I'm a little confused??

[Ivana Fishalot]

This excerpt comes from the ODFW fishing regs on page 26:

Keeping Your Catch? Here Are a Few Tips
If you choose to keep your fish, follow these suggestions:

• Clean and ice your fish in the field, removing kidneys and blood from the backbone and rib cage.


I know it is ok to clean your fish in the field as long as you keep the identifiable parts but I thought that it was illegal to discard the innards back into the water? I know it doesn't directly say to do this but it is still a little weird. They have to know that the guts are going back in the drink. I do know that I have never had a fish checker ask me what I did with the guts. (I've only been checked with cleaned fish twice though)

I am probably reading into this too deep but I have read the debates here on this subject. I have always learned that it was good to throw them back. (And it's not like I have really contributed a lot of guts to the river gods :smile: ) but thought that I had better stop. Now the regs are telling me that it is best for the meat if I do clean them right away. If I am hiking along a bank, catch a fish and keep it, I'm not packing the guts out with me. (Is this wrong? It's not like I leave them lying on the bank for someones dog or other wildlife. I make sure it is crawdad or smolt food)

I am going back to examine the regs more...

[Ivana Fishalot]

It is there... Number 15 in the general regs.

I guess I better not take a fish if I don't want to take the guts with me too. That really makes no sense to me.

[Water Ready]

Really doesn't make sence! I'm sure there is arguements of natural death and inflicted death. But seems kinda funny that they import dead fish to rivers, and huck back in for the eco-system, and your not allowed because, why?? So, I too, am confused? Not a huge deal, cause I have not been a huge contributor, for several years. :depressed: But I am planning on doing my share soon. Happy fishn'

[Fshklr]

It may be printed but how often is it enforced? I would have a copy handy and ear mark them with highlighter. Fish are hatched in water, reside in water, and for the most part die in water..I return the waste back to the water!! :smile:

[coho slayer]

don't toss the guts in near any boat ramps and no one will bother you!that reg is in there because some people don't like to look at fish guts. thats the only reason!!

[Ty]

What do u with the guts?

Realy what do u do with the carcass?

Throwin it tne river discreately....... At least that is biologically sounds, may not be leagal or ethical though.......

:shocked: :shocked: :shocked: