the blackfish contest for this site takes place soon. i hope to land a few decent sized togs, but for my own reasons would like to first weight my fish in, then release the fish alive a few hours later at the dock.
the way i read the law, it would appear this may be illegal. i wont be high grading (keeping one fish in the well then letting it go for a larger fish later which is nto allowed), but rather simply keeping the fish i plan on weighing-in alive for release later.
though i doubt someone would have a problem with setting a legally kept fish free after some photos, id like to remain within the law if possible
can you shed some light as to how i can legally go about doing this, if it can be done?
Registered: 07/16/05
Posts: 3171
Loc: CT. Got a problem with that?
Always good to hear someone talking about conservation.
Regardless of legality, I would think that releasing a blackfish at the dock might just kill it anyway, although not immediately. There would be a great change in water temperature, salinity, oxygen level, pressure, and general environment in the harbor at the dock versus out on the reef where you caught it. Combine that with the stress of being in a live well for hours. I know that this is done all the time in freshwater tournaments but I think the change in environment is not as severe in lakes and ponds.
If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one.
some good points murph, and i mean no disrespect but please, just an enconn response. i dont want to debate ethics or situational release. just want to know if its legal or not.
EnCon Police Moderator
Registered: 03/01/04
Posts: 3899
You would be practicing catch and release, not high grading. To high grade you would be taking one fish out of your creel and replacing it with another one you just caught. The way I read your post you are going to bring in all the fish you catch then release them all.
As Murph pointed out, you may want to expedite their release as to not overstress and ultimately kill them when you release them.
dynamite response time and info. you just made my day.
and murph, all your points are taken, i really hope that didnt come out like a jerk. i would make it my job to ensure the fish have a legit chance, or not even think of releasing a struggling or injured fish.
Not to mention there must be some sort of territorial issue here related to the fish and where they live. Not sure it's just as simple as catching one and dumping back in the water. I would guess they need to be released back where they were caught.
Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him.
Jighead
I love re-re-opening day
Registered: 04/05/02
Posts: 11226
There is nothing to really win is there? You can weigh them and let them go right away. If no one beats it at the weigh in....then you will know you came in first, which pays exactly the same amount as coming in last.
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