Legal harvest vs Legal possession

Landlocked_

Scenario... I picked up two guests/forum members (that's how we roll in the Big Bend) to join me fishing today. We all piled on my boat, fished for the day, I delivered them back to our pre designated meeting place. Although we did not manage a 3 man limit, how does the possession law decipher? Had we caught/harvested a 3 man limit, then I get checked after dropping my friends (that chose not to take any of the catch because they had other evening commitments) POSSESSION is 9/10's of the law right? I would be in violation if I had (in my possession) more than my own limit?

Roc N Rol

In this case, possession is 100% of the law. If you dropped them off and kept there fish and it totaled more than a one man limit and continued on in your boat, then you are in violation and can be cited and it could cost you a lot of money because each fish over the limit is a violation in its self. Each fish over the limit could cost you $250 to $500 each

N The Water

Roc N Rol wrote: »

If you dropped them off and kept there fish and it totaled more than a one man limit and continued on in your boat, then you are in violation and can be cited and it could cost you a lot of money because each fish over the limit is a violation in its self. Each fish over the limit could cost you $250 to $500 each

:Agree

They can also charge you with each fish.If you get 3 misdemeanors in a 6 month period,the 3rd one can become a 3rd degree felony.:kick

Jack Hexter

What if he got back to the ramp, loaded the boat, then they departed and he was stopped leaving the parking lot? Still in possession, but on land.

conchydong

Jack Hexter wrote: »

What if he got back to the ramp, loaded the boat, then they departed and he was stopped leaving the parking lot? Still in possession, but on land.

I've wondered about this also. I am retired and when my buddy and I do a quick trip on a weekday, I usually bring the fish back to my house to let them chill very firm overnight and then clean them as I take the time to clean heads and collars on certain species. I don't know how that could be illegal. On the other hand, they do fine people during mini season for over the limits of crawfish while on land. Tough call.

flatsbroke22

It's my understanding you can be in possession of only two limits on land.

Edit: Been looking into this further and could not find anything on trout but for redfish..... 6 fish per person transport limit applies when traveling in a vehicle on land away from a fishing site.

It is double limit on reef fish.

Roc N Rol

The two day limit on land is for trips of more than 1 day, you may have to prove you were fishing for more than 1 day if checked or have the fellow fisherman comeback to clear it up with the LEO.

flatsbroke22

Yea thats what I meant to say. So if I go down to Fl. and stay for the weekend and fish and catch my limit on FRi., Sat, and Sun. I can not legally bring all my fish home?

Roc N Rol

yes you can once you fillet them and bag them and put them in your refrigerator they are considered a food product they no longer count as a limit then you can take them out and put them in a cooler and take as many home with you as you like

DrK

With all the smart phones out there, take an end of the day pic of all of you and your catches. That way when you get stopped i might be easier to explain it to the man.

Landlocked_

Forgive me for not being clearer, we met at a local plaza, on land. We returned to the ramp, and in this particular case, all three of us were in my truck for a distance of approximately 5 miles. But then after I dropped them to their vehicle I would have been potentially in "possession" of more than one mans limit on my 35 mile travel home. This is the question I'm trying to understand the answer to. And there is also potential for me to have a guest meet me at the ramp, we fish, then return to the ramp, and said guest gets in their own vehicle at the ramp. "Timing" could possibly have me tending to the boat securing it for the ride home after said guests have departed, and I'm at the ramp with more than one mans limit in my box?? The picture idea is "OK" but.....

Roc N Rol

if you have more than one days limit with you either on the water or on land it is up to you to prove that either you were on a two-day trip or had other angler with you. also it does not just have to be a game warden any Leo city sheriff r trooper can check your limit

Roc N Rol

if I were at the ramp with more than my limit of fish in the boat I would not let the other guests leave until I was ready to leave and they would follow me out and then as long as you don't get pulled over for speeding or any other violation you should be fine

NickNut

So along these lines, If I am on a multi-day trip camping in everglades national park, do I have to return to the marina each day and store a cooler in my truck or something (up to the maximum 2-day limit)? What is the purpose of a transport limit that is greater than a two day limit?

Jack Hexter

Yes, you would have to return to the marina and "land" the fish each day. Only allowed a 1 day limit on the water unless on a headboat with sleeping quarters for each passenger a paid receipt showing multi-day trip

NickNut

Thanks Jack, much appreciated. Just to be clear, transport limit on regulations refers to "landed"?

Roc N Rol

NickNut wrote: »

Thanks Jack, much appreciated. Just to be clear, transport limit on regulations refers to "landed"?

Yes that is correct, you are never allowed to have over 1 days limit of fish while on the water in a private recreational boat no matter how many days you have been camping.

NickNut

Roc N Rol wrote: »

Yes that is correct, you are never allowed to have over 1 days limit of fish while on the water in a private recreational boat no matter how many days you have been camping.

Thanks. That's what I thought, but wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing.

Barrell

It would depend on the CO and if he felt your were being honest with him. I would have your friends both fill out a postcard dated with their license numbers, names, and addresses clearly stating that they were giving you their catch that day. That's how the deer laws are written in PA. You must have a document signed and dated if you are taking possession of someone elses deer.