Gamefish or Non-game fish

[Emca80]

Anybody know what officially is nongame fish? The fishing guide is very unclear on what is and what isn't non game fish.

 

[bullshot]

Why? Baitfish regulations are pretty clear, IMO.

 

[davisjeremy1981]

just hit your tackle shop or Walmart. They should have the 2017 regs book at the counter for free and that should detail everything

 

[Emca80]

In the fishing guide it says non game fish can be taken without limit and catfish, paddle fish, and skipjack can be taken until local limit. It never says what's game fish and what's not.

 

[fischnrod]

Probably to many to list .

Although some of the fish species on the following pages are very familiar (bass, crappie and catfish), most anglers will not encounter the other species described. Only 12 percent of the 315 species of fish found in Tennessee are considered game fish, while the remaining 88 percent are non-game fish. If help is needed in identifying fish you encounter, contact one of the offices of the TWRA listed on page 63.


https://www.tn.gov/assets/entities/twra/fish/attachments/anglersguide.pdf

 

[Emca80]

Thanks

 

[porthos33]

Are you specifically looking for a certain type of fish to keep?

 

[Emca80]

No just trying to see what other fish I can kill besides catfish, carp, suckers, paddlefish, skipjack, and drum. Are bluegill game fish?

 

[bullshot]

If you can catch it on a rod with a hook, it is a game fish. Baitfish regulations will cover any other additional species of interest.

 

[Emca80]

I can catch drum on a rod but it's still a no game fish that's not mentioned??

 

[fischnrod]

Emca80 - 3/25/2017 8:34 PM

No just trying to see what other fish I can kill besides catfish, carp, suckers, paddlefish, skipjack, and drum. Are bluegill game fish?

Why do you want to kill them ?

 

[Emca80]

Just another way to get them in the pan??

 

[rsimms]

I agree... it is not spelled out very well in the regulations. The easiest way to look at it is, any fish that is listed in the creel and length limit guide is a game fish.

If it is NOT not listed here, it is a non-game fish.

HOWEVER, that rule still isn't 100% accurate.

Even though skipjack are listed, I'm pretty sure they are NOT game fish and you can spear them (although it's doubtful that you'll get the chance. They're fast!)

And another exception is catfish. In an effort to "upgrade their status" in anglers' eyes, wildlife regulators declared catfish a "game fish." However, they threw in the caveat that it IS still legal to shoot them (with bow & arrow or spear).

BUT, to be sure my assessment is correct I strongly urge you to call TWRA (1-800-262-6704) and ask.

 

[Emca80]

Thanks