Question on ethics of taking native fish

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Gage Zamrzla

Gage Zamrzla

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MFK Member
Jun 25, 2010
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Penn Valley, CA
So I found this little creek in a suburban area today while I was biking. It's been a rough go lately and it was as close to nature as I'm gonna get anywhere around here so I went off the trail and down to the creek and while I was laying around I noticed there were actually little fish in a few sections of the stream. The further up stream went the smaller they got (not that they were big, 1.5" max). I thought it would be really cool to set up a medium size tank and put some of these guys in there using some of the small rocks, sand, water, moss and other plants and throw a light powerhead in there to create their natural flow. I didn't for a few reasons, no empty tanks atm, I'd go back and study them quite a bit before I seriously consider doing this, and mostly I was concerned it was simply wrong to do. I'm something of a hippie what with the long hair and big beard and I thought that it might be somewhat hypocritical of me to take from an already shrinking environment because of all the building and construction in the cities around my home. I know all of our fish are in some way or another linked to the wild and I'm not saying keeping fish all together is bad but I'm wondering if I should refrain from doing this because the lack of real nature in this part of California (Bay Area/Tri Valley). Anybody have an opinion or advise? I'm open to all opinions or facts. I just want to be sure I'm not doing something wrong. Thanks.
 
Want to add anything I would use if I ever did this would be minimal to start the tank up and hopefully plants and such would simply grow and multiply. Nothing excessive by any means.
 
It might not be illegal if you have a fishing license and there are no restrictions on the species. I dunno if that's how it works in Cali, but here in FL it seems to work. Especially if it's invasive. Then they REALLY want it removed and it's illegal to throw back!

But think of it this way: is it illegal to catch live bait to fish with in Cali? If so, then you're SOL. If not, you're in the clear as long as they aren't the undersized young of a gamefish.
 
Honestly I think they're minnows and there are a few hundred. That may be beside the point. Regardless it doesn't look like it'll be happening either way because I'm gonna be moving soon, not far from where I am now but it's more trouble than it's worth right now. Thanks for everyone's input.
 
I keep some native fish as well as reptiles along with the other more common pet fish. I fully understand where you are coming from by the way. Maybe I'm just rationalizing things but, the way I see it is that the natives can serve as a great teaching tool. When people come to my house one of the most commented on animals is a red finned pickerel. Through their interest in him I get to explain not only about the fish itself but hydrarch succession, the importance of wetlands, etc. The snakes and turtles go to public events at least twice a year and are used in educational programs. I think keeping individual natives and using them to educate people puts a face on the local habitat destruction. Just my point of view on it. As far as the laws in your area that is beyond my scope of practice. Good luck with your move.
 
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