As an asst. scoutmaster and fishing merit badge counselor I think that the
requirements are just right. I can't wait to begin the fly fishing merit
badge with the troop. This is going to be an exciting spring. Catch and
release is important for conservation, but taking one home for supper is good
too, after all, that is what fishing is all about. The taking of fish
depends on the water and it's ability for fish to reproduce naturally. Here
in Minnesota there are plenty of lakes and some rivers where there is no
reproduction and the fish are all planted by the DNR (put and take lakes)
where keeping fish is more acceptable than the native fish in the same or
nearby waters. By using these waters it seems to satisfy both sides of the
fence (catch and release and keeping a few to eat). Even with releasing fly
caught fish a few will die anyway from the stress or infection or just being
handled, so why not try fishing the strike and not the catch (bend the hook
point all the way to the shank of the hook). This way no fish is injured or
put under stress, you will still have the excitement of the strike and some
play with the fish as they will hang on for a short time.
just my .02
Phil
