pa native law

[focker]

i called and asked the fish commission if it was legal to go and catch a native fish and keep it in ur aquarium and they told me yes as long as it meets size requriements and is in season. i thought that was cool cause i didnt think it was legal. so then i said well im after a bowfin and if i cant catch one would it be legal for me to run a add in the local paper telling fisherman that i would like to buy one and the reply was i do not know can u call back tommorrow after i get some information.. so i will call back tommorrow and ask. just thought id would share if theres anyone from pa.

 

[Polypterus]

i called and asked the fish commission if it was legal to go and catch a native fish and keep it in ur aquarium and they told me yes as long as it meets size requriements and is in season. i thought that was cool cause i didnt think it was legal. so then i said well im after a bowfin and if i cant catch one would it be legal for me to run a add in the local paper telling fisherman that i would like to buy one and the reply was i do not know can u call back tommorrow after i get some information.. so i will call back tommorrow and ask. just thought id would share if theres anyone from pa.

You would have been in the clear if you said " If I put an ad asking about one for FREE just for an aquarium would it be legal" Things get tricky once you start Buying or selling Native fish. These fish are State and or federal property until you legally obtain them and transfer the property rights from the state to you.

Often this means licensing and proper permits from the person you are buying the fish from..
On the other hand, one person can Give you one without any red tape if it was caught legally and carries no attached strings according to state law.

 

[Nate77]

It is UNLAWFUL to possess, to introduce or import, transport, sell, purchase, offer for sale or barter the following live species in the Commonwealth: Snakehead (all species), Black Carp, Bighead Carp, Silver Carp, Zebra Mussel, Quagga Mussel, Round Goby and Tubenose Goby.

From the i would say you could buy one.If there is a daily limit on them ones in you possien count against your limit

 

[teleost]

Just to back up what Polypterus says...

You really should never ask to buy native fish unless it's from a source that does so legally. A typical fishing permit will not allow the sale of fish so it's best not to ask. You'll put the seller in jeopardy.

I happen to know that many legal native fish sellers have bowfin in stock right now. This is an easy choice and legal.

And it's perfectly legal to give fish away to people.

 

[smallguy]

Just to back up what Polypterus says...

You really should never ask to buy native fish unless it's from a source that does so legally. A typical fishing permit will not allow the sale of fish so it's best not to ask. You'll put the seller in jeopardy.

I happen to know that many legal native fish sellers have bowfin in stock right now. This is an easy choice and legal.

And it's perfectly legal to give fish away to people.

thats right, its illegal to buy or sell natives without the the right permits which does not in could a fishing lisence.

 

[buddah101]

i called and asked the fish commission if it was legal to go and catch a native fish and keep it in ur aquarium and they told me yes as long as it meets size requriements and is in season. i thought that was cool cause i didnt think it was legal. so then i said well im after a bowfin and if i cant catch one would it be legal for me to run a add in the local paper telling fisherman that i would like to buy one and the reply was i do not know can u call back tommorrow after i get some information.. so i will call back tommorrow and ask. just thought id would share if theres anyone from pa.

That is cool! I'm a Pennsylvanian. From the Lock Haven area.
Hey I just had a thought...You could give the guy your money and he could give you a fish. All legal and no red tape! LOL