Catch and Release Fishing
Friday May 9, 2008
I usually practice catch and release when bass fishing but sometimes it is catch and hot grease. There is nothing wrong with keeping fish to eat as long as you follow the law. No one should abuse fish populations but keeping everything they catch but most fishermen don't even consider that. Here are some reasons I think keeping some fish is ok. Post your comments in the section below.
Catch and Release Fishing
Catch and Release Fishing
Comments
I am wondering why 12-13 inch bass are less likely to live Ron. What kills a bass that size and not a three-pounder save for the occasional over-zealous Osprey?
I would think the three-pounder would be the fish to eat and the 12-13 inch bass would be released. I do agree we should fish in moderation and only keep what we need.
Type - smaller bass are more likely to die the same reason children in underdeveloped countries are more likely to die that young adults. The 3 pounder has survived disease and other dangers and had developed immunites and ways to avoid them. The younger bass have not.
Martin - First, the three pounder has survived several years and that size female will lay more eggs. It is more likely to grow to a bigger size. Also, I think a smaller bass tastes better than a bigger one.
I wonder if all these fisherman are realizing the dangers now of the “catch and release” mentality. Overpopulation and this idea since the 60’s that somehow the fisheries in America are in constant fear. And that releasing is the honorable thing to do. We need to start eating fish people. Look up online and read into some concrete facts from the EPA. Catch and release? Back in the 70’s sure. Now it should be the opposite. Do not keep everything but do not throw every single fish back no matter what. It’s hurting the ecosystem.
I am not familiar with any lakes that are overpopulated with any one native species of fish. We have some problems here in Georgia with alien species like blueback herring causing an imbalance in some of our lakes but not an overpopulation caused by releasing fish. Nature has a way of keeping native populations in balance.
I catch & release almost all fish I catch. When fishing a large lake with many fish I may keep a 3-4# bass to eat that day. Any bass I catch under 3# and over 4# I release in any lake.
I think catch and release and good common sence is great sportsmanship!