GARZILLA

[stotty]

The fish in those pics are not gators they are Shortnosed and Longnosed all of which are pretty good sized. The one that I worry over is that Paddlefish in the first pic...
I was never aware these where allowed to be taken anywhere with a bow...

this is a strange one


3) Catch and release of paddlefish by use of rod and reel, trotlines and throwlines is allowed, year-round. Paddlefish must be released immediately after being caught, unless kept for the daily limit. Anglers fishing trotlines or throwlines must release all paddlefish before leaving their lines (unless keeping one for a daily limit).

4) Paddlefish taken by bowfishing, gigs, spears and spearguns cannot be released.

http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/fishregs/paddlefishregs.htm

 

[JD7.62]

this is a strange one


3) Catch and release of paddlefish by use of rod and reel, trotlines and throwlines is allowed, year-round. Paddlefish must be released immediately after being caught, unless kept for the daily limit. Anglers fishing trotlines or throwlines must release all paddlefish before leaving their lines (unless keeping one for a daily limit).

4) Paddlefish taken by bowfishing, gigs, spears and spearguns cannot be released.

http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/fishregs/paddlefishregs.htm

There are 50 states in the US, all with different laws. Its actually ILLEGAL to release paddlefish in my state if they are snagged.

 

[Polypterus]

I think I need to re-look up all the paddlefish laws....Seems like a few too many I was not aware of.

 

[JD7.62]

In some waters we are allowed to keep 8 paddles a day.

"There is a statewide limit of 2 paddlefish
for either gigging or snagging,
except in the Lake Barkley tailwater
(Cumberland River) and in the Kentucky
Lake tailwater (Tennessee River)
up to 8 paddlefish may be taken daily.
Snagging anglers must cease snagging
once they attain the two fish daily creel
limit on paddlefish on all waters open
to snagging. Snagging anglers cannot
release or cull any snagged paddlefish."

http://www.kdfwr.state.ky.us/pdf/08fishboat2.pdf?lid=2036&NavPath=C101C203C682

 

[Horiyoshi III]

this is a strange one



4) Paddlefish taken by bowfishing, gigs, spears and spearguns cannot be released.

Maybe because these fish have a higher chance of dying?
Which would add to the things that make a fishkill occur.Rotting bodies.

Thats all I can think of with that one.

 

[JD7.62]

Maybe because these fish have a higher chance of dying?
Which would add to the things that make a fishkill occur.Rotting bodies.

Thats all I can think of with that one.

Youre right, though releasing intentionally snagged paddlefish is something I usually do. I snag with light wire hooks and the fish are no worse for the wear with just a minor flesh wound and since I snag while wading I usually get the fish in the caudal peduncle so no chance for major damage. If I feel a fish is mortally wounded I will donate the fish.

Here is the only paddle Ive kept to eat...wasnt that good but I think it has potential if someone who actually knew how to cook them had cooked!

 

[tommyboy3062]

what's going on here is that simply a juvenile? or something else/more

 

[Venom SS]

I could be mistaken but when I was younger I could have sworn that even landing a paddle was highly illegal in Texas. But then again I was young and probably dont remember the whole truth

 

[JD7.62]

I could be mistaken but when I was younger I could have sworn that even landing a paddle was highly illegal in Texas. But then again I was young and probably dont remember the whole truth

Different states have different laws. We have tons of paddles here in KY. During certain times of the year, when I fish below the dam, you can see dozens and dozens of big paddles running in the current with the bills sticking out of the water. When you see that...cast, jerk jerk, reel, jerk jerk, FISH ON!! They can strip 100yds of 20lb mono in no time! Real fun stuff.

 

[crmarti]

nice pics...that one longnose is huge...three summers ago i caught a 48 inch 24 pound longnose in SC. im pretty sure it was pushin the state record