Well the skipjack arnt in any danger from over harvesting,about the only thing that eats them when large is catfish and to some degree stripers,and they a get well over a pd here on ky lake.As adults being caught on a hook they arnt part of the usable eco system,and they do prey on smaller species fry or minnows,try a bass assasin it works like crazy on the species or small streamer flies.Tn has a large amount of laws when pertaining to bait like 4 in and under etc,receipt for in ones pocket.Try reading the dnr rules about it rather lengthy and almost need a lawyer to go buy or have catfish bait of a non game species.
More power to it if it gives someone some $,considering its a virtually unused part of the eco system.
We also have some non native asian carp starting ,those who live elsewhere are welcome to them in my book,use for cat food or catfish whatever.
The real commercial fishermen,have a commercial lic,have set restrictions as to size,and or type etc,I tip my hat to them,they are the first to help another boater and boat year round,breaking shore ice at ramps while your sitting enjoying your coffee.
Their are about 200 such individuals,including mussel divers in the entire state,and yes dont think we need to add those from out of state desiring a non game fish.
The law is technical stating over 50 for use in tn,or over 4 in in tn to require a commercial fishing lic or commercial bait lic,the way to stop if that is the desired net outcome is to rephrase to 50 per day,regardless of where used or sold etc.
They can be taken home and used in the garden for fertilizer or whatever non protected,currently,commercial out of state is a loophole.