Amx
11/21/2014 7:04:00 PMHow many were over 14"? Looks like a few were, probably all 4 that I can count. Regs say only 1 over 14". How many people fishing?
buc
11/23/2014 10:39:00 AMRetaining and killing are two different things! Well if he's taking a picture of himself ? Knowing Scott they where all probably over 20". Haha
buc
11/23/2014 10:41:00 AMRetaining and killing are two different things! Well if he's taking a picture of himself ? Knowing Scott they where all probably over 20". Haha
Amx
11/23/2014 11:19:00 AMActually the regs say 'retain', it doesn't say anything about killing. lol
Amx
11/24/2014 1:49:00 PMYup. If you put a fish in the livewell, it is being 'retained', thus it has to be a legal sized fish. Now, this time of year, or even during the heat of summer, if you fish deep, catch a fish, wear it out during the fight, that fish might need fizzing. Therefore you SHOULD keep the fish in the livewell for awhile - 10 to 20 minutes, to be sure it is fine and swimming ok. Then release it.
So, what happens if you catch another big fish right away and have to fizz it? Well, as soon as you put the 2nd fish in the livewell you are illegal with retaining 2 'over max' fish. BUT! I'm sure most game wardens would understand that you are trying to be sure the fish are healthy before releasing them, but be very careful when you have 2 big fish in the livewell. If a boat comes towards you, then release the 1st fish, and hold the second one for a bit longer. But watch the 1st fish to be sure it swims down/away, if not net it and put it back in the livewell, then the game warden had BETTER understand. Also it can be very helpful to heal the fish if you use a cap full of Catch and Release in the livewell, helps to settle the fish a little so it doesn't panic so bad, and to heal any hook punctures, etc.
So, what happens if you catch another big fish right away and have to fizz it? Well, as soon as you put the 2nd fish in the livewell you are illegal with retaining 2 'over max' fish. BUT! I'm sure most game wardens would understand that you are trying to be sure the fish are healthy before releasing them, but be very careful when you have 2 big fish in the livewell. If a boat comes towards you, then release the 1st fish, and hold the second one for a bit longer. But watch the 1st fish to be sure it swims down/away, if not net it and put it back in the livewell, then the game warden had BETTER understand. Also it can be very helpful to heal the fish if you use a cap full of Catch and Release in the livewell, helps to settle the fish a little so it doesn't panic so bad, and to heal any hook punctures, etc.
Scotti509
12/4/2014 6:37:00 PMComputer crashed is why I'm just now replying.They were all over 14". The big one was over 21". I don't keep any fish out of Long. I just throw them in the box until I'm done fishing an area. If you put them back right away, it's almost like they alarm the other fish and I don't get as many bites. No fizzing needed when their only in 10-15ft of water.
Amx
12/4/2014 7:05:00 PMYes they have been known to warn the other fish in the school, something to do with 'pheromones', ie 'smell' they put off when they are stressed from being caught, scared, under duress.