Spoke with a warden and biologist up at our recent banquet we just had this past week, and they both said that even though it is considered an "Invasive" species introduced by bucket biologists on Winnisquam if it is under 28inches???? You guessed it better put the bugger back into the water until he reaches 28inches or you risk losing your fishing license for a year. They said take a picture, and report the location you caught it and how big it was. Just thought I'd throw that out there in case anyone else snags one. Take Care God Bless LOL Dave