§326.5. Bowfin; size limitations; eggs

            A. It is the purpose of this Section to promote the conservation and sustained yield management of bowfin (commonly known as choupique, grinnel, grindle, or cypress trout). The legislature finds that the taking of bowfin, particularly female bowfin carrying roe or eggs, has reached levels of participation on a statewide basis that have impaired, or threaten to impair, the economic welfare of future bowfin harvesting, the overall efficiency of the harvest, and the sustained yield management of the bowfin resource.

            B. No person who is in possession of a commercial fishing license shall take or sell bowfin less than twenty-two inches in total length with the mouth closed. No person who is in possession of a recreational fishing license shall take bowfin less than sixteen inches in total length with the mouth closed. In addition, fishermen are prohibited, while on the water or the land, from possessing bowfin eggs (roe) that are not naturally connected to a whole fish.

            C. Violation of this Section constitutes a class 2-B violation.

            Acts 1991, No. 393, §1; Acts 1992, No. 81, §1; Acts 1993, No. 435, §1; Acts 1999, No. 574, §1; Acts 2003, No. 945, §1; Acts 2021, No. 241, §1.