A few weeks ago The New York Times ran this article which allows contributors and readers to debate the virtues and pitfalls of practicing catch and release.
While I am a strict practitioner of C&R, I realize that others do not necessarily share my convictions.
I enjoyed reading the viewpoints expressed by the contributors, and would encourage you to spend a few minutes reviewing the replies posted by the readers as well. Enjoy!
troutrageous1 says
This is a loaded subject, one where morals & opinions will definitely vary dramatically. I really don’t want to get into the moral or ethical debate in my reply. As far as I’m concerned properly managed C&R is good thing. However I certainly have no issues with regulated harvest either. Sportfishing is not going to disappear, likely to PETA & the other sea-kitten crusaders dismay.
If we are expected as sportsmen to uphold basic size & creel limit regulations upon harvest, we should also be expected to educate ourselves on “best practices” when performing C&R – things like minimal handling of fish, never with a dry hand, and no excessive grip & grins. If you must take a photo, a quick snap, and immediately back in the water. Anything else isn’t being fair to the animal – it might as well be harvested.
No matter which way you slice it, (and as an avid angler it pains me to say this), fishing in any form is not being kind to the fish, so at the very least one should be respectful in its practice.
Leigh says
Thanks for the post. I agree – this is a sticky wicket.