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This show discusses our responsibility as anglers to protect our fisheries to encourage sustainability for future generations. As we have discussed how to achieve depth when trolling, we also need to discuss the effects of bringing up a fish from too deep. Not just releasing a fish, but releasing a fish that will survive long term is the key. A good fish fry is something that many anglers enjoy; this is where selective harvest is encouraged. Feel free to leave any comments or questions regarding any of the topics that we discuss.
Hey guys, love your show. I was wondering what the rule is if you’re not allowed to release a dead fish, but it’s not within the required slotsize for the lake. If it dies, you can’t release it, but on the other hand you can’t keep it because of the slot??? The small ones seem to be the worst for swallowing the bait right down to their stomach. On the Kawartha Lakes, there is a bottom slot, and a top slot, so you are only allowed to keep fish in between. (Walleye) Lots of times the small ones die.
Hi Tom, this is a tricky situation for sure. I can’t speak for the regulations or how a Conservation Officer would interpret them in such a situation, but I can give you some advice on how to deal with a fish that “swallows” a hook too far. If removing the hook will cause serious internal damage, then it is better to cut the line or the hook. The fish’s stomach acids will dissolve the hook and it will have a far better chance of surviving then it would by removing the hook and damaging the fish.
Jeff