paddlefish

I would probably advise taking this picture off of this website.

Why would I take this picture off of this site? the fish was legally caught and released which is mandatory on Mondays and Tuesdays while paddlefishing. It is a great fish and was released immediately after the picture was taken. Am I missing something?

I have seen 2 people get tickets for just snapping a picture on catch and release days during paddle season....not trying to be a dick just saying that immediately doesn't mean snap a few pics....but do whatever you like

I didnt realize the game and fish was that strict about the catch and release. Thanks for the heads-up.

I guess the camera flash is way more stressfull then the 20 minute fight it just went through. 

I don't paddlefish but know that there are certain ways to handle a paddlefish before releasing to ensure you don't kill the fish. Since they do have catch and release days it might be good for people to know these things. Catch and release doesn't do much good if the fish all die anyway.

From the Game and Fish:

Keep the paddlefish in the water at all times while handling the fish and removing the hook.

Do not sit or kneel on the fish to remove the hook and do not hold the fish by it's gills or even touch the gills of the fish if at all possible

Release the paddlefish immediately and do not remove it from the water. Do not take the fish out of the water, hold it upright, or lay it on the shoreline.

If a picture is to be taken it should be of the fish in the water being held horizontally.

If a paddlefish caught on a release day has a jaw tag the G&F prefers the fisherman does not try to read the info to avoid risking additional stress on the fish.

The NDGF also says the same things for walleyes and other fish species.  In my opinion, those fish get hurt probably more frequently than a paddlefish does.  I have yet to see a paddlefish struggle when being held.  They are just big semi unagile fish and often too tired after their short fight.  Now if a person is carrying it around shore showing it off and bouncing it around like a mad man then that's a different story.

Walleyes, northerns, etc they struggle a lot when being touched and can get hurt.  I am careful with that in I hold the tail on the fish so it cannot struggle.  I do this right up to the photo.  Reduces damage.  Not to mention I bought a lip grip scale which definitely helps with handling fish.

Point is, I am not totally sold on the fact on the force the NDGF apparently puts forth on releasing paddlefish.  The fight for the fish is the most exhausting thing.  As long as the fish is released properly (placing it in the water and making sure it has its bearing) and done so in a quick fashion is there really THAT much harm being done to them? I'd like to know what the "success" rate is.  By all means, take the proper precautions placed by the NDGF but be full aware the NDGF also suggests the SAME for releasing other species.  So are we all going to be in trouble for taking photos of other species?

I know, I know.