Scup poaching

[Zeal]

^Bump.

Though I have seen too many instances of "Americans" stop their boat, target fish hits the deck, they take off. Same thing on the jetty and beach.

I release all my fish but if I think they aren't going to make it, I'm keeping it (rare). Usually a foul hook or they just are in bad shape for some reason or another and just won't revive in the water.

It is always infuriating to see illegal fish be taken, but sooner or later they do get caught.

Best thing I see is that we all do our part to help out, whether it's calling the officials or going up to the person and telling them yourself. I had to break my silence one night a year ago and warn someone as well as telling another person that the fish had to be tossed back.

Some people genuinely don't know the regs even if they speak English. Regardless what they speak, they understand simple sign language and numbers. Tell them how much it costs when the ranger comes around and sees that fish....

Though I'm not talking about conservation per se, more of a moral thing to me.

If I catch a legal striper (don't get to fish that often), I'm 50/50 on whether or not to keep it. It's a treat, puts a meal on the table, and I worked my ass off trying to catch it.

[bloocrab]

Originally Posted by Zeal

^Bump.

I release all my fish but ..........
If I catch a legal striper (don't get to fish that often), I'm 50/50 on whether or not to keep it. It's a treat......

...sorry, I found that comical.

I try to catch fish, I catch fish, I keep fish, I eat fish, I ca-ca them back out. It makes complete sense to me...a perfect circle.
I still say, if you're that much of a "fish-hugger", you SHOULDN'T fish at all. That's the best way for YOU to personally protect our resource. The less people fish, the better off the fish are. STOP FISHING if you don't plan on eating them.,,,man, I hope no one ever looks inside my white bucket.....

[Zeal]

[QUOTE=bloocrab;1005033] ...sorry, I found that comical.

I know, irony and I have a weird relationship.