Hey Flatline,
Good question!
To me, it seems like boaters are only allowed a maximum of four lines in the water at a time per angler. For example when I see boats with a lot of crappie setups fanned out across the front of the bow, which looks like a lot of fun, this rule would kind of keep things from getting out of control. I blew past the four rod count for me in my boat years ago. I'll take 8 to 10 rods and end up using two all day. I just want to be prepared for the fish apocalypse, I guess.
As for the smallmouth, that's interesting. I never keep any bass, but I would think they mean one below and one above the PLR and they are using "may" as permissive, rather than as a possibility. Maybe the thought is that if an angler takes two over 21" out, that leaves one less able to spawn and pass on the gene. As well as the ones under 16", that means one more gone that could eventually become a 21" plus fish.
These are just my "interpretations" during morning coffee.
I imagine you could get the most accurate and concise answer from the Region 3 (Includes Dale Hollow) Creel Clerk for TWRA. They would know best it seems, and would also be able to explain the reasoning as well.
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