Collecting native fish vs. ordering online

[linuxrulesusa]

For those of you that have collected or kept native fish, specifically sunfish:

I'm wondering which is the better route in terms of cost and legality between getting a fishing/collecting license for native fish and collecting locally, e.g. for pumpkinseed sunfish and the like.  Or, whether you still need the same license to order online, e.g. from Zimmerman's Fish (http://www.zimmermansfish.com/Price.html#sunfish)?

Specifically, I was looking at Western dollar sunfish as it seems they will not get as big as the pumpkinseeds or some of the northern longear sunfish.  I only have a 55g potentially to put in a group of 3+.

[Michael Zebrowski]

It's easier and cheaper to get an annual MI fishing license and collect your own fish.  Sunfish and other game fish can be kept in tanks if caught legally and are legal size, and non-game fish such as darters, minnows, and "forage fish" can be kept as well.

Max size seine net in MI is 12' x 4' I believe; I use 8' x 4' as it's easy to use.

All sunfish can be easily caught on hook/line.  File off or pinch down the barb of the hook to lessen the injury to the fish.

Peak time for Darter coloration is late Feb. into March when they are spawning in shallow rocky riffles of clean local streams.  Wear waders and dress warm.

[linuxrulesusa]

Would you put pumpkinseeds or longears in a 55 or is that just too small?  That's another aspect of the decision - Western Dollar sunfish appear to stay smaller (as much as 50%) vs. the other two species.

[Michael Zebrowski]

Handle North American Centrarchids the same as South or Central American cichlids.  A group of 6-12 young fish of any of the mentioned species will do fine in a 55,  with the larger species needing more room as they grow.  They do not form pair bonds outside of spawning events.  Males care for the nests.

Phil Kukulski of Greater Detroit Aquarium Society might currently have Dollar Sunfish fry or juveniles; he breeds them.

[linuxrulesusa]

Thanks for the tips.

I may contact Phil because I'd like to get some that I can keep for a long time.