Episode 772: Multi Year Study Reveals Impact of ‘Live Scope’ on Crappie Populations

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Where does the rubber meet the road on game fish populations and advances in technology?

Much has been made of forward facing sonar (Live Scope) in recent years. Some anglers love it, others bemoan it. Various tournament trails for both bass and crappie fishermen even enforce it’s legality differently. But whether you like it or despise it, no angler can argue it leads to more (and bigger) fish being caught. On this episode, Texas Parks and Wildlife Inland Fisheries District Supervisor Jake Norman makes his return to discuss the findings of a multi year Texas Parks and Wildlife’s study on the potential impact of Live Scope and crappie populations.

Highlights from the discussion include:

Historical look at TPWD and their dedication to maximum angler opportunity
A bass named Ethel that changed the game
My introduction to Live Scope while crappie fishing on Lake Fork a few years ago
Largemouth DNA testing provides wealth of knowledge for fisheries management
Results of multi year study on crappie populations discussed in detail
What percentage of anglers are actually ‘live scoping’?
Do live scoping anglers release more fish than traditional anglers?
Differences between white and black crappie
The life cycle of a crappie
Does releasing trophy (2 pound plus crappie) help with populations long term?
What conditions are ideal for a banner spring crappie spawn?
Cable’s favorite crappie recipe