Donating fish

[TubeDude]

[#0000ff]I think the origin of the current regulations goes back to the early days...when whole families lined the banks of streams and lakes on the opening of the annual trout season. There would always be one member of the family who caught most of the fish. And it was common for guys who didn't want to stop fishing after getting their limit to start giving away fish as they caught them...either to family members or any other anglers nearby. Justifiably, DWR had a problem with someone catching a bunch of their hatchery pets and handing them off to someone else.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In recent times I have seen it go both ways when a DWR officer encounters "gifting" fish. Many times they will simply issue a warning and a reminder to the offender(s) that it is not allowed in the regulations. But I have seen someone on Utah Lake get a citation for giving away WHITE BASS...for which there is no limit.
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[#0000ff]On the other hand, I was fishing with a DWR biologist...on an unnamed water for an unnamed species...and at the end of the day the DWR guy gave me a few of his fish to add to my take. Actually left me with an over-limit. And it was "on the water"...with no paperwork.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have always had reservations about the strictness of the rules...as they are written. I don't believe in wasting fish and I do believe in sharing. But I also do not believe that someone sharing their catch with other members of their family...or even just a fishing partner...should be cause for a citation...even without the paperwork...which nobody will ever see.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But, like all of the regulations, they are law until changed and we need to do our best to comply.
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