Hi everyone.  I was wondering if someone could help me out.  I would like to go fishing soon and was just wondering what happens if you catch bass unintentionally while out of season?  I know there are certain lures and baits they go after.  I was just wondering if I use these baits to try and catch fish that are in season but I end up catching bass and I release them, as I always do what could happen?  I don't want any problems with the ministry of course.  Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Anomaly

Just let them go.If what you are fishing for is "in season" then you are fine. Just can't keep any bass that are out of season,otherwise you'll be in trouble.If your wildlife guys see you catching a bass and tossing it right back in the lake...more than likely they won't bother you.They might ask what your target fish is,just tell them the truth.

I fish for walleyes and believe it or not,they'll hit a few lures that are known bass lures.

like grimlin said as long as you don't have a bunch of bass sitting in a cooler i think you should be fine.

Check your state regulations. Nobody gets in trouble for accidentally catching a fish out of season if they throw it back. However, it may be illegal to fish for a species out of season, even on a catch-and-release basis, which is why I advised to check your regulations.

There's a "season" for bass?

There's a "season" for bass?

Yelp! January 1st - December 31st

There's a "season" for bass?

Yelp! January 1st - December 31st

Go ahead and rub it in. Up here there is usually a closed season of about a month, maybe more, to give the bass a fair shot at spawning.

Varies by state and even lake. My home lake has site specific regulations that are based on population surveys.

You wouldn't believe the amount of people I see minnow fishing for panfish whooping and hollering when they catch a 12' bass. Right in the basket it goes. I have never been bothered but I don't keep 'em anyway. Have a rod rigged with a jerkbait as my "Walleye Rod" just in case.

As Marty says, check your states regulations.

Ministry indicates Canada and they have strict regulations and enforce them. Each province is different and may have regional limits and seasons.

Several states have closed bass seasons.

If you are not specifically fishing for bass and catch one, release it quickly. You shouldn't have a problem, unless the warden is in the boat with you.

WRB

Ministry indicates Canada and they have strict regulations and enforce them. Each province is different and may have regional limits and seasons.

You are correct. In his introduction thread he said he's from Markham, Ontario.

There's a "season" for bass?

Yep,  here in PA bass season is closed from Mid April until Mid June.....Bass season starts here next week - June 12.  

During the 2 month "off season" it is still ok to fish for them, you just cant keep them.

I honestly have never heard of a season for bass. Luckily we can fish for them year round

I honestly have never heard of a season for bass. Luckily we can fish for them year round

X2

I moved from NY to TN just over 3 years ago and I like TN's year round season compared to NY's season that runs from the 3rd Saturday in June to September 30th. But let me say that the fishing was MUCH better in NY than in TN and I wonder if it is due to the closed season which prevents you from fishing the spawn.

I honestly have never heard of a season for bass. Luckily we can fish for them year round

X2

X2, thats weird..

is pike season open there is nothing wrong with throwing crankbaits for pike and accidently catching bass

Hi everyone. I was wondering if someone could help me out. I would like to go fishing soon and was just wondering what happens if you catch bass unintentionally while out of season? I know there are certain lures and baits they go after. I was just wondering if I use these baits to try and catch fish that are in season but I end up catching bass and I release them, as I always do what could happen? I don't want any problems with the ministry of course. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Anomaly

Hi Anomaly,

Take a look at these:

(In particular, Pg. 5 (says Pg. 8) near the bottom - Open Seasons)

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/198219.pdf

If you are in Markham, here is your Zone (16) and regs:

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR_E001335.pdf

Hope that helps and good luck!