Hypothetical question (and an entertaining story)

[ameyers41]

Ryan M and I got out to Medicine today. We caught a mixed bag of dinky fish to start. The walk, dragging an Otter cabin through the snow was BRUTAL. Ryan was "kind of" rewarded for the walk with the biggest walleye I've seen on this lake. Probably was 24-26". I say probably because he got it up through the hole and it came off the hook. He immediately grabbed it and swept it onto the ice. Two quick flops later and it went head down through one of my holes. Amidst the frantic situation, I believe he kicked my scoop down a hole. His other line somehow got caught on something at that time and he pulled until the line broke on that pole. I can only think he got hooked on my scoop and the scoop got snagged on the bottom. I've never heard of anyone snagging a line ice fishing where there are no signs of weeds. We were entertained, amused, and distraught all at the same time.

So, my question is this. The fish was through the hole, grabbed and on the ice (albeit for a very short time). Does it "count" as a catch? Obviously, there was no official competition or tournament. Just wondering what everyone else considers a "catch."

[Shack]

you guys had a bet?

Yes it counts.

[DTro]

Nope, sorry. You clearly have to have complete control of the fish and make a fishing move with it. Whether that fishing move is a long arm pose for a photo, or a big fat smooch, it needs to be a fishing move.

Nice try though.

[Shack]

For a bet between you two, it would be legal (in my book).

For KOTC, it would not be legal

[looneyducer]

This is most certainly a catch. The walleye demonstrated complete control of the situation and released your buddy in good form.

[Kylersk]

I say no.. If he picks it up and has possession, it counts.. but otherwise.. no. Too bad you do not have instant replay to see if in fact the fish was in possession before it went back down the hole.

[ocf1]

I agree with Dtro, you have to have a fishing move, A smooch, pic, catch of breath, unhooking, or a booyah, otherwise its a no counter....Duh!

[ameyers41]

Ironically (because I gamble on EVERYTHING), there was no bet tonight. Of course, if there was, I got first fish, and I don't know if I would have given him credit for the catch if there was a biggest fish bet. As stated by Dtro and others, he didn't make a fishing move, only a defensive swat at it.

After further review, the fish did NOT have both fins on the ice, only one. It might have counted in the college game, but not in the pros.

The responses are exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for injecting some humor into the situation everyone

[Marmot]

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Nope, sorry. You clearly have to have complete control of the fish and make a fishing move with it.

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Sweet!! By this logic, I have never really caught a pout.

[MuleShack]

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After further review, the fish did NOT have both fins on the ice, only one. It might have counted in the college game, but not in the pros.

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The fish might be cited with unsportsman like conduct for tossing the ice scoop down the hole. However this was after the fact that your buddy didn't make a fishing move. There fore the play stands and there is no need for replay.

[magic_minnow]

CHALLENGE THE PLAY!

[wolfman-k]

Were there maybe twelve men on the ice? Challenge!

[The_Duckslayer]

I think that the catch should count. He clearly had the fish and it was on the ice. Since you let it go back down your hole it should count. Had it gone back down his hole then it would not have counted.

Take care and N Joy the Hunt././Jimbo

[SP180]

Did the whistle blow downing the fish? If the play was called down, then the fish was caught.

[Eric Wettschreck]

This play can't be challenged. It's clear there was no possession of said fish nor was a long arm photo fishing move made.

The whistle blew, it's an incomplete catch. Re-set the flag.

[HeIsLegend]

You touched it you caught it

[slipperybob]

If I prevented the fish from going down my hole, then I caught it!

[Shack]

I feel a first fish bet, as long as at least two parties involved see fish above water, it’s a legal first catch.

As far as a big fish bet, it would have to be kissable and measurable.

[pegleg]

I would blame the lost fish and the lost scoop on Brad Childress. He is the cause of the most screw ups so blame him for it.

[Sutty]

Clearly this is a case of being down with contact and therefore not revue able

[irishwalleye]

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If I prevented the fish from going down my hole, then I caught it!

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On this note, is it ethical to play defense?

[irishwalleye]

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I would blame the lost fish and the lost scoop on Brad Childress. He is the cause of the most screw ups so blame him for it.

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I still place all my blame on the Denny Green kneel down!!!!

[Vex]

After further and further review, it appears that "ameyers41" actually touched the fish while motioning towards it. This action would then result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty towards "ameyers 41" and give "Ryan M" the official catch. First and 10.

[Mankato-Ice-Man]

Did either of you have a younger family member on your fishing staff that may have reached on to the playing surface and touched the fish with his thumb while it was a live fish? If so, and the reveiw shows that he did indeed touch it, that is an unsportmanlike act, penality will be assessed 1/2 the distance to the hole and will have to replay the down.

This thread is cracking me up more each time I read through it. Nice!

[BoxMN]

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This thread is cracking me up more each time I read through it. Nice!

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Yeah, not what I expected when I opened it, but very good thread! I'm kinda wondering if the fish might be juiced...?... That would account for his fast escape.