Catch and release

[tweedwolfscream]

The ban on targeting OOS fish is difficult to enforce, because there's no legal definition saying for example that casting a twister on a jighead means targeting bass while drifting a worm and float means targeting trout. Nor should there be, since part of the fun of fishing is coming up with non-traditional ways to get a fish to bite, sometimes using tactics traditionally associated with other species. The expectation is that if you catch an OOS fish, you'll release it without even pausing for a photo, and if you find yourself consistently catching a species that's OOS, you'll change your tactics or location.

In other words, don't worry -- you're not going to get a fine just for using tackle that's thought of as meant for a species that's OOS. What you're targeting is pretty subjective, at least until you start seeing or catching fish.

But you do have to know how to ID fish. Especially if you're going to be keeping any, since each species has different limits and in some cases size restrictions along with obviously seasons. A little less important if you're going to be releasing everything, but if you're catching one type of fish over and over, you should figure out what it is so you know whether you're dialed in on something OOS.

Yes, it's a steep learning curve when you're starting out. Study a fish ID chart, learn some distinguishing features between similar species you're likely to encounter, and ask on the board if you're having trouble figuring out the recognizable difference between any two. Learning can be the most rewarding part of fishing.