Scenario: What would you do? (Long question)

[walleyewacker]

Ok, this popped in my head the other day and it has been driving
me nuts. And it's not like it would ever happen to me anyways,
bear with me.

You are fishing alone on a local lake. The walleye limit is 4
fish/day. The slot limit is 15"-20", and only 1 of your 4 fish
can be over 20". You've had a pretty good beginning as you've
caught 2 16" and 1 22" walleyes that you put in the livewell.
A couple hours go by without a bite and all you need is your
last 'eye before you go home. Suddenly you tie into a hog and
when you finally get her in the boat it is the fish of a life-
time! 32" and you guess at over 12 lbs.

What do you do? There is no culling and it wouldn't do any good
anyways cause the first 3 fish are floating belly-up. You need
to get this fish somewhere to weigh it and get pics taken. Also
to get it registered a proud angler and 'put it on the wall'.
Will you get in trouble with the law taking it in to get checked
and weighed with 2 fish over 20"? I know you can get a replica
but you still need measurements and stuff!

Tell me how you would handle this situation.

[S abes]

It all depends on what type of fisherman you are, Its one thing to let one of your other fish go if it is alive and kicking to keep the lunker. But if your wallies are all dead the best thing you can do is take some nice pictures. And if you were to measure the girth and length a taxidermist can make you a replica. I think alot of guys would break the law and either throw a dead fish away or keep over the limit. Just keep this in mind when fishing,

When fishing, its like a compitition or a battle between the fisherman and the fish, when keeping fish the fisherman must take your situation into consideration, a proper fisherman would have to release the lunker and take a loss. You can always use an airated livewell and keep it runnung alot of the time while your fishing. Sometimes the fish wins my friend and thats why there are so many fisherman.

[tweaked]

I would have a quick shore lunch.

[bottomfisher]

I would lay it in my hog trough, take a picture ( always take my camera). Than release.A picture looks better than your name in district court.

[FIB]

Stuff the 22 incher down thw 32 inchers throat. Then you only have 1 fish and it will be much heavier!

[MNHusker]

S abes said it best and I agree with him. Take pictures and put it back. To me, it all about the catch. A great picture and story is all I need. In my mind, I do not need to put much thought into the question at all.

Scott

[Koldfront Kraig]

I wouldn't think twice about it. Back it goes.

I had to keep a 8 1/2 pounder a couple of years ago because i couldnt revive it. I felt terrible.

(I know you erie guys will think thats funny):)

[walleyewacker]

Again, not like this will ever happen to me!:)

That is the beauty of replica mounts. Take a few pics, measurements,
and a lot of memories. Fishermen need to remember the importance of
a camera and the necessary tools to measure and weigh a fish properly
just in case of a situation like this.

You guys are right, the fish should be released. If nothing else,
just to be lawful. But boy what a story you could make out of that
one!! Though the idea of stuffing the 22" down it's throat was pretty
origional and hilarious. :)

[Burr]

It's got to go back, not even a hesitation. Might be time for a replica mount.

[Tom B]

IF you are a true sportsman, than you let it go. If you are a poacher, then you figure out how to break the law in the "safest" manner and keep it.

Tom B

[Rippin_Eyes]

Catch and Release!!! Graphites are cheap and easy to clean!!

[Green Bay Angler]

1. Use a digital camera with a timer to take a picture of you with it.
2. Use a seamstresses tape to measure length and girth.
3. Use a scale to weigh it.
4. Kiss, revive, and release!

GBA

[Big Dipper]

I hope we all have this delema but it goes back in after the picture.

I ask you -- are there any other laws you don't think apply to you? or just this one? just this one time?

A pictuer is better than the humiliation of a fine. Also --remember it's not your fish -- cause you didn't do it legally.

Big Dipper

[UP resident]

You'll never feel "guilty" about letting a fish go. The most vivid pictures are those in your memory.....and the story of having to let the "fish of a lifetime" go, is a great story.
Sounds to me like you already knew this; congratulations on releasing this hypothetical fish.

[honestabe]

I'm amazed you would even ask a question like that. Ever heard of personal morals, and values? I think you should really consider getting into a new pasttime. Ever thought about golf?

WHAT is this world coming too? :(

Getting to be too many walleyewackers for me.

[fourize]

That's an easy question to answer...take a picture of the behemoth, measure it and release it as quickly as possible.

[Keep it real man...]

You gotta be kidding me?? You guys know darn well you would keep the fish, enough of the goody two shoes B.S. already.

[Rippin_Eyes]

A true sportsman would release it!! Other than the fact that it is against the law to keep it!! I think most that have posted would let it go. Is loosing your fishing right and a fine worth the hassle of trying to keep it????

[michric]

Even if you got away with it how proud could you really feel? The whole situation would be tainted.

[Chuckles]

Caught a 29 inch walleye on mille-lacs last year and while the law said I could keep her I am still holding out for a 30 plus to mount - and when I do I'll smile for the camera - weigh her and measure her and then release her. The graphite repro's are better than skin mounts anyway. CPR the big girl and then there is no question. Beside there are many trophy fish programs where you get 'extra credit' for a released fish anyway. In-fish has one and so do many states. Chuckles

[MarkG]

Always be prepared for that situation! By that I mean always have 1 less than your limit in your livewell. Bringing home 1 less eater fish is not going to make a difference. Not being able to bring home your trophy (if you have that inclination, rather than to release it. ) will make a big difference. I will usually immediatly release what would have been my last fish in a limit,unless I am for sure done fishing. However,I also have always released larger walleyes regardless of slots,even if I had no fish in the boat. If I did catch a true trophy, I am pretty sure I would probably release it, but at least the option to keep would be mine,if for no other reason to keep safely in the livewell,and (carefully) show it around a bit for a few bragging rights,then release it. I would feel guilty keeping if I didnt have the right to.That would spoil it for me. Heck I would probably feel guilty keeping a fish like that even fully legal. (Must be my Jesuit upbringing,makes us feel guilty about everything!)

[JimH]

Anyone with a conscience would return the fish. Plain and simple.

[The Bullhead]

I believe the moral of this story, is to always be prepared to deal with a situation such as this. Not wether or not the fish should be kept. It doesnt seem to me the author was in anyway implying that he would indeed keep the fish, only that we should all be prepared. The law clearly indicates the fish needs to go back, end of story. Items such as a disposable camera, and a measuring device for both length and girth should be on hand. The fish could then be carefully released. It seems this post has been somewhat misinterpreted/diverted. To me, the post has served as a terrific reminder to always have a camera, tape, ect. in the boat!!

[spartan]

Why would you keep a 12 lb walleye? It won't be good or healthy to eat. If you want a mount, get a replica made. Always carry a camera and measuring tape. Release the fish so you have the opportunity to catch it again...

[Konna sewer]

What did you keep that 22 incher for?

[www]

IMO, I'd be certain of the definition of possession before I started measuring length and girth in the boat if I was concerned about obeying the law. Law worded immediate release? What's the warden seeing through binoculars and how will it be interpreted?

That amount of handling won't hurt the fish? - less would be better, especially if fish gets out of control. Or if your going to break the law a "little" by handling, why not just keep the fish and make up for it the next trip or two:)

Length & girth w/fish in water may be most appropriate.

Personally, I'd unhook that 34+", easy 14+ lber in the water (no net = no damage) and have a good story to tell... If your buddy is with you, be very non-chalant and casually comment "decent fish, eh?"

What's with this fish kissing business? More handling has potential to affect survival. Good intentions don't keep them alive. You want to eat them, fine. If you want to release them, why not take every step to maximize recovery and survival? No nets, no handling, no necking. Pliers in water. Grippers if necessary.

[rooster91]

I'm with KS, why did you keep the 22 incher?

[cabdriver]

Let the fish go, pronto.

[Doc_wi]

Even with no camera, no measuring tape and no witness you would have no choice but to let it go. It would still make for a great story.

[Cable Guy]

When there is a slot limit I personally wouldnt keep any fish over 20". I only eat the small ones and that always leaves room for that trophy my land.