Collecting my own fish

[Billygoat286]

I know im probably going to be scolded for trying this little experiment but seeing as how im living on a boat in a marina thats convenitely located in salt marsh i couldnt resist... So i had been hoping to catch some bait fish to go fishing with when i pulled up my trap and there was a sole fish. Upon closer inspection it was a beautiful specimen of a striped bass (or striper) that was around 6 inches long. so i threw him into a cooler and added a filter and bubbler and filled it with water(sea water of course) and amde sure to change until i had a chance to get home. I put him in my FOWLR tank (soon to be reef tank) and now hes good buddies with my Watchman Gobie. I wouldnt like to try it with fish anymore but seeing as i found some Ghost shrimp would it be irresponsible to collect some? I've also harvested some Black Onyx Nassarius snails (amazing little guys. They outdo every other snail i have) What about some of the smaller crabs that are like Emeralds? I just wanted some input as to whether it would be responsible to collect a few here and there or not.

[dstipple]

I live in South Florida and have collected fish for my tank before. As long as you have a saltwater fishing license, the collection of tropical reef fish is allowed, but just like sport fishing there are specific bag limits. Being that the striped bass is a game fish and not a reef fish I would assume that yours would be "undersized" by game fish regulations. I personally don't have a problem with this as I have a small game fish I caught locally, which is also for sale on live aquaria, but my fish wasn't subjected to being transported to some facility, stored for who knows how long, then shipped before being introduced to a new aquarium. So as far as it being responsible to collect your own livestock, I think that it is. Hope this helps

[reefergeorge]

From my memory so don't bet on in, but I remember reading a post that in your area you just need a fishing license to collect fish for personal tanks. Shrimp, and snails are not watched. Just stay out of parks!

And IMO it is more responsible than having things shipped with a 50% + death rate.

[hollister]

Yea check local laws. Many LR collected from the ocean and only after a bad storm, They collect pieces that broke off and then sell it.
MAny fish u buy now came from the ocean but from countrys that have much less restrictions. To many tree hugers in the U.S. that create many dumb laws.

[hollister]

This site is all fresh caught stock and unique.


http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/index.cfm

[Billygoat286]

thanks guys! The Striper is definelty THE healthiest fish ive ever had... He wasnt shy. and its cool because hes super aggressive towards people hahaha you go near the tank and it goes crazy. im going to try and post pics of some of the interesting things i get tomorrow if i get any... (crossing my fingers) theres ghost shrimp everywhere around my boat so why am i paying a dollar for 6 of them when i can possibly get way more than i need? haha the black onyx snails are quite amazing little buggers to. i had the most ridiculous amount of algae after cycling( i went fishless and dropped some algae tabs in to get it going) and in two hours it was all gone

[Mouse]

I was told here in California that keeping gamefish (Bass,Bluegill,Trout etc) was against the law, yet your allowed to stock a pond with them? I guess all laws are written so they can fine you whatever you do

[Chris27]

Originally Posted by hollister

This site is all fresh caught stock and unique.


http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/index.cfm

It's not fresh caught....just quarantined. They get their fish like all the other stores for the most part, they just provide the customer with an almost guaranteed specimen, that on average is much healthier then other fish stores.

[Chris27]

It's good you didn't get busted with the rockfish, the limit down here is something like 27" or so.....I imagine jersey is similar.

And FYI - make sure those snails of yours are in fact nassarius, and not periwinkle's, as periwinkle's have a habit of going on walkabout outside of your tank.

[Cleancoupe]

Yeah def check into the local laws. You don't want to end up with a fine or jail time for some little fishies.

[Mr.Tan]

i'd throw it back... its going to quickly out grow your tank you have it in. they get anywhere from 3-4 feet long.


im sure its cool though. i always wanted to catch a small bass out of my uncles pond and put it in my freshwater tank.

[Digitalelectric]

I dont think anyone on here would scold you for being curious. Unfortunately most of the fish on the east coast get HUGE for a reef. Back when i got into the hobby Id bring home some small catches for fun. Had a baby tuna once that I gave to someone else. Then I caught a small grouper. That guy was really cool. I was mostly amazed at how a completely wild fish could recognize me and eat out of my hands after having it a week. It knew the difference between me (who fed it) and my wife (who didnt). Had no interest in her at all. It got big quickly though and I took it to an LFS that kept it in their display. Just check your local laws. Im sure most laws are confusingly written to allow the Wildlife commissions to ticket you for gray areas.

[reefergeorge]

Originally Posted by Mr.Tan

i'd throw it back... its going to quickly out grow your tank you have it in. they get anywhere from 3-4 feet long.


im sure its cool though. i always wanted to catch a small bass out of my uncles pond and put it in my freshwater tank.

NO, NO!! If you put it in a tank with anything from a different area you should never put it back. It would be better to kill it.

[bj_sweeten]

Wish i lived close enough to a reef to collect goodies for my tank.
Thats pretty cool man.

[Chris27]

Originally Posted by reefergeorge

NO, NO!! If you put it in a tank with anything from a different area you should never put it back. It would be better to kill it.

Only after it's gotten to be about a foot long....then you can eat it.