Catching Waterfowl With Baited Hook

February 11, 2021

Question: I was fishing in Turlock Lake and watched two ducks paddle by my line. Before I could do anything, one of the ducks dipped underwater, found my baited hook and tried to take the bait. It hooked itself on accident. I reeled it in, and it took three of us to carefully remove the hook from its bill. I let it go, and it looked fine, but I wondered: I have a hunting license, my federal and state stamps, and we’re in duck season—could I have kept the duck? (Jeremy)

Answer: We’re glad you released the duck. Even though it was an accident, taking a duck by hooking it is not an authorized method of take (see California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 507) and keeping it would have been illegal. Accidentally catching waterfowl by hook and line happens on occasion, although usually in parks with waterfowl that have developed more domesticated behavior characteristics. If that happens, the person should remove the hook and release the duck immediately. However, sometimes the duck may take the hook in a manner that makes it too risky for an untrained person to remove without potentially causing further injury. In that case, you may want to notify the nearest Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility. They are more likely to have the proper tools and training to help.

Been there and done that down on Miner Slough. It actually took a crankbait, so at least I wasn’t baiting for waterfowl.