Fish-Tails: Florida Fishing Reports, Fishing Forums, and more: In defense of sport fishing

The topic of proper handling has been brought up by SC. All interested in this subject and anybody that fishes should take a look at the Goliath Grouper and the way the rules defines proper catch and release, I copied this from MyFWC.com:

Another FWC rule defines the proper catch and release techniques for all reef fishes, including goliath groupers. It states that "Harvest means the catching or taking of a fish by any means whatsoever, followed by a reduction of such fish to possession. Fish that are caught but immediately returned to the water free, alive and unharmed are not harvested. In addition, temporary possession of a fish for the purpose of measuring it to determine compliance with the minimum size requirements shall not constitute harvesting such fish, provided that it is measured immediately after taking, and immediately returned to the water free, alive and unharmed if undersized."

The latter part of the above definition describes temporary possession for the purpose of measuring for compliance of size requirements. Since the harvest of goliath groupers is prohibited, there is no reason to measure the fish, except for scientific purposes. Because of this, the release of the fish must be immediate.

The skeletal structure of large goliath grouper cannot adequately support their weight out of the water without some type of damage. If a large goliath grouper is brought on-board a vessel it is likely to sustain some form of internal injury. Thus, if the fish is harmed it could be considered harvested by definition. As stewards of our resources, this is something we should avoid. It also means the fish is "harvested" according to the rules, and goliath groupers may not be harvested.

Removing smaller goliath groupers from the water to remove hooks is not necessarily a bad practice, but this process must be done with care, using proper fish handling techniques, and as expeditiously as possible.
WPTV

The taking of photographs after removal of hooks and posing for pictures with goliaths is not considered an immediate release of the fish.

End copied material from FWC website

My point is a 36"+ Redfish is obviously Oversized!! Could this definition be extended to include the large Redfish? Or other obvious out of slot fish, then again what is obvious. Better yet who cares just revive and release the fish without taking it out of the water.

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First Coast Angler