Question about Fishing Regulations...

[rlovin]

This may be a stupid question, but can you catch a fish in an area where it is legal and then fish in another area with that fish aboard?

I am at Nootka and want to fish for Springs inside where it is open and then go fish near Friendly Cove for Coho. If I catch a Spring over 77 cm where they are legal, can I then go fish for Coho where you have to release Springs over 77 cm?

Thanks for the advice!

Ron

 

[SerengetiGuide]

Keep a track on your gps of your day and you should be fine...that can usually prove you were in the legal zone...

 

[yammy5]

If you caught fish in an open area I don't think you can then fish in a closed area with that species on board. It is ok to travel thru that area of course. Confirm with DFO if you have any concerns - the numbers are in the regs booklet.

 

[wolf]

Wound not worry to much me thinks they would have to catch you with your hand in the cookie jar!!!! LOL
meaning they would have to see you play it then land it in a closed area before you get busted. never heard of anyone getting hassled for what your asking but phone anyways to be on the safe side this is DFO we are talking about!!!!

 

[spring fever]

I do it all the time as we never get off the boat or stay on land for that matter-but if I have fish on board and they are illegal in a new area I'm fishing such as the 77cm zone at the monument in Nootka then all fish are cleaned and iced and stored below decks in coolers. DFO could write you a ticket(I doubt it ) but you should never pay it and that is one I would go to court on. I have been stopped in Nootka and inspected under similiar circumstances-they looked at all our fish and there was no problem but he did ask if we stayed on the boat.

 

[drhook]

Always make sure you have the right answers to their questions and hope to god you're fishing partner doesn't break under torture when they have you in the sweat box and zapping him with 100 volts of electricity.

 

[Peahead]

I know a fellow who was checked by DFO and did have an over 77 cm fish on board from a catch ealier that day. At the time DFO checked him he was inside the line (where an over 77 was not allowed) He showed DFO the whole track on his GPS as well as had a waypoint where the over 77 fish was landed. That was enough for the DFO officer to be happy and there was no issue.
Not sure what DFO would do if you had no proof of a GPS track but likely would depend on the particular officer as to whether a ticket might be handed out. I suspect in a case where a ticket was given to you , you'd likely win in court because you should be innocent until proven guilty ( unless of course there is a specific fisheries regulation that states you cannot continue fishing and carry a legal fish from an 'open' area into a new area that would be closed to the rentention of that fish )

 

[Last Chance]

That ticket would not pass in court. If they didnt see it, it didnt happen.

 

[gamechanger]

Yep, no problem what so ever