How do you know species/limits?

[l0keman]

How do you know, after you reach the bottom of the drink, what kind a fish is and if it's edible and if it's legal, and how many you can have? Do you guys keep a small book or chart or what not on the boat? I saw some under water cards at the dives shop, but they were for species and state records, not bag limits.... any answers? I am thinking of printing out a common species guide on like small cards with bag limits and whether they kill you to eat them (you know little things...lol) and laminating them for when I start spearfishing.

[Bill McIntyre]

You don't say where you live, but I'm reasonably sure that the appropriate government agency prints a booklet and probably has a web site with all the information that you need.

In the case of California where I live, the Department of Fish and Game publishes those regulations. Its not exactly easy to read, but then the regulations are complicated and seasonal, so they would not be easily published on a card.

[l0keman]

well, i live in Biloxi MS and there is a department of marine resources guide to saltwater fishing regulations and it has crappy dark blue on light blue drawings and such with bag limits. But I wanted to know if it was just a matter of memorizing the entire book before you go down or if people just took cheat sheets or something?

[spaghetti]

I think that any fishing gear shop, as well as the local government office, can give you the proper information on sizes, limits and eventually forbidden areas.
For identifying fish, you'd better learn to recognize them and memorize once and for all before you go hunting. Buy a book, or surf the net.
I know it's not easy, but you can focus on some details for ID at first sight: colour, of course, but also the shape of the tail and of the fins are the quickest points of reference to watch.

[Fondueset]

Once you know the names of the fish you can find all sorts of photographs of them on the internet - then when you dive you will learn what they look like underwater. Likewise when you spot fish underwater you can look them up later. Obviously you'll need to familiarize yourself with the local regulations. If you don't understand some of them (and they can be written in very confusing ways) just contact the authorities for your area and ask for an explaination.

[Adrian]

Fishbase.org is probably one of the best online resources for identifying fish.

[Bill McIntyre]

It occurs to me that it would be very difficult to identify fish and judge size if you had never caught them on rod and reel or otherwise seen them. It would probably be best to start by going diving with experienced guys and just watching them for a while.

[l0keman]

Thanks guys.... so it's just a matter of remember the info. For this area there are a lot of different fish or at least statelaw claims it, and the coast is short in my state, so I figure they are all here in this area or the book wouldn't mention them. I have been going through the site reccomended by Adrian. I also found this site: http://shop.flyfishing.about.com/species_guide/

[kale]

Just because a fish is in the booklet doesn't necissarily mean you want to target it. I would suggeat talking to some experienced people in your area and figuring out what are the best eating fish in the areas you'll be diving. That way you will only have to memorize the regulations for a handfull of fish.
Good luck and have fun!
Kale

[l0keman]

that makes the most sense. Just pick out the few fish I like and forget the other stuff. I am partial to red snapper and mahi mahi. I love flounder too. That narrowed it down a ton.....lol. I don't have a whole lot of room in my fridge and freezer, so I won't be collecting much, either.

[aesthetic]

Originally Posted by Bill McIntyre

You don't say where you live, but I'm reasonably sure that the appropriate government agency prints a booklet and probably has a web site with all the information that you need.

In the case of California where I live, the Department of Fish and Game publishes those regulations. Its not exactly easy to read, but then the regulations are complicated and seasonal, so they would not be easily published on a card.

youre not too far from me

what are some of your favorite spots? im new to the sport, and will be going out this week for the first few times.