On 30 May 2007 12:55:51 -0700, Olebiker wrote:

A friend directed me to a local fishing web site. One of the
discussion pages was about freshwater fishing. I was amazed to see
pictures of guys holding up stringers of dead bass like it was still
1954.

I don't think I have killed a bass on purpose in over 20 years and I
don't think I know anyone who still keeps bass. Do any of you folks
eat bass?

Dick Durbin

Bass is my favorite fish to eat. I keep most of my bass caught. I know
many who do the same. I don't feel guilty or ashamed of it either. My
take on the "whole catch and release" thing is to each their own, but
secretly there is a small part of me that also thinks "good more for
me".
It seems there are two types of "C&R" folk. There are the normal,
rational ones who make it a personal choice (some don't like eating
fish, some are not so inclined to clean them and cook them for time
reasons, ect.). Then there is the judgmental, fanatical and often
irrational type who thinks his personal choice should be everyone's.
this type is a nuisance and a blight on the whole sport of angling,
and should be discouraged.
Once while fishing a nice stream for trout with my wife and daughter
one of these latter types (who was a regular at the stream) came up to
me and spouted "you should be ashamed of yourself for killing them
fine trout". Well I am ashamed to admit it but that made me loose my
patience I usually have for these fanatics. After I thoroughly read
him his pedigree, he left and to date has not been seen at the stream
again. Upon his leaving I received a standing ovation from five other
anglers (two of which were C&R only), which proves that most anglers
DONT share that persons fanatical beliefs.
The Fact is, if you are bothered by the sight of seeing someone
legally catch a legal size and legal limit of fish and KEEP them, you
DON'T belong behind a fishing rod. I would suggest taking up golf and
settle for bitching and moaning about the other golfers cleats
marring up the fairway.

Forthesky
Western PA