I want to study lake fish such as largemouth bass, panfish more upclose. Is it legal to catch such fish from a lake and put them in an aquarium? One taxidermy book makes no mention of any illegalities or permits required. Another person stated that you can't because of the "blackbass law". I live in the state of Minnesota and was wondering if anyone could clear this matter. I don't want to break any laws. Thank you!
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Check with your states fishing rules and regulations. I would think that as long as you have a valid fishing license and you abide by the size and possession limits that you shouldn't have any problems. When in doubt, call your DNR....
As long as it is a legally taken fish. Legal meaning it meets the size
requirements and during the transportation of the fish it is included
in your catch limit. At least here in Indiana you can do what you want
with a fish unless the regs say otherwise. (I do not know about the sale of fishes though.)
I have a 150 gallon tank with a largemouth bass that I have had for 5
years now. He is about 2 1/2 lbs now. I also have a 75 gallon tank
with 2 white crappie,bluegill small channel catfish,rockbass and a
smallmouth bass. I have never heard of the "Black bass law" If you find
out about it let the forum know. I am sure there are lots of taxidermist who have
tanks set up.
Todd B
There is a special permit or license required in Minn., I actually believe it is a netting license. It was explained to me in a bait shop a few years ago by the owner, they had a tank with some very nice large and smallmouth bass that they kept. It has to do with the transport of live fish, if you are a bait dealer with a netting license you can transport live fish. Without the license it is illegal to transport live fish in Minn. The Black Bass Act was(I think that it is no longer in effect) Federal and had to do with the interstate transportation of bass. Contact the DNR about the keeping of live bass, I don't believe it is any big deal but you had better get it right to be safe. I am going to have to look up the Black Bass Act, you have arroused my curiosity!
Christian,
I can't speak for every state but I can tell you what I found out about the "Black Bass Act."
I was an act that became law in 1926 making it illegal to transport in interstate commerce black bass taken, purchased, or sold in violation of state law.
It along with the Lacey Act of 1900 was repealed and replaced by the Lacey Act Ammendments of 1981. The original Lacey Act was the first federal law protecting game, and prohibited interstate shipment of illegally taken wildlife, as well as importation of injurious species.
When the Black Bass and Lacey Act became the Lacey Act Ammendments it became more comprehensive and restored proctection of migratory birds, removed from the act in 1969, and started the protection of plants. The Lacey Act Ammendments increased penalities and included a felony punishment scheme to target commercial violators and international traffickers by fines of up to $20,000 or five years imprisonment, or both.
Cecil