Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Steely on August 22, 2010, 06:37:41 PM

Title: To release or not to release
Post by: Steely on August 22, 2010, 06:37:41 PM
While fishing what everyone seems to be fishing these days, the Fraser, my Grandpa proceeded to accidentally hooked a suckerfish around a couple pounds. As I unhooked the fish a couple of anglers around me proceeded to tell me to throw the fish on the bank for the eagles as they are a garbage fish. Now I always release a fish I don't intend to eat so I told these guys, no I am going to release it. The argument got a little heated as the fish swam off and I was starting to get quite annoyed. I told them that people used to consider Bull Trout a garbage fish and a nusience, so I asked them if they would think I should throw a Bull Trout up on shore if we caught one as well. That ended the argument and we continued fishing peacefully for the rest of the day. Anyway it has been bugging me so what do you guys think, would you have let it go? Is there a time when you wouldn't let a species of fish like this go? Do you always release your catch unless you intend to eat it? Ok, story and questions over :)
Title: Re: To release or not to release
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on August 22, 2010, 06:56:12 PM
Their used to be a time where I would kill every bass I caught in the Lower Mainland. Than I came to my senses and just started releasing them. The few fish we catch will not make a dent in the populations so why kill an animal who never asked to be born?

I would have done what you did.
Title: Re: To release or not to release
Post by: Rantalot on August 22, 2010, 07:07:29 PM
Ditto:)
Title: Re: To release or not to release
Post by: DragonSpeed on August 22, 2010, 07:32:05 PM
You did right by your heart and the law.
Title: Re: To release or not to release
Post by: alan on August 22, 2010, 07:54:41 PM
I totally agree there's no point in killing something for no reason.....whether that be a fish, moose, lion, tiger, whatever.  Its wrong.  Bullheads are the most annoying fish around, but i still release them as gently as possible.  I guess that's why I'm not a fan of trophy hunting.  Always remember "Karma's a B**CH!!!"
Title: Re: To release or not to release
Post by: fishseeker on August 22, 2010, 07:58:05 PM
Absolutely I would put back a fish I don't intend to eat - good for you!
Title: Re: To release or not to release
Post by: Brian on August 22, 2010, 09:28:46 PM
heated arguement?

What?  It's YOUR fish, not theirs.

My response would have been:

I caught it, I can do what I want with it.  I can eat it, or I can release it, but I won't waste it.

Title: Re: To release or not to release
Post by: DavidD on August 23, 2010, 08:20:10 AM
Just shrug off what other people say.  Like all the others before - do what you think is RIGHT!  :)
Title: Re: To release or not to release
Post by: Funeral Of Hearts on August 25, 2010, 09:31:04 PM
I too would have let it go.

Then i would have tried to catch a salmon and if successful i would have let it go too, just out of spite.... It is amazing the look you get when you let a nice chrome salmon go free instead of retaining it.
Title: Re: To release or not to release
Post by: azafai on August 26, 2010, 10:42:18 AM
While fishing what everyone seems to be fishing these days, the Fraser, my Grandpa proceeded to accidentally hooked a suckerfish around a couple pounds. As I unhooked the fish a couple of anglers around me proceeded to tell me to throw the fish on the bank for the eagles as they are a garbage fish. Now I always release a fish I don't intend to eat so I told these guys, no I am going to release it. The argument got a little heated as the fish swam off and I was starting to get quite annoyed. I told them that people used to consider Bull Trout a garbage fish and a nusience, so I asked them if they would think I should throw a Bull Trout up on shore if we caught one as well. That ended the argument and we continued fishing peacefully for the rest of the day. Anyway it has been bugging me so what do you guys think, would you have let it go? Is there a time when you wouldn't let a species of fish like this go? Do you always release your catch unless you intend to eat it? Ok, story and questions over :)

you did the right thing
Title: Re: To release or not to release
Post by: ricer on August 26, 2010, 10:50:52 AM
Well done!