Moral Dilemma

[puddle jumper]

Just to set the stage. As many of you know when you go fishing in the ocean you can just about catch anything at any time.

Well the other day we went fishing and I caught a fish that was not allowed to be kept. The fish was a good size but got all tangled in the line so bad that the line cut the gills up bad. The fish died wile we tried to get the line off. If it would have been a good release I would have to let it go with no problem.

We kept the fish as I hate to wast. But if I got caught with it, it would have meant a find of about $200.

What I am asking is what would you do if put under these circumstances.

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

If things happened the way you stated, then morally you did the right thing. You tried to do right by the law of the land, but circumstances lead to the fish not being saved, so you went by the law of nature.

Having said that, being morally right won't help you if you had been caught with the fish.

I wouldn't sweat it dude.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

Keep it and be prepared it may cost you $200

 

[roscoe]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

toss it back.
been there,

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

I would have thrown it back to avoid the possibility of fines. Or cut it up and used it for bait. And I wouldn't have told anyone about it

 

[sfy]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

been there myself, but my ticket was only $125. yes, i got caught with a fish that fell in a slot limit. i hooked it, tried to release but it died so i decided to take it home, knowing full well it was bigger than 15" but smaller than 22".

at the ramp, DWR and a County Sheriff were checking everybodies catch.

with the cost of the rental boat,the ticket, and all the various little expenses it came out to be a $500 day.

all things considered, i say leave it floating. plenty of other wildlife will love having fresh sushi

 

[rbh]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

I am going with option D for the poll, just because you posted this.

Personnally, I would have gone with option A and lived with the guilt and the full belly.

 

[JB]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

Most State laws on the subject of not-allowed possession of a particular species specifically instruct you to dispose of it immediately.

The notion that putting a dead fish back in the water is a waste is pretty naive.

Whatever petty excuses you may have, possession of the forbidden species is against the law.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

I am no being naive at all. I believe strongly that if you kill something (something edible) you should consume it. If you don,t its a wast. Its like killing a big buck and just leave it for the wolves.

All the evidence has now been consumed in a nice Burban sauce.

Its interesting the different replies and some of the guys that have been caught and there finds.

 

[mike243]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

i would have to let it go,the game wardens dont care if its dead or alive here its still a ticket.i have had to return several small crappie/bluegill that had got hooked to deep.i cant afford $125 for a undersized fish.plus having a record on my lic would make them ck me closer every time they ran my name.i have a lifetime lic that cost a chunk & try to stay out of trouble.the few that dont make it may have been hit by a prop or another fish may have caight it ,either way it wont be wasted,muike243

 

[badkins50]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

don't get me wrong I love fish just as much as the next guy, but 200 or even 125 as posted is not worth any fish meal in my opion.

 

[avenger79]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

cut it open and toss it back. the fish will eat it right up.

 

[nlain]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

Some people locally here got caught with non keepers and it cost them about 10 grand along with truck, boat and trailer. So if me I will throw back, something will eat it and enjoy, just is not worth it.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

If you were fishing, and killed it, whether on purpose or by mistake, ultimately you are responsible. The law is the law. You can be fined no matter what. I would have tossed it back. The fish need to eat too.. So not really wasted I guess.

Its just not worth the chance of getting caught with it.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Moral Delema

Re: Moral Delema

We catch a lot of spotted sea trout here and unfortunately, they die very easily once caught. If they're not slot, we throw them back in and let the birds feast on them. Would I much rather take them home and filet them? Of course, but I refuse to get caught with an illegal fish on board.

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Moral Dilemma

Not sure how it got caught up the line and died, but it died. Toss it back in, let the others feast and avoid the ticket.

 

[eavega]

Re: Moral Dilemma

Rules is rules. Something in the water will consume every part of that fish, and no fine for you. Everyone is happy

-E

 

[mphy98]

Re: Moral Dilemma

I also caught a rather large northern on our last Canada trip. It was in the slot. It swallowed the lure so far down that i could not save the fish. I tossed it back into the water as not to incur any fine. The mounted ones do not have any more sense of humor than our DNR. It was a great day though, A large bald eagle must have been watching as he or she swooped down and carried away the fish. It was a great strain on the bird as it was at least 10 lbs worth of northern. I think I heard the eagle say as he left, Hmmm taste like chicken!

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Moral Dilemma

It would have turned into bait fish if it was me who knows you might catch something bigger

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Moral Dilemma

More than likely next time if this happens I will just put it back in the ocean and be done with it.

I don,t know why but it just seems wrong.