Regs. vs recent forum discussion - I'm confused

[CoyoteSpinner]

Cuz he's in the water, right! [crazy]

Seriously - DowntownBrowns made the official call and got the official word from Idaho Fish-n-game, and Leaky - just wanted to be sure it got shared on your post too.

I was WRONG!!!! I admit it!!!!
I (and others) incorrectly interpreted the law, and the fish were not handled in accordance with the rules (but they did get released safely). It was unintentional, and has been an educational opportunity. But it won't happen again, and anyone I wish with will also get a a proper education.

Just got off the horn with Deb Baker at Idaho Fish and Game Enforcement Dept.
Here's what she told me:
The official regulations that state "may not be removed from the water" mean just that, they are not to be removed from the water for any purpose, including removing the hook.
The part in the regs where it says "back into the water" is a species identification reminder that includes an illustration and is meant for those who are unfamiliar with the species. If they've already taken it out of the water before they realized it was a bull trout, it needs to be put back into the water immediately.

I should add that she asked me to email her the link to this thread, which I did.

As I said elsewhere - the Bulls are a great resource, I was lucky to have an opportunity to meet such grand fish, and know better how they should be handled if I ever get a chance again.

Flygoddess - after all this - I don't know that I'd DARE use that photo as an Avatar. My little fry are from the fish hatchery up there.
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