Wanted to make sure about this.
Even for pictures later, is this legal or not. I think not but I am not sure. Thought I'd ask the experts
Had a good 7 lb last trip, 20 minutes later, a good 5 1/2'. Makes for a better picture. I handle them the right way.
Thanks in advance

Yes its illegal. They must be released immediately.

That's what I figured.
Thx

......"immediately" ..........
that is a relative time term.
I put my fish in the live well long enough to get out my scale to weigh the 9.5# monster and then to get my measuring stick. Once determined it was a slot fish then it went back into the lake,,,,,,after a couple of pics.
you certainly do not want the fish laying in the bottom of the boat while you get a tape measure.

Wonder if an understanding game warden with binoculars would agree with that. Sure wish there was one on the forum. Anyone had personal experience with this.

just read the TPWD rules & regs for Lake Fork exceptions to the State Rules & Regs.

16-24 inch fish may not be "retained".

did not say they had to be released immediately or could not go in the live well
when in doubt ...... go to the source & read.

Well, that's a lot of leeway-
Again, I handle them right, but I would only keep for a short while to see if mama had a friend with her. Thirty minutes at the most.
Just didn't know if a warden would understand.

words like "retained" ,,, "immediately" (which by the way is NOT USED in the TPWD Rules & Regs statement),,,,,,, are words that can be/would be viewed differently by different folks....... so if you had an a$$ of a game warden watching you with binoculars then you might have to argue your point.

[u]

I wouldn't go splitting hairs here putting in the livewell is considered "retained",,,,, not until you decide to get off the lake.

Be ready to take pictures at all times and do not drive around with my next "good un" in your livewell please. The undersized buck bass? Not as passionate about that but just as illegal! If a fish goes into your well you kept it!

I wouldn't want to chance it. Your answers pretty well addresse the issue.
But, I bet it's done more than not!

Pretty much spelled out if you ask me.

At the point you put a fish in your live well you are retaining it. I specifically asked a game warden at fork about putting beat up fish and a quarantine tank, one of the live wells done up with some sure life products to help them heal up. He said never put a slot fish in your live well under any circumstances. If a game warden catches you with a slot fish in your live well, there is no story you're going to be able to make up that will get you out of a ticket.

If you put it in your live well you are retaining/keeping the fish.
Look at it this way if you have more than your legal limit in your live well you would get a ticket.

I learned a long time ago, don't argue with the wardens
You'll not going to win.