The first Saturday in April signals the opening of trout season and the unofficial start of fishing in general. As trout season progresses, warmer temperatures will result in a growing number of species becoming active, and anglers will soon be filling creels with bass, crappie, and catfish. Unfortunately, some anglers will also go home with something else: a citation from the Fish & Boat Commission.

A small number of those cited by Waterways Conservation Officers are poachers. These individuals fish intending to take over their limits, fishing in areas they are not allowed to, or fishing without purchasing a license. For them, getting a citation and a hefty fine results from poor choice. However, plenty of other anglers will also receive citations because they were unaware of the regulations, failed to respect a landowner’s property, or made simple mistakes that resulted in breaking the law.

Today, I will review some of the more common mistakes that result in a violation and could end with you being cited by the Fish & Boat Commission.

¯ Over the Limit

Most people think that being over the limit means taking home more than the daily limit of a specific species. However, other situations can also land you in hot water. It is important to remember that the daily limit includes fish you catch, kill, or possess. This includes fish you may see and give to someone else or fish someone else may catch and give to you.

¯ Littering

One of the biggest reasons that landowners post their property against fishing is litter. Regardless of how much a landowner enjoys fishing, no matter how much they want to open their property to the public, no one wants their property disrespected. While most people understand that leaving litter or debris anywhere except a proper waste receptible is illegal, another act can lead to the same negative consequences: leaving fish parts along the stream. It may seem perfectly normal to clean your fish streamside and leave the entrails for the animals. Under Pennsylvania law, this is considered littering as well.

¯ Special Regulations

The Fish & Boat Commission has established numerous special regulation areas on Commonwealth waters ranging from Fly Fishing Only to areas restricted to children. These areas usually border waters open to public fishing and may even include trout waters open to unrestricted fishing at other times of the year. It is essential to know where you are fishing, pay attention to and follow any notices that may be posted streamside, and review your Summary of Fishing Regulations before fishing near one of these areas.

¯ Unauthorized Gear

Pennsylvania has several restrictions regarding how you can fish. These regulations are established to prevent giving someone an unfair advantage, protect nontargeted species, and prevent over-harvest. For example, you may fish with not more than three rods at any time; bow & arrows or spears may not be used to take game fish except carp and catfish, and snagging hooks are illegal to possess while on or along the water. Any fish caught outside the mouth is considered snagged and must be returned to the water immediately.

More information regarding fishing regulations can be found in the Summary of Fishing Regulations booklet via the Fish & Boat Commission website or by contacting any PFBC Law enforcement offices. Taking a few minutes to check rather than relying on a buddy or your memory can avoid turning a great day of fishing into an unpleasant experience for everyone involved.