09-27-2010, 08:29 PM
I consider myself of the "Selective Harvest" philosophy. But at the same time - given the rare chance to limit out - I will, and proudly so. I consider a "keep" a reward of the license, not the goal. And I'll take fresh local mercury laden catfish over Chinese hormone induced farm cats or other "mystery" Wallmart frozen fillets ANYDAY!
BUT I also stand by my determination to do right by those catches, and prep them promptly (was up till midnight last night filleting, prepping a brine). Even a single crawdad get's a plate of honor in my kitchen and dining table.
I'll often take a couple trout, but with my boys hot hand, and desire to achieve a goal (our limit, but NOT over!) we filled the cooler. Tonight I fill the smoker. Planter bows are planted for catching.
The bass story is different, I concur. But as we pulled in our 9th trout, I explained and insisted - we could not keep it. Not worth the risk - though we probably would not (and didn't) get checked, rules in place for a reason, like "no fishing off the dock".
Better enforcement of a LOT of rules around lakes/fisheries would help! Maybe even a sound ordinance against blasting profane hip-hop music at the rest of the lake.
Likewise I appreciate the desire to protect the 'good ones', the ones beyond edible range, the breeders, the trophy's to "swim another day". But really - if I hookup 8 trout on an outing with my boy, and keep em, and someone else hooks up and releases 50 fish - who's having a bigger impact on the fishery?
Released fish may swim away, but that doesn't mean they will survive. Particularly small ones - can take a lot of damage quick, and likely don't bounce back.
BUT I also stand by my determination to do right by those catches, and prep them promptly (was up till midnight last night filleting, prepping a brine). Even a single crawdad get's a plate of honor in my kitchen and dining table.
I'll often take a couple trout, but with my boys hot hand, and desire to achieve a goal (our limit, but NOT over!) we filled the cooler. Tonight I fill the smoker. Planter bows are planted for catching.
The bass story is different, I concur. But as we pulled in our 9th trout, I explained and insisted - we could not keep it. Not worth the risk - though we probably would not (and didn't) get checked, rules in place for a reason, like "no fishing off the dock".
Better enforcement of a LOT of rules around lakes/fisheries would help! Maybe even a sound ordinance against blasting profane hip-hop music at the rest of the lake.
Likewise I appreciate the desire to protect the 'good ones', the ones beyond edible range, the breeders, the trophy's to "swim another day". But really - if I hookup 8 trout on an outing with my boy, and keep em, and someone else hooks up and releases 50 fish - who's having a bigger impact on the fishery?
Released fish may swim away, but that doesn't mean they will survive. Particularly small ones - can take a lot of damage quick, and likely don't bounce back.