I have a smallmouth bass that was caught from a private pond and was 5 inches at capture. He has grown to 13 inches in 2 years of night crawlers, bluegill, and fatheads. He is in a 50 gallon tank. His name is Charlie and he is the meanest fish you have ever seen. He will take food out of your hand, but you better be careful. He was originally put in the tank with some other bluegill, green sunfish, and minnows. He ate every one of them. My kids are scared of him.

I can't see how raising a fish from a private pond would be illegal, but if it is I guess I am in violation. I plan on growing him up a bit more and releasing him this spring in my little pond.