Sharing your fishing wealth. Good idea?

[Walleye Express]

All good answers guys.
And I'm not saying sharing your catch is unethical and definetly not illegal. Still can't help but wonder though just how many pounds/tons of walleyes and other fish species get harvested by people putting something back (resource and industry wise) while giving some of it away to others not contributing.

I'm thinking that all the variables including harvest catch rates, set's what the laws, limits and possibly to some degree, industry prices of equipment. I also keep a small cash of fillets as the 4th of July draws near. I clean out my freezer of Salmon, White Bass and Walleyes and cook them up for a group of clients where my wife works. They are head injured people of all ages and they truly love Ol'Capt: Dans magic battered fish. But these people are stuck in one place, get nothing but fish stix when they do get fish, and can't get out to catch or buy the fresh tasty stuff like my neighbor can.

[Walleye Express]

Tom B.
I'm not real sure those MillLacs guides are not breaking the law. Each State (I think) has a certain in-possession law. In Michigan it's two days. Our limit is 5 each day, so if I had 11 whole fish or the equivilant in fillets in my possession, (rather it was caught by another fisherman or not) I believe it would be in violation. Subsquently, if it was proven that I only fished one day and had a two day catch, I would be in trouble. Your also obligated to stop hunting geese after you've shot your own limit, even if the others in your group have not limited out. My buddy found this out last year the hard way.

[Bob J pool 12]

I think this is some good information.So far this is not a law but there trying to get it in effective by 04.All lock and dams will be closed to winter fishing from dam to 400 yards below the dam.In this section of the water is were most sauger and walleye winter.I for one, am for this.There are millions of females removed, just before they could spawn.In my view that's a real waste of our natural resourses.There is a large group of fisherman wanting to stop this new law.I was already asked to sign a petition, noway!!! Oh I am talking about the mississippi river.I think this is a great idea to get the walleye populations back up.Everything has to maintained to remain in good condition.

[rebs]

I keep a few salmon for myself and give some filets to a couple friends at work. the salmon are going to dye after the spawn anyway

as far as steelhead and browns I keep a couple from time to time and I share a couple filets with an older ladie at work who is widowed

during bass season I only keep a couple for dinner and release the rest

I have never kept a limit of any fish, not even walleye
just a couple for dinners

rebs

[scott5019]

Dan,
While I am not someone who keeps limits of fish to give away, I do give a meal to people who no longer fish. I do not feel in any way that this is a wrong thing to do. My family and I do enjoy eating walleyes (along with alot of other people) but we don't mind missing a meal of them now and then to let some other people enjoy a fresh meal of fish. No different to me than giving someone a package of venison, a pheasant, or any other type of wild game/fish. There are many sportsman that just cannot hunt or fish anymore and they appreciate the great table fare of a fresh catch. No money changes hands, just a friendly gesture among friends.
I believe that fish can be overharvested if allowed to, but with just some common sense, it can be used wisely. The people who just catch fish to give away/sell are the ones in my opinion that are hurting the sport. There wouldn't be all that many walleyes in the Saginaw Bay if it wasn't for the sportsmans dollars in the first place. As long as there are fish to catch, some people will abuse it. I believe the majority of people use the resource wisely. Just the way that I see it.

Scott

[esoxlucius]

I believe that fish legally taken are ones own private property and can be disposed of in any manner one chooses - including selling them.

[Rod Holder]

Check your Michigan DNR fishing guide...possession limit on walleyes is one daily limit. People camping have been hammered by the DNR for having more than five per person stashed in their coolers.

[Walleye Express]

Rod Holder.
Your right. Only one possession limit is allowed for walleyes in Michigan.

Possession Limit is equal to the Daily Limit. Except a person may possess up to two (2) additional limits of coho, chinook, or pink salmon taken during previous fishing days provided that the additional limits are processed fish (canned, cured by smoking or drying, or frozen). Anglers who have not attained the age of 17 are entitled to the possession limit even though they do not have a fishing license. A person fishing waters bordered by other states or provinces AND possessing multiple fishing licenses may possess the limit allowed for ONLY ONE license while in transit, but while fishing in Michigan waters, must comply with Michigan possession and size limits.
I stand corrected.

But Essox, your dead wrong. Don't even think of selling your catch in Michigan. Rather in a whole state or fillets without a commercial fishing license. You will get fined.

[Fish Hound]

I give a few fillets away or fry up a batch of fish for friends and family on occasion. I also buy my license, my sons license and my wifes license. Though they don't fish with me every time I go. We have also never kept a three person limit when we fish together. It is also illegal to sell fish taken by sportsfishing in Ohio.
See you on the water!
The Fish Hound

[bob oh]

I do what is legal.