Muskies Question

[Reef Runner]

OK here is the deal. On Saturday I caught the biggest fish of my life. 42 inches. So here is the question. I was trolling for northern and not trying for musky at all. I took her GENTLY out of the water measured her and took a picture. Is the legal?? Oops I forgot to mention this was a Musky

[This message has been edited by Reef Runner (edited 05-17-2004).]

[JLE]

I am sorry, please leave your name and address and I will have an officer come to your house and make sure to put that crazy dog in his kennel.

[David Swenson]

If you were fishing for northerns and caught a muskie, I believe there is no crime there at all as long as you release the fish. I believe though if someone was targeting muskies that could be illegal.

David Swenson
http://muskieguide.homestead.com/

[jclymer]

Well lets hope we don't get the same debate that Muskyhunter.com just had over this topic. I believe it is a gray area, and a CO could write you a citation for being in possession. If you want to read about 80 comments on this topic go to (sorry no links.)

[and go into general discusion and on page 2 go under the topic "What to do with a musky caught out of season" The question was never really answered. I am sure that most musky fishermen ask that if you do catch a musky either out of season or in season that the fish is handled with care and returned to the water!

[This message has been edited by guideman (edited 05-20-2004).]

[Bushwacker]

I believe that the only thing that you could be in trouble for would be not taking the picture and it would have to be a pretty strict CO to write you a ticket for it. It would be the same as catching a 39" muskie when the season is open. There is not too many people who would not take a quick photo of the fish before releasing. How in the world could you prevent catching a certain type of fish when you are fishing? The law says must be immediately returned to the water- if you take 10 seconds to snap a picture that is only thing that could possibly be considered illegal.

[Guest]

Personnally, I think it is a bogus concern.

Yes, if you laid the fish on the floor, or put it in a live well, to get your camera? Then the CO "might" have a case.

But, does anyone know of anyone who this happened to? Meaning where a CO cited them for not returning a fish back to the water soon enough?

I wouldn't worry about it at all. Heck, if I got challenged by the CO, I would blame him for letting the fish eat my bait, when it is against the law for the fish to do it!!!! Let's see the response from him then!!!

Too many people worry about COs. They are not evil doers, out to get you. They have a job, and you need to use common sense!

Personnaly, I can't imagine anyone getting in trouble about taking a picture of a trophy fish, then releasing it. If anything, the CO might want to see it before you let it go, if it is big enough!

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Let 'em go so they can grow!!!

[Trailblazin]

The few muskies I have caught before opener have gone right back. I don't need pics to prove it to anyone. Come on my boat and I'll make sure you get a big girl!