Florida Citation Crappie

[up2specks]

Yesterday's trip to Lake Monroe on the USS Pontoon Pappy proved to be a truly memorable experience for both Captain Don and mate U2S. Began the trip shortly after first light with our typical long-lining spread of 13(unlucky?) rod combos. As usual, with Don's always current firsthand/favorite lake experience, I easily left the day's spot-choice chronology for him to determine our cooler opening exercises. Even though this scenario is always the eventual protocol, the Captain's polite manner is always worth chuckling over when he asks "Where you want to start"? I typically reply "Where you caught 'em yesterday"! Florida's current water temp., both salt/fresh, stands steadfast in the 80-84 range throughout the day with air temps routinely capping in low to mid 90's. Took a bit of conversation before the 1st fish(12") had the mesh of Don's long-handled net initiated the body-massage before cooler bath. After several significant moves to find 'em, we only had two throwbacks, quick-release, boatside Gar before my WM 10'r w/4 lb mono would display its Yoga position capability. Cattitude would appropriately describe it's strength and mobility in our tug-o-war that ended with another of Don's net body massage . Heading back to the ramp after atypically using up only 1/2 day, because of a smile fix(see pics) dental visit, I filleted/bagged both fish. This was done because of my dentist, Carlos(friend, C.com member) loves fish/fishing but seldom goes due to "busy ness" and family duties. He especially likes eating catfish, so I knew he would would appreciate the 5 lb. channel(see pics) to blacken-up! Now, you may be wondering about my post title "Florida Citation Crappie"...now entering the room is Paul Harvey. Sitting moored @rampside pier was a 22' center console with easily readable FWC Marine Enforcement decaling. The typical cordial banter ensued with "Can I see what you guys caught"? Yessir, sure can. Shortly thereafter is when HIS party started. I was always under the impression that a size-regulated fish(salt or fresh) couldn't be fileted, or head removed until arriving back to ramp = See pics- ....now you know the REST of the story, good day!

u2s



Thankfully only a warning!
Hope you enjoy the fish, Doc Carlos

[Anchor Man]

Nice cat, but almost cost $$$ per pound.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[Slab]

Well dang, that stinks. Shoulda went back and got the head. Duct tape fixes lots of stuff.

[up2specks]

Hahaha...yes, as I drove away I thought - it's a good thing we didn't catch many, he may have chosen to write with his GREEN pen!!$$

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[Slimjim1]

an expensive lesson. thanks for the heads up to the rest of us who may not be thinking along those lines.

[Crappie Scott]

I’m not an attorney, although I seem to argue like one , but I question the legitimacy of officer Wild’s citation. While it was certainly cordial to issue a warning in lieu of a costly citation it clearly states in Code 68A-4.004(3) that the no fillet, head and tail removal rule only applies to waters where a size or slot limit exists. I’m only able to find a size limit for crappie for Lake Okeechobee and catfish are not even included in this code. Unless I’m wrong about there not being a size limit for crappie on Lake Monroe I think we have a slam dunk for an acquittal here.

We can all rejoice in the fact that officer Wild is out there trying to help protect resources for our sportsmen and insuring that the resource will continue to be available for our kids and grandchildren, but proper education of the actual rules are paramount to the success of wildlife conservation .

For Up2specks -Now that I done pretending to be F Lee Bailey, if my rant is hogwash then just toss it out with that catfish head . But if my argument holds water and we can legally fillet crappie and catfish in Lake Monroe then my fee for counsel would be that next time I fish Lake Monroe I’d like some good advice about where to go and how to fish for those specks .





68A-4.004 Possession of Wildlife or Freshwater Fish or the Carcasses Thereof.
(1) Whenever the taking or possession of wildlife or freshwater fish is prohibited, the possession of any carcass or portion of the carcass of such wildlife or freshwater fish is prohibited. The possession of any wildlife or freshwater fish showing evidence of being taken by any unlawful method is prohibited. Wildlife or freshwater fish lawfully taken during the open season and properly identified may be possessed and stored in freezers or freezer lockers except when otherwise provided in Rule 68A-12.004 or 68A-23.006, F.A.C.
(2) No person shall possess the carcass or parts thereof of any member of the species felis concolor (cougar or panther), unless such carcass or parts thereof is of an animal for which possession was permitted under Rule 68A-6.002 or 68A-6.0011, F.A.C., or was lawfully acquired outside this state and is possessed in accordance with subsection 68A-12.004(10), F.A.C.
(3) Black bass, striped bass and white bass or their hybrids, peacock bass, or black crappie and panfish (for black crappie and panfish, only in waters where minimum-length or slot-size limits for these fish apply) may not be filleted, nor their head or tail fin removed, until the angler has completed fishing for the day.
(4) The prohibition in subsection (1), does not apply to deer carcass or parts thereof from a deer that was killed by accidental collision with a vehicle.
(5) No person shall possess the carcass or parts thereof of any black bear, unless such carcass or parts thereof is of an animal for which possession was permitted under Chapter 68A-6, F.A.C. or was legally taken or acquired and is possessed in accordance with subsection 68A-12.004(12), F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 6-4-81, 6-21-82, Formerly 39-4.04, Amended 5-10-87, 7-1-89, 7-1-96, Formerly 39-4.004, Amended 7-1-00, 7-1-10, 7-29-15.

[Slab]

here here

I’m not an attorney, although I seem to argue like one , but I question the legitimacy of officer Wild’s citation. While it was certainly cordial to issue a warning in lieu of a costly citation it clearly states in Code 68A-4.004(3) that the no fillet, head and tail removal rule only applies to waters where a size or slot limit exists. I’m only able to find a size limit for crappie for Lake Okeechobee and catfish are not even included in this code. Unless I’m wrong about there not being a size limit for crappie on Lake Monroe I think we have a slam dunk for an acquittal here.

We can all rejoice in the fact that officer Wild is out there trying to help protect resources for our sportsmen and insuring that the resource will continue to be available for our kids and grandchildren, but proper education of the actual rules are paramount to the success of wildlife conservation .

For Up2specks -Now that I done pretending to be F Lee Bailey, if my rant is hogwash then just toss it out with that catfish head . But if my argument holds water and we can legally fillet crappie and catfish in Lake Monroe then my fee for counsel would be that next time I fish Lake Monroe I’d like some good advice about where to go and how to fish for those specks .





68A-4.004 Possession of Wildlife or Freshwater Fish or the Carcasses Thereof.
(1) Whenever the taking or possession of wildlife or freshwater fish is prohibited, the possession of any carcass or portion of the carcass of such wildlife or freshwater fish is prohibited. The possession of any wildlife or freshwater fish showing evidence of being taken by any unlawful method is prohibited. Wildlife or freshwater fish lawfully taken during the open season and properly identified may be possessed and stored in freezers or freezer lockers except when otherwise provided in Rule 68A-12.004 or 68A-23.006, F.A.C.
(2) No person shall possess the carcass or parts thereof of any member of the species felis concolor (cougar or panther), unless such carcass or parts thereof is of an animal for which possession was permitted under Rule 68A-6.002 or 68A-6.0011, F.A.C., or was lawfully acquired outside this state and is possessed in accordance with subsection 68A-12.004(10), F.A.C.
(3) Black bass, striped bass and white bass or their hybrids, peacock bass, or black crappie and panfish (for black crappie and panfish, only in waters where minimum-length or slot-size limits for these fish apply) may not be filleted, nor their head or tail fin removed, until the angler has completed fishing for the day.
(4) The prohibition in subsection (1), does not apply to deer carcass or parts thereof from a deer that was killed by accidental collision with a vehicle.
(5) No person shall possess the carcass or parts thereof of any black bear, unless such carcass or parts thereof is of an animal for which possession was permitted under Chapter 68A-6, F.A.C. or was legally taken or acquired and is possessed in accordance with subsection 68A-12.004(12), F.A.C.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 8-1-79, Amended 6-4-81, 6-21-82, Formerly 39-4.04, Amended 5-10-87, 7-1-89, 7-1-96, Formerly 39-4.004, Amended 7-1-00, 7-1-10, 7-29-15.

[up2specks]

Crappie Scott Bailey- As mentioned at the end of my original post, this WAS my impression(size regulated fish). More facts include: Lake Monroe is Very uncrowded with boat traffic/anglers during weekday Summertime(low harvest) HEAT. Officer was alone and possibly new to agency. During the tedious 25 minute wait for verdict(thankfully no kneel mode), he was on radio contact with his "HELP what do I do now?" mode. I informed him from the beginning of my size-regulated mindset but to no avail. I feel that he was looking for peacock "plumage" to hopefully add to his "newbie" portfolio. Thanks for your attention/response to a bonafide "situation" that could affect any C.com members. That stated, feel free to pm me for with possible help/info on Monroe although because of distance is lower on my Go to places. Futuristically, the more you initiate/respond to member's posts, the higher chance of "tips". Easily illustrated by the HERE HERE from SLAB=Big Kahuna

u2s

[Crappie Scott]

I'll may take you up on that advice next fall/Winter. It's a good 3 1/2 hour drive for me so I don't make that trip too often. I've been doing a lot more listening than taking on c.com because I've been humbled hearing about how consistent you guys are in boating slabs.

Sent from my moto g(7) power using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[up2specks]

CS- Experience + advice = Consistent fish dinners!

u2s