Spearing Limits

[Bigslugger]

I was just on the DNR HSOforum looking at spearing regulations

It says 3 Northern Pike, does it mean 3 of any size. Or only 1 over 30" like angling?

[merkman]

3 Total with only 1 over 30" allowed.

Those are daily limit and possession limits so that includes ALL fish you have in possession.

[Bigslugger]

Ok thanks for the clarification merkman!

[Gordie]

what merk said and unless posted other wise in reges or on the lake postings. for example lake of the woods any pike 30-40 inches must be imeaditally released

[BehindtheHead]

ha ha i asked a conservation officer a question like that one time.

so if i spear a fish that is in the slot limit i must release it imeatitally.

he said "well tecnically yes"

i think i will just stay off of the lakes with a slot

[merkman]

That is one reason that I like the one over 30" rule.

If you have one over 30" you know not to take another one that is even close.

I don't normally spear lakes with slot limits and I am not sure what I would do if I were ever faced with taking a pike in a slot. If it did happen I would guess I would call the CO and let them know that it happened and ask them what they would like me to do with the fish. If they said release it then I would. I would hope that they would want to come and pick it up though. It seems like a waste for them not to.

[bassNspear]

you got that right. There is not reason to take 2 over 30 in the first place IMO!

[ndsufish]

so that includes ALL fish you have in possession.

Does that include what's in the freezer?

[merkman]

Does that include what's in the freezer?

Yes that includes what is in the freezer.

It is also a daily limit which means if you were to harvest one over 30" and immediately gift it or consume it you still would not be able to take one over 30" until the next day.

Also party fishing does not apply to spearing.

So any one person can not spear more than their daily limit no mater how many people are in their party.

[merkman]

you got that right. There is not reason to take 2 over 30 in the first place IMO!

I agree.

[Jameson]

...So any one person can not spear more than their daily limit no mater how many people are in their party.

I wonder how many fathers, showing their kids spearing, have allowed their kids to break this rule and party-spear some of the adult's fish limit. Seems to me it should be no party spearing for adults.