Collection and transportation question

[esocks]

So I've had an idea about going to a different state to collect a native fish from there. I've checked all of the state fishing laws about transporting live fish, and this fish wouldn't seem to go against them. But I am still unsure about transporting across borders and the initial collection. This fish would be a Redeye Bass (micropterus coosae) from Tennessee and I would be transporting it through Kentucky and Indiana into Michigan to keep in an aquarium.

 

[deeda]

You would be better off contacting the FWS of the involved states for clarification rather than relying on the general guides you posted. Many states also do not allow catching live fish in one state and relocating them to another.

Even the 2020 Michigan Fishing guide you posted states It is Unlawful to: "Import, plant or transplant live fish including viable eggs of any fish without permit"

 

[Siddons11]

I think it would be legal as long as you purchase the appropriate fishing license and the fish is of legal size to harvest.

 

[fishguy1978]

Most of the invasive fish species rulings or transport of sport fish rulings deal with the intent to release into other than native waters where a population could become established. You are collecting for private aquarium housing. I would no longer post where collected/obtained. If you were to post with a "hey look what I found" then there is plausible deniability on the part of MFK. This message will self destruct in 20 sec's.