I used to think that if the state backed off a little bit on fishing regulations that the fisherman would have the common sense to self regulate and not over fish the waters of the state. After reading some posts in this forum I realized that good character and common sense is in short supply. I read post after post of guys keeping a 25 fish limit of spawning white bass. Many of them had a partner, so the boat total was 50 fish that could have spawned and given us a more plentiful resource in the future. I have to wonder if guys who do that are just stupid or greedy. It reminds me of the photos I have seen of guys back in the 40's who would kill hundreds of ducks in a day and hang them in rows around their barn for a photo. Our duck population is still recovering from the lack of good sense from those idiots decades ago.

Keeping 25 spawning fish does not make you a man or make you look cool. Catching and keeping a limit of spawning fish does not mean you are a good fisherman or that you have some unique talent. Anybody can catch 25 spawning fish, so your boasting makes you look immature and inexperienced. I now realize that we have regulations because of a few bad apples who lack common sense and the good character of a true sportsman.