I don't have a pickup, have an SUV-like car. No one will see it. People can buy native fish online but would prefer something from our waters here.
I treat my fish very well. I can understand it being frowned upon. I do have a giant gourami and it is still a wild animal. But prefer fish as pets than other animals.
I'm not saying you have a pick-up - good god - Are your fobs giving off fumes today?
Let me put it in terms you might understand.
If someone comes into your house and takes your belonging and nobody sees them is it illegal?
Hint, it's still illegal.
Even if they left you a note that said "I'm going to put these fobs in a nice case and your TV is going to be right over my fireplace".
The fish are essentially owned by the state acting as stewards for the people. The license and the terms of it as defined by the fisheries rules specify how you can use or take the state's property. What you're doing is probably illegal in CT and as I said previously it's hardly the crime of the century and the chances of getting caught are essentially zero.
I'm more familiar with the environmental conservation laws in NYS and those are arcane and complex. I'm betting CT's laws aren't that different. If I remember correctly its not having them that's the issue, it's the transportation of live fish that is illegal. Certain bait fish are able to be transported and salable fish are able to be transported with a license to do so.
The fact that you said that "you have a giant gourami" and felt it necessary to point out that "it is still a wild animal" has given me the laugh of the day and for that I thank you. We're you expecting to turn it into Shamu?
Just by them from a licensed provider - why the hell bother how much can a sunfish or bass cost?