Catch and Release

fishingfred · 12-13-2011, 10:59 AM

Sorry I've got so many questions for a new person here. I'm just trying to figure out if I've been doing things right or if there's easier ways to do it.

Do people mainly do catch and release? I don't know if I'm just not that good but I eat what I catch and try to give the rest away. In what cases would I catch and release?

Grandpa · 12-13-2011, 11:07 AM

Although many people do catch and release, I do not. I've seen too many trout belly up in alpine lakes. I've also thrown too many frozen fish away because they have been in the freezer too long. So my attitude now is; If I want to eat a fish, I'll go catch one and eat it, otherwise, I'm leaving them alone.

JimBob · 12-13-2011, 11:09 AM

I don't eat too much fish and I don't catch things just to see them die so I release everything. I have a big heart for all animals, but I don't have a problem when I'm fishing with friends or family and they keep what they catch. I know they're just going to eat it.

Lamebeaver · 12-13-2011, 11:52 AM

If you're going to release them, please use barbless hooks.

If I catch it, I'll eat it (unless it's too small)

Judy Ann · 12-13-2011, 12:14 PM

I don't kill anything for sport, and I've been bothered whenever a hook was swallowed and it wasn't a keeper. I fish because I love eating fresh fish. There have been times when tuna and snapper were sliced thin on the boat and left to soak in lemon, lime, salt and pepper for maybe a half hour before eating. YUM!

I have an antique fly fishing rod of my dad's that I might play around with this year. I might have to fish an alpine lake to check out how good those trout are!

Judy Ann · 12-13-2011, 12:20 PM

I release when the fish is too small or too large to legally keep. Sometimes you can only keep a couple of fish of a certain type each time out. This happens when overfishing has occured and a concerted effort is being made to preserve the species. When you get a fishing license in each state the rules and regulations are clearly listed and the fines are hefty if caught breaking them.

fishingfred · 12-14-2011, 07:46 AM

Thanks guys. I don't see the point of just fishing if you don't like to eat fish but I guess people find it as relaxing as I do.

wvbreamfisherman · 12-14-2011, 07:52 AM

I catch and release sometimes, catch and kill others. I generally flyfish which makes it easier to release the fish, as they are usually hooked in the mouth.

I do dearly love fresh fish, tho.