Legal or not

[plugger]

So I was reading a report on another site and the gentleman goes on to mention that they had retained there limit of trout, but kept a few of the smaller fish alive to cull out. Now in the rule book it specifically states that this is legal for bass and walleye, but to my recollection there is no mention of it when it comes to trout. You retain your limit, you are done. Am I wrong?

[Bullkllr]

You are correct.

I looked closely at the regs. It specifically states the exemptions for bass and walleye. I think the language could be more clear that it's NOT legal for trout and other species, but it's not.

[cavemann]

I was of the understanding that if using bait, even fish released count towards your limit.  Catch and release until limit is obtained was in bait prohibited areas only.  So as I understand it, if using corn, power bait, scent, worms etc. while trout fishing; once you have landed 5 fish to the boat you are done regardless of size and whether you have "retained" your limit.

Does anyone know if this is true??  In this years regs, I can't find it.

[sumpnz]

Under "Bait Rules" on pg 14:

It is unlawful to chum, broadcast, feed, or
distribute into freshwater any bait or other
substance capable of attracting fish unless
specifically authorized in Special Rules.
Where use of bait is prohibited, or where
lures or flies are used voluntarily, Game Fish
may be caught and released until the daily
limit is retained. If any fish has swallowed the
hook or is hooked in the gill, eye, or tongue, it
should be kept if legal to do so.
It is unlawful to possess or use live aquatic
animals as bait, except:
1. Live aquatic animals (other than fish)
collected from the water being fished.
2. Live sand shrimp.
3. Live forage fish in the Columbia River
downstream of the Rocky Point/Tongue
Point line.

From the Trout section on pg 15

In lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: No min. size. Daily limit 5. When fishing with bait, all TROUT (except
STEELHEAD) equal to or greater than the minimum size are counted as part of the daily limit whether
kept or released.

[birddogdad]

short answer ;  NOT

[cavemann]

Thanks sumpnz...  I don't know how I missed it.  I hate reading them online and usually get the pamphlet.  This is why.  I fournd the pg 14 right away but completely missed the pg 15 part.  I must have been scrolling too fast.

I do love the part where is says:

 "In lakes, ponds, and reservoirs: No min. size. Daily limit 5. When fishing with bait, all TROUT (except
STEELHEAD) equal to or greater than the minimum size are counted as part of the daily limit whether
kept or released.

So again, regardless of size you are done after landing 5 fish...  Or are you??  LOL..

[plugger]

They were not using bait. It comes down to retention I guess. If they are in your boat, I would consider that retained, dead or alive.

[plugger]

Interesting, they removed the post. Guess maybe they made a boo boo posting it. Im pretty sure it was a guide, not positive just pretty sure. Cant verify since it was removed. The site owner is a bit of a guide lover, so that would explain the removal. Cant say anything critical about guiges or he bands you even if you don't mention them by name. Doesn't seem to be to interested in an open dialog. 

[Thenewguy]

Stocked trout don't live well in a live well. They should absolutely be counted and seem to be

[dscubame]

Curious.  Is there a way to fish for trout without bait?  Done a lot of fishing and have not heard of a baitless technique.  Hand trapping in shallow rivers perhaps?

[Stein]

Curious.  Is there a way to fish for trout without bait?  Done a lot of fishing and have not heard of a baitless technique.  Hand trapping in shallow rivers perhaps?

Fly fishing, lures

[dscubame]

Curious.  Is there a way to fish for trout without bait?  Done a lot of fishing and have not heard of a baitless technique.  Hand trapping in shallow rivers perhaps?

Fly fishing, lures

Figured that would be bait still, artificial bait.  Hmmm

[Bullkllr]

Curious.  Is there a way to fish for trout without bait?  Done a lot of fishing and have not heard of a baitless technique.  Hand trapping in shallow rivers perhaps?

Fly fishing, lures

Figured that would be bait still, artificial bait.  Hmmm

Regs seem pretty clear on bait definition:
Bait
Anything that attracts fish or shellfish by
scent and/or flavor. This includes any device
made of feathers, hair, fiber, wood, metal, glass,
cork, leather, rubber, or plastic, which uses scent
and/or flavoring to attract fish or wildlife.

[dscubame]

Thought as much.  Thx

[plugger]

So now the post is back up, minus the part about culling the trout. It was a guide, one the moderator of the site fishes with so that explains the editing. Noticed it had some of the comments removed as well. I would have to guess it was because they called them out on it.

[Bullkllr]

If that is the site I'm thinking of, they have a stated policy:

The policy of this site will be to remove fishing reports that have clear rules violations.

But sounds like it only applies when they want it to.

[plugger]

Sure seems that way. I can see removing it permanently, not removing the questionable practices then reposting it. That doesn't make what they admitted to somehow better. I guess if you are sponsored by the site, then its ok. Funny part is in the post, they were saying how a father and 2 sons were fishing on the beach, releasing bait caught fish and got busted for multiple infractions.