Question about Grass Carp Fishing

Inshore Only

Is it legal to fish for grass carp in a stocked golf course lake. I would release any fish caught immediately after bringing them in. I only ask because I have heard some say that it is legal and some say that it isn't legal.
Thanks for your response.

Jack Hexter

FWC Website wrote:

It is illegal to possess grass carp or alligator gar without a permit.

Triploid grass carp (Ctenopharygodon idella) are used for aquatic vegetation control and may not be stocked or harvested without a permit. They grow to over 40 pounds.

After reading the above, I would say it's illegal. CANNOT POSSESS!!, but then again, I'm not an FWC Officer

Lobstercatcher229

Jack Hexter wrote: »

After reading the above, I would say it's illegal. CANNOT POSSESS!!, but then again, I'm not an FWC Officer

At one time you could fish for snook when they were out of season but they need to be released unharmed. You certainly aren't allowed to posess them when out of season.

Camp

Given the cost of grass carp - over $10 each for the 10" size - I doubt the golf course wants you to fish for them. They will bite a hook, and then you are tasked with returning them to the water unharmed. We have some in our ponds and I hate it when they hit my hook as it is hard to land them safely (they get pretty big) and get the hook out without damage. They are stocked for a reason - to get rid of the nuisance vegetation. Legal or not, not a good idea.

Catch 22

I catch them all the time on fly,

They are very lethargic, not very good fighters at all but they are plentiful in my lake and I fish for them when the Bass fishing slows down. "I don't posses them" I bring them to the bank and release them while there in the water. Pretty soon we will need a permit to own a fishing rod and reel.

BridgeRod

http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/fish/freshwater/nonnatives/grass-carp/

it appears you can fish for them. catch and release

posessing a fish to me means taking it home with me or putting it in my cooler on ice. maybe someone from fwc can clarify. its a shame this question has not been answered for you by the fish police and it has been 2 weeks

chronicbreak

This is a federal question forum. Makes me laugh that folks will bash FWC for not answering. And I'm by knows means the first to bring this up.

This question and many others are easily answered by visiting http://myfwc.com including how to measure fish. Also, wonder how many people have tried just picking up the phone and calling. Nicest group in the Tallahassee office...all five of them.