From the 2005 Indiana Fishing Guide:

Sorting Fish

Anglers are responsible for maintaining fish in a healthy condition if they wish to return that fish to the water. Dead and dying fish cannot be released back into the water. However, sorting of fish may be allowed within the bag limit if fish are in a healthy condition at the time of release. Fish must be released into the water from which they were taken and be able to swim away normally. At no time may anglers have more than a bag limit of fish in their possession while engaged in a day’s fishing. All fish in possession must meet legal size limits. For example, if you catch five largemouth bass (daily bag limit is five) and later that day catch a larger largemouth bass, it is legal to release any of the other fish in good condition in order to keep the larger one.


Wanton Waste of Fish

The intentional waste and destruction of fish is prohibited unless the fish is required by law to be killed. Fish must not be mutilated and returned to the water unless the fish is lawfully used as bait. Fish parts, including entrails, must not be discarded into any state waters, but should be disposed of in a sanitary manner that does not pollute the water or become detrimental to public health or comfort.

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