by MNPHATS » Wed Aug 07, 2013 3:09 pm
Efishant wrote:
> Oh yeah...it occurred to me that you have voiced some conservation concerns
> on your show. In Florida you can't even lift a Tarpon out of the water
> anymore. That's gotta kill the trophy whores. A lot of guys now will simply
> cut the leader after they have "jumped" the fish a few times.
> That's a real advancement in the sport. Some guys do the same thing with
> Bill Fish. There are some high minded guys out there! There's nothing worse
> than dragging a majestic beast across the gunnels of your boat. Having your
> lateral line raked across the edge of the boat must be the fish equivalent
> of a good kick in the balls! No wonder fish mortality is believed to be so
> high. Well some guys evolve and embrace anything that will help the
> fishery. They are not entirely altruistic they just wanna make sure there
> are always gonna be fish to be caught. If we weren't anglers we wouldn't
> give a darn about fish or conservation...but it's a start! Now when ya
> care about something for which there is no personal benefit...then you
> start to resemble a real human. Apparently many of us will never get there!
>
>
> So, sorry to tell ya...but ya can't gaff a Tarpon in Florida anymore. Ya
> better stay south of the border! Ha!
Efishant: Your heart is in the right place, but verbally, I can't decipher your tone. You mention cutting Tarpon/Billfish off at the leader, and make it sound like a negative practice "That's a real advancement in the sport. Some guys do the same thing with Bill Fish. There are some high minded guys out there!" (Difficult for the reader to know if you're being sarcastic.)
And though you also criticize the alternative (landing these same fish to unhook/photo them), you offer no solution. I'm guessing you'd prefer no Saltwater fish were caught, period? That said, boating fish to be released can be done properly and with minimal damage. Unfortunately, around the world, there are many anglers and captains lacking the will or ability to do so. But I understand your point. It's just too bad that you don't realize that Larry, and 99% of the people on this site, DO give a darn about conservation, proper handling, and evolving as humans and responsible anglers. That's why we're here -- to share and learn. By the way, gaff's are necessary and useful, and every kept fish is immediately clubbed -- many before they clear the rail. You should spend less time watching TV, and more time on the ocean, professor.
I'd like to hear your views on commercial vs. recreational fishing, and the impact each has on specific fisheries. I wonder if you're as knowledgeable, active, or vocal about the numerous, illegal commercial operations worldwide (not to mention human rights violations, political corruption, and all various ill's plaguing our planet!). Remember, humans are animals, we are invested in our surroundings and interests. By nature, we are selfish, which can be a positive trait! We can focus on, and aim to fix, that with which we are familiar. And no man, try as you may, can (claim to) know everything.
To wit: As the sole, self-proclaimed caretaker, among us lesser humans, what are you doing about the rampant, illegal Dorado trade in the Sea of Cortez? Not to mention gender-based violations in Kenya. Or rampant sex-trade in Eastern Europe. Or do you not "care about something for which there is no personal benefit?" This is a fishing forum. It's dichotomous and contradictory to attack the global fishing community of wearing blinders, of being less-than-human, all-the-while touting trout anglers as having saved the world's piscine population.
Before you re-post, check your attitude, your spelling, and your sources. Until then, "Ya better stay in your thesaurus-laden trout stream! Ha!"