I agree with your point of view, Chris. I once wrote an article that was criticized by quite a few people - perhaps it wasn't written very well, or maybe I didn't get my point across well. Sometimes, I tend to write without thinking... just type whatever comes to mind :)
Anyhow, the point of the article was that, if we move towards C & R ONLY, as so many would have us to do, we're really setting ourselves up even more for groups like PETA to criticize us. For, if we simply practice C & R for our own entertainment, then, those groups will liken us to rodeo riders, bull fighters, and anyone else who they can make it appear are 'cruel' to animals. At least if we keep some of our fish, we are admitting we are part of nature. We are carnivores and herbivores (what's the name for that again??).. and just like almost all other species on this earth, we kill things. We probably do it far more humanely in the long run than the jaguar that rips into a girraffe's thigh, stomach, or neck while it is still alive and beating though. I think we really need to learn to admit this to ourselves. It's our only hope against the PETA nuts. Let's be honest, and let's not try to beat around the bush with these people. If anyone is interested, the article is at: http://www.about-flyfishing.com/library/weekly/aa061199.htm Catch & Release: Sport or merely a 'fish rodeo'? Ian H. Scott ICQ # 27933066 Providing Goal Centered Internet Solutions PairoWoodies Publishing http://www.pairowoodies.com/ Fly Fishing Links and Resources http://www.about-flyfishing.com/ ******************************************** "Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through" - Jonathan Swift > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Broomell, Chris > Sent: Monday, January 14, 2002 11:53 AM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: RE: [VFB] Catch and release, littering > > > 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 > >
