Taking Pictures of Out of Season Fish, Be Aware of the Regulations

When I saw the post by Cessna172 and the picture of the big musky, my immediate reaction was "well done--great fish"

At the same time I seemed to recall something I had read that it was illegal to take pictures of OOS fish.

The Ontario regulations call for the "immediate" release of any OOS fish, but "immediate" is not defined.

I did a Google search and found an article in Ontario Out of Doors Magazine which I get because of my OFAH membership. It is probably what I was remembering.

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esr...DUCRby-xp_XQLlw

I hope the above link works. If not, do a Google search "taking pictures of out of season fish" and the topic is there.

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not posting this to be critical of Cessna172, I'm just trying to ensure our members are aware of the regulation and that a CO could charge you.

SDC

We've been here before.

A gazillion times and always creates a sh!t storm . It and chumming and drinking in a hut .

TD

A gazillion times and always creates a sh!t storm . It and chumming and drinking in a hut .

TD

Used to be three of my favourite things lol

I think the key is: Out of Season fish must be IMMEDIATELY released.

I do not believe it is ALWAYS illegal to take a photo of an Out of Season fish.

Case in point:

(Remember I am THE photo ninja?:-)

You and me were fishing together on Simcoe ice. You caught and landed a big musky that must be released, and yes, you did release it IMMEDIATELY. While you were landing and releasing it IMMEDIATELY, I was standing next to you, and took one phone (or whatever number of photos I could quickly get my hands on) of you in the action with this Out of Season fish on the photo(s). Someone tell me what law if any, you and/or I violated?:-)

(On the other hand, if you take the time to hold the fish for a photo shoot, then of course it is not IMMEDIATELY released anymore)

Agreed 100 %

James

I agree with you 100%.

Ralph

Was a nice catch, but since it is OOS, criticism should be expected.

I agree with James and Ralph.

You can't tell me if you accidentally caught a 200 Lbs Lake Sturgeon (Closed all year in ON) that you would not take a second to take a picture of it.

I don't don't know how old the picture is or if it it even in Canada. Who's to say its not a snap shot from a video the way his hands are look consistent with the position one would have letting it go . It's not hanging from its gills to show how long it is compared to him . I don't think it's fair to think the worst

Responsible for your own actions!

There are more serious fishing crimes out there being done everyday. What about these television fisherman, they are forever taking pictures of fish being caught and they have plenty of money I'm sure too throw away for these ridiculous fines. If the conservation authorities are watching for people posting pictures of their catches, can I have their job. And I don't mind doing overtime for that either.

if im fishing perch on simcoe say on march 17th and get a 20lb trout,you better believe im taking a quick pic of that fish before it goes back,id take the fine if need be.....

but i always have my gopro mounted on my chest so as soon as i got it on id be recording

If your driving a car it's illegal to take a selfie that's common sense . But if your passenger takes a pic of you. You haven't done anything wrong