chevvyy Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Most of my fishing is catch and release as I'm in it more for the fun of landing a fighting fish rather than food supply . But on some occasions the fish doesn't recover [possible from the sight of my ugly head when it's pulled onboard ]. It seems a waste to let these fish just float belly up down the river . I have had this happen with fish that are just under size and feel a bit nervous about keeping anything under size even if it has not survived the struggle . Is there a policy on this situation from fisheries??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amkr Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 (edited) Yes, even if it dies in your arms, if its under legal it goes back into the drink. I've had a few small bream float away into the sunset, I'd have much rather seen them swim off happily. Edited October 2, 2015 by amkr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest no one Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 As above of its undersize its illegal! What's to stop you killing it and saying it died naturally? Sad but true! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockfisherman Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 People trying to get their 20c hook back is what kills alot of fish. Plain and simple, if the fish isn't hooked around the mouth I snip the line there and then, let it swim away, the barb will rust away and the fish will be able to spit the hook out. Harry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevvyy Posted October 2, 2015 Author Share Posted October 2, 2015 I As above of its undersize its illegal! What's to stop you killing it and saying it died naturally?Sad but true! I agree it is a convenient excuse . But what if like a lot of boats these days you had go pro or video footage of its natural death and bellyupedness , hypothetically what would fisheries do ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fragmeister Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 I think they would let you off for inventing that cool new word "bellyupedness" or... they would say the rule is the rule and fine you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amkr Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 People trying to get their 20c hook back is what kills alot of fish. Plain and simple, if the fish isn't hooked around the mouth I snip the line there and then, let it swim away, the barb will rust away and the fish will be able to spit the hook out. Harry This is what did it with my losses, now if I can't get the hook out in 20 seconds the line gets cut and they go overboard. I agree it is a convenient excuse . But what if like a lot of boats these days you had go pro or video footage of its natural death and bellyupedness , hypothetically what would fisheries do ? Fine you for being in possession of an undersized fish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest no one Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 I can kill a fish by the way I play it with the rod... Or by pretending the lip hooked fish wasn't lip hooked. There's always an excuse - end of day fair is fair and rules and rules. Despite any evidence you give of how it died naturally it's still undersize and illegal to have dead in your possession! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellcorner Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Amkr is right. Any undersize fish have to be returned to the water, even if it unfortunately doesn't survive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevvyy Posted October 2, 2015 Author Share Posted October 2, 2015 I guess your right , the rules are the rules and are enforced for the greater good !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest no one Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Cheers - All came to the same conclusion. I'll lock this now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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