Crappies, like other fish need a lot of factors to marry together to have a successful spawn. While you hear that they're prolific spawners, what you don't hear about is the lack of proper spawning habitat. In order for crappies to have a successful spawn they need proper light penetration, cover, temp, oxygen, and protectors of the nest to name a few factors. When you look at Indiana's BOW, we lack in cover/habitat first and foremost, and when boats and bank fishermen pound what very little cover we have for a successful spawn, it's no wonder why we have years like 2013 for large numbers of big fish. When it comes to fish washing over a spillway, that also has to do with lack of cover, because most fish can find the vortex of a piece of structure and hover effortless in place. In my experience, a shad kill doesn't happen often in most reservoirs in Indiana, as they'll blow up my Vexliar all winter long, but the eating size shad do become less prevalent. However, most crappies are filter feeders in their youth, relying on their gills to filter micro organisms, so shad wouldn't effect the younger generation in most cases.
When it comes to regulations and proper catch and release, most people have no clue about what they should and shouldn't do. This summer, during the tournament off season, I told 8 different families I'd take them fishing if they had a youth on the boat and the experience was eye opening. None of them had any idea what was right or wrong... nobody ever told them, and the regulations didn't say anything about selective harvest. With that being said, we're lacking in regulations, education, and habitat in this state, and sadly enough, not many care to make the necessary changes. My plan will remain the same moving forward, take kids fishing, and educate them the best way I know how and hope for the best.