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02-10-2011, 11:53 AM | #1 |
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Question on handling BSB
FYI
California Department of Fish and Game News Release NEWS RELEASES FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : February 10, 2011 California Outdoors Q & A: Photographing No-Take Species Question: I fish in Southern California and have a question about black sea bass. I know they are illegal to keep when caught. However, when they are caught while targeting other species, what is the regulation for releasing them? After the hook is removed and swim bladder punctured, may a picture be taken with the fish out of the water before it is released? I am under the impression they may not be removed from the water. I ask because a friend of mine accidentally caught a small black sea bass (about 30 lbs.) and after removing the hook and puncturing the swim bladder, he held it up and posed for a quick picture with the fish. I told him I didn't think that was legal and he argued it was. He did release the fish immediately after the photo was taken, and the fish swam off, apparently unharmed. I've searched the website for clarification, but have found nothing. Can you please clarify this issue for me? We are very conscientious fisherman. (Dave L.) The definition of "take" is to "hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill an animal, or to attempt to do so" (California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1.80). So, by catching the fish, reeling it in, taking it off the hook and holding it up for a picture, your friend has "taken" a prohibited species. He also did not release it immediately as required. Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Associate Marine Biologist Ed Roberts published a great article on best practices for releasing rockfish, giant sea bass and other fish with swim bladders that inflate at the surface, thus preventing them from ascending successfully following capture. The article was published in the January/February 2005 issue of Outdoor California magazine, available online at www.dfg.ca.gov/ocal/archives/J_F_05_16-19.pdf. Needles and sharp objects should never be used to deflate a fish's swim bladder. Even though the fish may be able to descend below the surface following a puncture, many will still die due to internal damage and/or the introduction of bacteria caused by the needles. ** See underwater video of Giant Sea Bass at https://californiaoutdoors.wordpress.com *** Last edited by FISHIONADO; 02-10-2011 at 12:57 PM. |
02-10-2011, 12:37 PM | #2 |
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"The definition of "take" is to "hunt, pursue, catch, capture or kill an animal, or to attempt to do so" (California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 1.80). So, by catching the fish, reeling it in, taking it off the hook and holding it up for a picture, your friend has "taken" a prohibited species. He also did not release it immediately as required."
I have hooked and brought Black Sea Bass to the surface; which clearly is not "take" as there was no intent to target that species. IMHO, holding a fish for a picture does not meet the F&G definition of "take' either, as we intend to release the fish. IMHO the concern here is in the fish surviving. Simply catching and reeling a fish to the surface (although legal) stresses the fish, any handling may stress the fish more. Using needles can introduce bacteria... Yet I'm not sure of the intent of your post, were you asking a question? Giving your opinion? attempting to inform us? |
02-10-2011, 12:54 PM | #3 |
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I know a guy who actually will target them and catch them, take pictures, and doesn't care what anyone says to him about breaking the law. I have read many times that once you realize the fish is a Black Sea Bass, you should cut the line and take less risk of hurting the fish more. Some DFG officers will interpret the law how they feel is right, some will nail you the moment they see you touching the fish, some will say, "Sure, take a pic, but you better let it go." However if they know that you have a BSB on the line they will watch everything that happens. Would I love to catch one, sure, do I want to risk one killing over because I wanted that photo of one, No.
I will not be shocked if within 5 years there is a lift or a catch limit placed on the BSB and they are open target again. I can see them saying a 1 fish limit per angler or boat or something. Their numbers are coming back and I do see them being taken off the do not keep list. However the way our DFG does things it may never happen also. Do some google searches on that subject and you'll find a lot of information about it. |
02-10-2011, 12:57 PM | #4 |
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Jimmy, I don't see a one fish limit, as I think that could decimate the population in no time at all; But I could see a one fish per year limit, and I'd welcome it.
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02-10-2011, 01:00 PM | #5 |
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I just got the email press release email and thought I would pass it on, I recognize their are a lot of new people on the board that may be unaware. The person who asked the DFG that question was a dip shit because he thought he should puncture the bladder. It is so easy to educate your self. :-)
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02-10-2011, 01:05 PM | #6 | |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
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Quote:
Thanks for clarifying that, your title made me think you had a question in there somewhere. Yet, I don't think there is a clear cut way (one size fits all) of responsibly releasing them; some knowledge and common sense can go a long way. |
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02-10-2011, 01:04 PM | #7 |
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They would have to sell a report card thing or something like that, and I could see that happening.
Last edited by Jimmyz123; 02-10-2011 at 04:15 PM. |
02-10-2011, 01:06 PM | #8 |
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02-10-2011, 03:13 PM | #9 |
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Lets see, there are at least 180,00 (calif)fishing licenses issued each year??? One BSB taken per angler per year.... yea that math looks good to me. Just release the fish and make sure it swims away healthy.
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02-10-2011, 12:59 PM | #10 | |
donkey roper
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Quote:
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02-10-2011, 01:03 PM | #11 |
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Chris, good point. I've also seen the roll in the line, getting all tangled, and requiring "handling" to cut them lose. They would have simply had no chance at survival otherwise.
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