Ethics
Aug 1, 2019 19:18:22 #
I love fish. I love fishing. I've loved fishing since I was 9 or 10. I'm 26 now and I've not been able to kill a fish since 2012 when I caught a kingfish was was too small to keep, and died from swallowing the hook. I semi regularly coarse fish, catch and release with barbless hooks but struggle to really answer anyone when I try to explain why I do it. Does anyone else think about this?
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by Nitrohairman
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by Nitrohairman
Aug 1, 2019 19:19:12 #
Quote:
struggle to really answer anyone when I try to explain why I do it
Because it's fun? I could give you 100 more specific reasons why I love fishing, but it really all boils down to that. If someone is asking you to justify it beyond that, they're probably being a jerk.
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by Ty-McFly
Aug 1, 2019 19:19:22 #
gives me a chance to get away from people and just chill in nature for a bit, same reason i like hiking the less popular trails
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by majarian
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by majarian
Aug 1, 2019 19:19:28 #
Sadly, that king that you killed would’ve died on its own either way. In fact, you probably saved the lives of thousands of bait fish (and fed a hungry shark). Not trying to mock you - just some perspective.
As others have said, we all fish because it’s fun - it’s competitive, it engages the mind, body and heart with nature, it’s demanding and a bit maddening at times.
I believe we should care for nature - I consider myself a conservationist. I still catch and release and occasionally keep from stable populations. I hope you find joy in fishing again.
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by corndogge
As others have said, we all fish because it’s fun - it’s competitive, it engages the mind, body and heart with nature, it’s demanding and a bit maddening at times.
I believe we should care for nature - I consider myself a conservationist. I still catch and release and occasionally keep from stable populations. I hope you find joy in fishing again.
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by corndogge
Aug 1, 2019 19:19:38 #
I think ethics is what distinguishes fishing as a sporting activity. You treat the fish like the opponent, not an enemy. You outwit the fish, not attempt to display brute force to a fish. Instead it can be a challenge to think like the fish, to consider the weather patterns, the fly hatches, the shadows on the water. We get to enjoy the thrill of predation without being in real danger ourselves. It's only considerate to do our best to not put our opponent in real danger either.
Having respect for the fish is having respect for our teammates. Without healthy & happy fish, there would be no fishing.
I distinguish the sport from the subsistence activities because if you need to feed your family, you feed your family. I won't be the type to stand in your way and tell you what equipment to use to feed your folks.
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by mistachiopustachio
Having respect for the fish is having respect for our teammates. Without healthy & happy fish, there would be no fishing.
I distinguish the sport from the subsistence activities because if you need to feed your family, you feed your family. I won't be the type to stand in your way and tell you what equipment to use to feed your folks.
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by mistachiopustachio
Aug 1, 2019 22:45:48 #
So true!I've been fishing these river's and the straight since I was a kid and ethics!!!! If you find yourself in a area.be it a fishing hole! Or on the bank. If someone is fishing #dont.plop your happy ass down...put your feet in the water...and let widow run amuk....just move on #!$
Aug 1, 2019 22:52:43 #
Aug 2, 2019 08:45:26 #
Aug 2, 2019 12:52:30 #
BobbyJ
Loc: Texas
Our God gave us fish other animals & plants to eat. One should not feel bad about this unless being reckless about it. This is the way it was created. Have fun and be responsible &respectful of our resources.
Aug 3, 2019 04:22:42 #
FixorFish
Loc: SW Oregon
Loved the Brecht quote. So righteous. I practice C&R when necessary, as in native vs. hatchery, too big to eat yet a hell of a breeder, but I am ALWAYS fishing for a meal.
C&R ONLY..... is simply RATIONALIZED wildlife harrassment. Don't bother trying a rebuttal, many have tried...all have been found lacking. Once I have my limit, I go home. Why stay ? Competition among fisherperson-types has always been a real mystery to me. If those professional fishing tournaments had the winner determined by FEEDING THE MOST PEOPLE , I might actually watch. As it is....,65mph to that place you electronically checked out yesterday.....nah...no thanks.... not a sport, in the least. Obviously, my opinion, no humility, sorry.
C&R ONLY..... is simply RATIONALIZED wildlife harrassment. Don't bother trying a rebuttal, many have tried...all have been found lacking. Once I have my limit, I go home. Why stay ? Competition among fisherperson-types has always been a real mystery to me. If those professional fishing tournaments had the winner determined by FEEDING THE MOST PEOPLE , I might actually watch. As it is....,65mph to that place you electronically checked out yesterday.....nah...no thanks.... not a sport, in the least. Obviously, my opinion, no humility, sorry.
Aug 3, 2019 12:11:26 #
bru
Loc: South Central Wisconsin
Nitrohairman, YOU are accountable to you only. Do not worry about the other people and what they think. It sounds like you have run into left radicals who have been taught strange ideas and are trying to change you - Resist ! You are doing right.
With all respect to you it sounds like you are having a large internal mental struggle. As men [or women], it is best not to overthink these things and also not be so touchy - feely. Animals, people included, die everyday from a multitude of causes - that is just part of life. We try not to hurt anyone or anything but sometimes by accident we do. The important thing is we should learn from our mistakes, maybe feel bad for a while, but certainly not let any episode take us over mentally. Be Strong.
With all respect to you it sounds like you are having a large internal mental struggle. As men [or women], it is best not to overthink these things and also not be so touchy - feely. Animals, people included, die everyday from a multitude of causes - that is just part of life. We try not to hurt anyone or anything but sometimes by accident we do. The important thing is we should learn from our mistakes, maybe feel bad for a while, but certainly not let any episode take us over mentally. Be Strong.
Aug 3, 2019 12:13:25 #
bru
Loc: South Central Wisconsin
Nitrohairman --Don't let anyone else ruin your fun.
Oh Yeah and keep doing what you love --Love Fishing.
Oh Yeah and keep doing what you love --Love Fishing.
Aug 3, 2019 12:52:56 #
Nitrohairman, Allow those others to mow their lawns. I will Go Fishing. It's where I find my "Peace in the valley."
Aug 3, 2019 12:59:52 #
I'm a 70-yr.-old senior and I've been fishing for about 60 of those years; I find getting out on/near the water and back to nature very stress-relieving ! I also practice catch-and-release for the most part, unless the fish is injured or exceedingly stressed and may not survive ! If it's a trout, I may keep it for the skillet or give it to a friend who also likes trout; other species I'll usually give away to friends or neighbors who may eat it or grind them up to fertilize their garden ! Either way, I try to make sure it doesn't go to waste ! As far as ethics are concerned, if I see someone fishing illegally in any way, I have my Fish & Game Dept.'s 'Game Thief' number on speed dial and will not hesitate to turn in people for unlawful or unethical fishing practices !
Aug 3, 2019 18:57:01 #
J.R. Sloan
Loc: Inland Northwest (WA, OR, ID)
Nitrohairman: You said "Ethics", meaning I suppose the evaluation of "right" and "wrong" in any situation. I'm thinking that it's in our nature for this process to come to different conclusions over time as we humans have a penchant for swinging from one set of standards to others from time to time and from one intensity to another, depending on the most recent set of impressions or influences. But it's a human thing. Not a fish-or-fowl-or-other thing. A bass doesn't worry over eating a bluegill; nor wolves over sheep, nor robins over worms. Nor, as far as I remember, did earlier mankind fret a lot about catching and eating fish, wild animals or other sources of nutrition. If the ethical concern is therefore about human behavior only, then wouldn't the right sequence be to consider the source of the angst, and then the resulting or desired (e.g., the "right") behavior change?
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