Saw this in another section...check out the last paragraph.

[Glenn W]

It was a frigging bottlenose dolphin for goodness sakes, who gives a shit. It ain't like he cranked in your little sister and said it was fun. Flipper was released and that was that. End of story to an unussual event.

[Capt. Jon Tennant]

It was a frigging bottlenose dolphin for goodness sakes, who gives a shit. It ain't like he cranked in your little sister and said it was fun. Flipper was released and that was that. End of story to an unussual event.

I agree Glenn. It was not posted in one of the open forums, it was in a hidden one for charter boats. The man was just sharing his fishing report & I hope he will continue to do so after this. Concern for his well being could have been handled through PMs instead of highlighting it in a open forum. Not trying to ruffle any feathers, it's just my opinion.

[Bigeye10]

I just realize that I bashed this guy in an open forum, I would like to apologize to my fellow SFC members.

I f you would like info on potentially chartering him , you can PM me

[hotrodmarlin]

Sounded like he was bragging and that aint cool. I think if he worded it a little differently it would have been better. I would do the same thing he did if I hooked one whether it was legal or not. I would rather bring it up and cut the line or get the hook out than have the dolphin swimming around with mono hanging behind him. Hooks don't rust out as quick as everyone thinks.

[Glenn W]

On a serious note, I am unable to find any reference as to any violations for cranking in an accidentally hooked marine mammal as long as it is not boated and is immediatly released. (It is clear that you may not boat a mammal and and all accidental catches must be released). The closest thing I could find is a reference in 50 CFR-226 under the definitions of "taking" such that is is illegal to also "restrain" or "detain" an animal.
Perhaps someone can cite a specific ruling or code section?

[Capt_John]

On a serious note, I am unable to find any reference as to any violations for cranking in an accidentally hooked marine mammal as long as it is not boated and is immediatly released. (It is clear that you may not boat a mammal and and all accidental catches must be released). The closest thing I could find is a reference in 50 CFR-226 under the definitions of "taking" such that is is illegal to also "restrain" or "detain" an animal.
Perhaps someone can cite a specific ruling or code section?

That's what I was wondering Glenn. Thanks again man. I just saw Capt. Jeff's original post and it got my attention. I have said several times on here that I'm not bashing the guy, just thought he could've worded it differently that's all.

[Glenn W]

Not directed to you John. I know where you come from , brother.

[Tuna Taxi]

I may be wrong,but I thought the law says that if you knowingly catch a mammal that it's illegal? If I hook a dolphin,whale,etc. shouldn't I cut the animal loose to not break the law? I understand about the trailing mono issue,but I still can't explain that in front of a judge if that's not the law.
I could keep my mouth shut,but what if I have a charter on board and they tell? I just want to know the law here.

You guys hashed this out while I was neglecting SFC to get some work done. The law says you cannot fish for them or approach them or harm them, etc. The law does not cover what to do if the thing hooks himself on your marlin bait. Just as it is not legal to discharge polymers (like mono) overboard by cutting the line, strict interpretation of the law is not reasonable.

I think the key in all of this is play the hand you're dealt in a manner that is least likely to harm the animal, then move on. If you are vocal about what you did, you invite someone else's opinion of what you did. My rule of thumb is to do what lets me look in the mirror, if I feel bad about it I did something wrong.