I wrote to Dr. Milton Love regarding the subject at hand, and my plans to hold a contest. This was his response, copied with his permission, of course:



Well, calicos on the coast do seem to move around a lot. I would not be worried about cleaning an area out permanently. Also, at present, calico populations seem fairly high. So, taking 60 from one spot, one time, is probably not a big deal. However, if we have entered a cool water cycle, after 25 years of warm water, that may have a negative effect on bass reproduction. If that eventually happens, taking that many fish will have an effect down the road. Right now, though, it is probably okay.