I don't doubt it is true. It's just another avenue for them to get us if they want. We got checked at Hammond a couple of weeks ago with a 4 man limit in the live well he said nothing to us about having them separated.
It's better to ask forgiveness than for permission.
Years ago when the Nipsco discharge was open, guys walked back to truck with one carrying all ten cohos on stringer. His buddy was right there with him. The CO gave a ticket! I remember how pissed the guy was arguing that he only had one stringer and that he was just carrying them back to the truck...even remember the CO, but won't go there.
The South End provides useful resources and discussion forums for those that fish The South End of Lake Michigan for Salmon, Steelhead, Perch, and Bass as well as elsewhere in the Region and Chicago area.