10-07-2007, 10:16 PM
[reply]
Now I know I'm opening myself up here, but how about taking a giant step and saying, lets all just stop taking pictures of large fish that are going to be released? Not all fish, just those that need our protection. This won't fly with many, if not most, but it has to start somewhere. Remember when "catch and release" sounded like the dumbest idea on the planet? There was a time, when I was very young. Maybe its time for another dumb idea (limit photos) to start taking baby steps toward reality.
This ended up long, but I think its one of the most important issues facing fishermen now and in the future. There are more of us fishing the waters, with more knowledge and technology, and we're not gaining any more water or fish to my knowledge. And, its something we, as fishermen, CAN do something about without the need for crooked politicians or ignorant fish managers. It's in OUR hands! (and so are the gills and the slime!) [/reply]
First thing first is that I agree, but anglers need to practice selective harvest before this next step is taken. For those that want to bring home a fish for a good eat great, but if the body of water had very few fish of that size and could have benefited from just a catch and release, then it should have been released. I believe it's all about education, when an angler cares about what he/she is doing then he/she will educate themselves to do what they may personally believe to be for the better and that decision ought to be respected. This applies to C&R of fish as well as handling of such. Everybody was taught differently so there are many personal standards as to how things should be done properly, (according to whoever). This is just my 0.02$ so take it or leave it!
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Now I know I'm opening myself up here, but how about taking a giant step and saying, lets all just stop taking pictures of large fish that are going to be released? Not all fish, just those that need our protection. This won't fly with many, if not most, but it has to start somewhere. Remember when "catch and release" sounded like the dumbest idea on the planet? There was a time, when I was very young. Maybe its time for another dumb idea (limit photos) to start taking baby steps toward reality.
This ended up long, but I think its one of the most important issues facing fishermen now and in the future. There are more of us fishing the waters, with more knowledge and technology, and we're not gaining any more water or fish to my knowledge. And, its something we, as fishermen, CAN do something about without the need for crooked politicians or ignorant fish managers. It's in OUR hands! (and so are the gills and the slime!) [/reply]
First thing first is that I agree, but anglers need to practice selective harvest before this next step is taken. For those that want to bring home a fish for a good eat great, but if the body of water had very few fish of that size and could have benefited from just a catch and release, then it should have been released. I believe it's all about education, when an angler cares about what he/she is doing then he/she will educate themselves to do what they may personally believe to be for the better and that decision ought to be respected. This applies to C&R of fish as well as handling of such. Everybody was taught differently so there are many personal standards as to how things should be done properly, (according to whoever). This is just my 0.02$ so take it or leave it!
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