The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency produces a regular YouTube program hosted
by Don King (center) and Jason Harmon (right). The program often features Agency biologists
like Asst. Chief of Fisheries Travis Scott (left) who give viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse
at their management efforts. (Screen Grab Tennessee Wildcast)
Crappie Basics: How Tennessee is Boosting Crappie Numbers
by Richard Simms, CrappieNOW Editor
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) produces a regular online talk show, sharing some of the inside scoop on what biologists are doing to enhance the Volunteer State’s wildlife and fisheries. It’s called Tennessee Wildcast, routinely posted on TWRA’s YouTube Channel.
In a recent edition, Wildcast hosts were visited by Travis Scott, TWRA Assistant Chief of Fisheries. Scott shared insights into the state’s record-breaking crappie production in 2024.
Scott said with nearly 1.9 million crappie fingerlings stocked across 14 reservoirs, TWRA’s innovative mat-spawning technique has revolutionized hatchery output. This method, inspired by other states, allows precise control over spawning, boosting survival rates and ensuring healthier fish populations.
If you want to know more about Travis Scott, skip back to the beginning of this Wildcast to see how Scott worked his way up to being a key player in Tennessee’s fisheries management division.
Capt. Richard Simms is the Editor of CrappieNOW magazine as well as owner of Scenic City Fishing Charters. He was a former game warden for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before becoming a photographer and PR guy for TWRA. That lead to a 30-year career as a broadcast journalist and freelance outdoor writer. You can follow Capt. Simms on Facebook.
Learn more by watching exactly what Scott shared here:
