Depending on the type of tag used, the process can result in the skin or body cavity being punctured. This can lead to infection and even a slow death. Tagging can disrupt normal behavior including feeding, swimming and even hiding. We don't mean to dampen your enthusiasm for doing some amateur research. Depending on the species you may be able to recognize individual fish without tagging.
Trout are easy compared to bass.
On trout look at the orientation of spots and related marks. Like snowflakes, no two trout will be alike. Keep a detailed log of where you catch fish, what time of day, the weather conditions, the water temperature, your fishing method. At the end of the season you'll have a nice record of your activities to look back on and you'll likely discover some patterns that will make you a more productive angler. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Privacy Policy Click here to send email to the Fish and Boat Commission's Webmaster.