Keeping Sunfish...an article

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Thats something I had not considered. I am actually having trouble finding the rules/laws about native fishes in Tenn. I have gone to the state sites but can't seem to find the info. I have kept native fishes without asking and will probably continue to do so from time to time. I guess they will just have to catch me;) I actually dont know if its legal or not. One thing I don't do is mix natives with tropicals so at least Im not crossing over there.
 
The laws are not clear. There are laws regarding keeping captive wildlife, and I have been told by different TWRA officials that those laws do or do not apply to fish (in much of the code, "wildlife" specifically excludes fish). The laws regarding take are somewhat more clear; you can take Class I and Class II bait fish away from the water where they are caught, but not Class III bait fish. What the rule is regarding game fish and non-game, non-bait fish is, I couldn't say. I have ceased collecting fish in Tennessee to keep in captivity since the new fishing guidelines came out, since most of the species I am interested in keeping are not Class I or Class II bait fish.

I would love to see cut-and-dry regulations for catching and keeping native fish, like many other states have. Even if there were a special permit required, that would be much preferable to not knowing what's legal and what isn't.
 
Speaking of the laws are not clear. Here is the best site I have found so far. It seems that its ok to own and perhaps even sell native fish with the proper paper work? Still not clear. This site list fish as a class III animal which it requires no license. Still not clear tho. I plan on talking to someone in person soon.
 
I found this little bluegill in a small pond in the back of my house shortly after I moved in. The water was black and smelly. drained it put him in a 10 gal tank with some of his water and some of mine and slowly added warmer water and meds. after a few days he is in my 150gal with 4 pacus 2 oscars 2 jack demp 2 balla sharks and they all get along. after 2 days in the 150 he started eating small pellets. now about 1mo later he eats all food from my hand. he is a great fish and one of the neetest fish in there.

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I know this article is back from 2006 but, this is a great read and I thought it could really use a bump back to the top! That way someone else can find it a little easier. Very Informative!! Sandtiger if you are still active on the forums Thank You! :cheers:

Edit:
Actually this is so informative and with the lack of care info for sunfish on the net. I would vote for making this a sticky thread!
 
JMcCormick said:
I know this article is back from 2006 but, this is a great read and I thought it could really use a bump back to the top! That way someone else can find it a little easier. Very Informative!! Sandtiger if you are still active on the forums Thank You! :cheers:

Edit:
Actually this is so informative and with the lack of care info for sunfish on the net. I would vote for making this a sticky thread!
Click to expand...

Unfortunately no, Sandtiger hasn't been active since July of last year (2011)
 
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