Releasing fish defined

Some recent clarifications from the Legistration and the DNR…..

Releasing fish defined-

For years, DNR regulations stated that fish caught illegally — out of season or within a protected slot limit — must be “immediately released.” But it was never clear what that meant. Could you keep the fish long enough to photograph it? Now you can. Here’s what the new law says:

“Immediately released” or “immediately returned to the water” means that a fish must not be retained longer than is needed at the site of capture to unhook, identify, measure, or photograph the fish.

Placing a fish on a stringer, in a live well or cooler, bucket or other container is not “immediately released” or “immediately returned to the water.”

thanks alot

Resembles common sense definition we have all been using for years.

Common sense to most of us but I’ve seen a fish handled by several people on the boat for the photo op. After dropping the fish on the floor of the boat, the fish was “released” 5 minutes later…..

I’ll also add that I hope this definition doesnt give bozo’s an excuse to pursue out of season species.