A friend of mine just gave me a calendar from a big fish conservation group (won't share which one, but you would all know who it was). One of the months has a picture of a nice rainbow being released, the view is from underwater of the release. There is a significant cloud of blood coming from one of the fishes gills...enough blood so that I was surprised that this organization would put the picture in a calendar promoting catch and release. If I had this fish in my hand and it was bleeding that much I would kill it. I am confident that it would die anyway and, although I would be removing "resources" from the environment, I would rather kill the fish quickly.
I am a HUGE supporter of catch and release....95% of the fish that I catch are released. But - I also kill fish every year. I do think that it is important to realize that we are out there practicing a sport that is somewhat "hunting" related. A friend of mine put it this way....we're out there doing something that is fun for us...not for the fish. We should screw around with them - kill a few out of "respect". Now - that may ellicit some criticism, and that's okay. I have a problem with someone (bait fisherman or fly) who's aim is to catch and keep as many fish as possible. But - I think that we SHOULD keep some fish. In the long run (if everyone is doing it responsibly) it will be part of maintaning a healthy fishery. I use what I call the "Hemingway" method of fishing. Don't waste anything. When you are fishing to keep fish, catch what you need and then stop fishing. This is a little easier for me since I don't always catch a lot of fish! All of this is to say that there is a balance to the issue. I think that the BSA merit badge had a great balance for its requirements in that the scout is required to release a fish and to clean and cook a fish. Both can be responsible actions. My .03 dollars worth... Chris
