Don’t forget, April 1st marks the start of the catch and release ONLY period for smallmouth bass here in Illinois.
This runs till June 15th.
I think the law makes no sense.
I’m not convinced it’s being done based on science, but to placate small groups of smallmouth bass fishermen.
On the Fox River there used to be a stretch that was strictly catch and release only.
I was told by a fisheries biologist that they were finding more bigger smallmouth bass outside of the catch and release zone than in it.
The regulation was dropped years ago.
On the Fox, you’re allowed one smallie 12 inches or over and two under 12 inches.
I may have to get out every day for the rest of this week and stock up.
The hard part will be catching those dinks this time of year.
I’ll have to put in some hours.
M M M M M, smallmouth bass, it’s what’s for dinner.