Keep or Release

[WhaleFart]

Hopefully in a few years laws will be in place that protect breeders from being harvested and deck picks of large bass dead will be a thing of the past.

[torchee]

Recreational fisherman should never feel bad harvesting any size fish.

any real conservation has to regulate commercial fishing methods - to be less destructive .... but they deserve to make a living as well- so no simple answer.

and oh yeah - ditto on what Chad said

filet and release....when hungry

[reason162]

I'd think you'd be against safe spaces as a principle Gerry.

People post up fish pics for accolades; nothing wrong with that...you catch a big fish, it's an accomplishment, you deserve kudos.

But in an open discussion, you should be subjected to criticism as well. And since you're doing nothing illegal, you can tell the critics to f off if you choose. That's how adult interactions should work, even on the internet.

The flip side of this coin is, notice how much more accolades come your way if you release a big fish of any species. People are more and more aware of the benefits of keeping big fish in the gene pool, and that is reflected in the comment section of social media, forums, youtube comments etc.

Why attempt to censor organic discourse? Since when are people not allowed to criticize behavior just because it's legal? Leave those rules for college campuses.

Of course, this is all assuming the criticism is civil.

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

Really getting tired of seeing people passing judgement on others for keeping fish. I release most of what I catch but that’s my personal choice and for someone else it’s their personal choice. And what’s the double standard here? Keep some Fluke, Seabass a Sword Fish or some Tuna you get a pass but you take a Striper and you get lectured??

If you want to practice conservation and keep less then your legal limit great and that’s totally up to you. You want to take as many allowed, although I might not, thats your choice not mine. Fact is it’s nice to have choices.

Other fact is we as recreational Fishermen have made a lot of sacrifices over the years to rebuild fisheries. If there are enough around we should enjoy the resource and to some that’s catch and release and to others it’s keeping some fish for the table. To each his own!!

[AndyS]

Exactly, thank you !

Originally Posted by reason162

I'd think you'd be against safe spaces as a principle Gerry.

People post up fish pics for accolades; nothing wrong with that...you catch a big fish, it's an accomplishment, you deserve kudos.

But in an open discussion, you should be subjected to criticism as well. And since you're doing nothing illegal, you can tell the critics to f off if you choose. That's how adult interactions should work, even on the internet.

The flip side of this coin is, notice how much more accolades come your way if you release a big fish of any species. People are more and more aware of the benefits of keeping big fish in the gene pool, and that is reflected in the comment section of social media, forums, youtube comments etc.

Why attempt to censor organic discourse? Since when are people not allowed to criticize behavior just because it's legal? Leave those rules for college campuses.

Of course, this is all assuming the criticism is civil.

[Charlie B]

I think the main point is fighting among ourselves is counterproductive. Yes we can have different opinions on some matters and a civil discussion can be a good thing as long as you can keep it friendly and respectful. I know I have changed my mind on some issues after seeing different points of view. But sadly sometimes it gets out of hand and turns into a pissing match with no winners only losers and hurt feelings. Keep it respectful and you have a better chance of people paying attention to you...Charlie

[bunker dunker]

go fishing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!enough

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Skolmann

Gerry, I’m curious to know if there is the same type of release mortality chart for other species ? Redfish for example, they were fished (commercially and recreationally) pretty hard in most southern states to the point near collapse until strict regulations and a slot limits were implemented. Now the redfish is back stronger than ever yet it very much a catch & release fishery.

I would not call it a catch and release fishery at all.. A lot depends on the state.. Texas and Alabama you can keep 3 , Louisiana you can take 5,and the east coast states you can keep one.. the main thing I noticed is the slot limit.. Not one state can you keep the very large breeders.. Slot limits for all the Gulf and East coast state are the same with minor variations.. Bottom limit is either 18 or 20 inches, top is either 27 or 28 depending on state,, Keep these numbers in mind. I'll bet they are coming to a Striper near you... To me that would not be a bad thing.. a 2 foot plus Striper is a nice fish to catch and eat, and taking 2 home is plenty of meat. Not one other fishermen would think any less of you because you didn't drag home a 50 pounder... bob

[Skolmann]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

I would not call it a catch and release fishery at all.. A lot depends on the state.. Texas and Alabama you can keep 3 , Louisiana you can take 5,and the east coast states you can keep one.

I disagree with this section of your comment. I have many, many friends who fish that live in Florida, Texas and a few in other southern/Gulf coast states. And yes although the limit might be 1, 2, 3, 5 depending on the state, over 80% of them will only keep one for the table and release all others whether or not the are legal size fish or not.

In my opinion, there is a difference in the mentality of an angler from our region to anglers in the south. The southern anglers I know very rarely go out on “cooler/freezer filling” trips. A lot of them have told they can tell who the northeast fisherman is by seeing who brings back coolers full of fish back to the dock.

I agree that you have the right to harvest any fish that falls within the legal size and creel limit without being subjected to criticism for doing so. However, just because you have that right does not mean you have to “use that right’ every trip. Is fishing solely about putting food on your table or the enjoyment, challenge of the chase, presentation and fight ?

I’ve been a huge advocate & proponent of slot limits (especially for fluke & striped bass) in the northeast for years.

[Charlie B]

The slot limit is a proven success for redfish. Why would anyone not want to try it for fluke and stripers? Between slot limits and taking steps to reduce release mortality like circle hooks etc.should go a long way towards helping our resources recover...Charlie

[reason162]

Originally Posted by Skolmann

The southern anglers I know very rarely goes out on “cooler/freezer filling” trip.

Eating, harvesting, and cooking seasonally is a good place to start.

We stopped freezing fish a couple years ago. Take what you can eat within a few days, broaden your horizons in terms of edible species, and enjoy the variety of fish that migrate through our waters.