AOTY rule questions

I've got a question about the following rule:

6. No out off season, oversize or undersize (fish larger than the legal limit or smaller then the legal limit per species) may be entered. All local water rules must be followed.

There's a couple of lakes that allow only catch and release for cutthroat trout, Independence Lake and Heenan Lake.  Since you can't keep any of the fish, will they not count?  There's a 30 incher in Independence with my name on it.  Independence Lake was closed to the public last year but will probably be opened this year.  I'll be attending a meeting in early March about management of the lake.  One proposal is walk in only and only using human powered boats.  I'll keep everyone apprised once I hear more.

Pete

Pete, many people release their fish once measurements have been taken.

Howard

Tui, from my memory I remember that it is OK for you to count fish from c&r only areas. Otherwise native steelies from several rivers would not count.

Catching and releasing from a no fishing zone would not be allowed however, such as sneaking in to heenan on the closed days. Let me know I'd you want to do heenan, I think I will make that trip this year.

Yeah, Heenan and Independence LCT are legit for the trout category of aoty, Pete. I missed Heenan last Oct but hope to hit it this year. 

Thanks guys, I'm up for Heenan.

Do Pacific sanddabs count toward the "flounder" category?
Because I'm about to enter the smallest fish ever recorded in AOTY history 

yes and please do!

186 pnts of downstreamer, caught, posted and smoked. I might not keep the next one, but not post it? BS

Do Pacific sanddabs count toward the "flounder" category?
Because I'm about to enter the smallest fish ever recorded in AOTY history 

Not till May 1st then because thats when ocean groundifish starts, right Ben? Flounder is a groundfish

Starry flounder is but pacific sanddab is not a federal groundfish, go figure.

186 pnts of downstreamer, caught, posted and smoked. I might not keep the next one, but not post it? BS

I think Down Streamers should be worth minus points -186 

Starry flounder is but pacific sanddab is not a federal groundfish, go figure.

Interesting conundrum. Then it shouldnt be in the flounder category I guess. Then again who gives a shit!

Question about "Legal Fish".

The only Lake in my area that has Smallmouth (Shaver) also has a no size limit for them as the smallies have over populated and many have become stunted with only a small percentage reaching quality size.

My Question is:
Because they have removed the size limit on these fish would it qualify if I were to post a Smallie under 12" for AOTY from this lake?

Obviously I would prefer a larger fish but I have limited time to fish and would like to try for at least 1 of each species now and poss. upgrade later as time allows

Question about "Legal Fish".

The only Lake in my area that has Smallmouth (Shaver) also has a no size limit for them as the smallies have over populated and many have become stunted with only a small percentage reaching quality size.

My Question is:
Because they have removed the size limit on these fish would it qualify if I were to post a Smallie under 12" for AOTY from this lake?

Obviously I would prefer a larger fish but I have limited time to fish and would like to try for at least 1 of each species now and poss. upgrade later as time allows

I don't see why not.  It's a legal fish!

Eric I had thought about this before and I think any bass from hensley would count regardless of size

They are legal to keep of any size due to dfg regulations out of that lake. Make sure to post where you caught it so people will understand.