Just to be the devil's advocate here, both MS and TN have existing regs of only 1 catfish over 34 inches. That means all the commercial (and recreational) fisherman from those two states have a much different impact on the fishery. Do you think that possibly that regulation is why AR fisherman can still successfully and regularly catch "unlimited TROPHY sized catfish"?
COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN ABOUT TO GET SHANKED BY AGFC
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Absolutely not,there’s been TROPHY catfish in abundance in these waters for eons before any of these regs were changed.I haven’t looked but I think that reg is relatively new for those 2 states as well.I was at WILBUR MILLS dam snagging last Sat with 2 other guys and we probably had 12-15 fish over the 34 inches in the boat when we left.We had 1 fish that was 52lbs.I’ve been going down there snagging for 40 years and same results with fish over that size.That is the Ark River but I’d be willing to bet all of those fish came up from the Mississippi River.This rule would affect the sport side as well as there are several folks who go to trot line and limb line in the Mississipp.
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2,144 Posts
This just goes to prove every time ole bill bumped his head falling out of his boat on TV really affected his thinking.
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It's a thing, found this article from back in 2021 and guess who's mentioned in the very first paragraph? Bill Dance and BassPro. Competing for thousands in cash and prizes.
Monster Catfish Tournament Returning to Memphis
Along the Mississippi River, there are few regions like the Memphis area that produce giant size catfish. As the story goes, Memphis’s own Bass Pro Shop’s Pyramid was decided on a catfishing trip that included Bass Pro’s founder and owner Johnny Morris and the legend himself, Bill Dance...
www.wired2fish.com
Mississippi River Monsters | Catfishing Tournament | Memphis
Mississippi River Monsters Catfishing's Elite Annual Tournament Event In Memphis TN. Mega Bucks Pro Series! Presented with Bill Dance Outdoors and some of the biggest names in the sport. Featuring Tracker Boats, Bass Pro Shops and Rigrap
www.mississippirivermonsters.com
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3,243 Posts
I mean I could see a rodeo type tournament occasionally for fun, but managing for trophy catfish is just inane.It's a thing, found this article from back in 2021 and guess who's mentioned in the very first paragraph? Bill Dance and BassPro. Competing for thousands in cash and prizes.
Monster Catfish Tournament Returning to Memphis
Along the Mississippi River, there are few regions like the Memphis area that produce giant size catfish. As the story goes, Memphis’s own Bass Pro Shop’s Pyramid was decided on a catfishing trip that included Bass Pro’s founder and owner Johnny Morris and the legend himself, Bill Dance...Mississippi River Monsters | Catfishing Tournament | Memphis
Mississippi River Monsters Catfishing's Elite Annual Tournament Event In Memphis TN. Mega Bucks Pro Series! Presented with Bill Dance Outdoors and some of the biggest names in the sport. Featuring Tracker Boats, Bass Pro Shops and Rigrap
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1,281 Posts
Looked like yall were getting them pretty good not sure which boat y’all were. Me and the girls were down there watching the show for a little while. I sure wish I could’ve thrown out there a few times. Looked like yall had a little company several boats trying to fish the same hole but that’s usual down there.
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It sounds like the Corporate and the elite fisherman think they are too big ($$$$) for wildlife management to say no to their demands.
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I don't know about Mississippi state regulations, but Tennessee river's 1 catfish over 34" has been in place for many years.
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I actually told the wife I should have tried to flag one of those boats over to the bank. Offer them $20 for a little boat gas money to throw for a little bit we just wanted a couple fresh ones for supper. They weren’t doing anything from the bank they were out there a ways. Glad y’all had a good trip young guys probably hooked.
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I emailed all the commishes but the 2 I had phone numbers for and I lit them up before breakfast this morning.
I have to admit @J B Weld Man responded with something besides a mass generic bs response.
It was a genuine had to think about it response
I have to admit @J B Weld Man responded with something besides a mass generic bs response.
It was a genuine had to think about it response
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And then I got this.
![Font Screenshot Number Circle Parallel]()
6:38 on a Saturday afternoon. With the razorblacks playing ball.
I'm impressed
6:38 on a Saturday afternoon. With the razorblacks playing ball.
I'm impressed
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Tennessee does have this, but Mississippi does not on the borders of Arkansas , misssippi does have this reg where they border Alabama, I talked to the Mississippi chief of fisheries and they are only doing this if Arkansas does to keep reciprocal rules the same on border waters, they have no desire to push this, only following Arkansas lead.
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I just read the ms regs. The 34" length limit for catfish is on the ALABAMA/MISSISSIPPI LINE. There's no length limit on the Mississippi River in Mississippi.
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Correct, that are implementing border state regs so both sides have the same regs.
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