Many factors affect the dynamics of fish populations, and fishing doesn't always remain the same from year to year. When bigger bass seem a little scarce and you do catch one, putting it back is the logical thing to do because the fishery can benefit from that.

Remember that on relatively small lakes like Carr Creek, Dewey and Grayson, when the numbers of big fish are limited, their release can really make a difference.

Think about it -- if you've caught one, so have others over the course of a fishing season. In smaller lakes, putting those bass back in the water may have a greater benefit than in a giant reservoir that can potentially hold a lot more bigger bass.

"Since that 15-inch limit has been in place on Grayson, and also, I think, on the two lakes in the Eastern District, it's made a difference in anglers' ability to catch many better-sized bass," said Howe.

"Can we make it better by doing some other things? Maybe we can do some tweaking here and there. But mostly, we'll just have to keep adjusting to the cyclic things nature pitches at us -- to take advantage of when it's good, and try to minimize bad effects when it goes down.

"When we learn something new or see the populations change, we look hard at how we can use that knowledge, either to get more out of the fishery for the angler, or fix the problem as quick as we can -- if we can.

"Right now," Howe added, "we think the 15-inch limit on bass is what's best for these lakes. Our goal is to do what's best for the resource, as well as for the fishing public."