What should be done if you catch a fish that exceeds the legal limit?

When a fish that exceeds the legal catch limit is caught, the appropriate action is to release it back into the water immediately. This practice is vital for maintaining sustainable fish populations and adhering to fishing regulations designed to protect the fishery. Legal limits are set based on various factors such as species populations, breeding patterns, and ecological balance. By returning fish that exceed these limits, anglers contribute to conservation efforts and ensure that future generations can also enjoy fishing.

Other actions, such as keeping the fish or sharing it with others, would violate regulations intended to protect the fishery, potentially leading to fines or legal consequences for the angler. Recording the catch for future reference does not address the immediate need to comply with fishing laws and can further exacerbate the issue of overfishing. Thus, releasing the fish immediately is the best practice to support sustainable angling.