Big Smallmouth Come From Conservation

While the YouTube video that I said would be done today is not finished, I still have something that you might be interested in.  My buddy Ryan Walker sent me a picture of a really nice smallmouth that he caught on a southern Missouri stream.  Check it out!

This tank went 19 inches long and is a living example of conservation efforts can do for a fishery.  it takes a long time and a lot of resources for a smallmouth to get to that size in an Ozark stream.  One of the contributing factors to fish getting this size is practicing catch and release with these fish.  I completely understand the fact that there are rules and regulations that allow for the harvest of these fish and if that's what you choose to do, that is within your legal right.  However, someone else will hopefully get the chance to catch this fish when it is 20 inches, 21 inches, or maybe even bigger with catch and release practices.  According to what I have read and learned about smallmouth fisheries, especially in the Ozarks, it doesn't take much to decimate a population of smallmouth.  I'm not trying to preach, but rather giving you something to think about and consider.

Ryan also has a great Etsy store and is an outstanding fly tyer.  If you would like to check out his work, just lick the link or click here.

Ozark Smallmouth Flies: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OzarkSmallmouthFlies?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=933409437