoodTuesday, Aug. 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
TWRA says the meeting will be an open-house format, meaning there will not be a formal presentation and visitors may stop by at any time during the event.
The agency says public input will help shape the final management plan.
Depend on us to keep you posted.