Whatever happened to “Catch and Release”?

[Raider Ronnie]

After reading some this tread I tried to add up how many bass I filleted this past season and I estamate in the hundreds
But I work a LOT of charters and Paying customers want their 2 fish to take home !!!
SORRY !!!

[Mike P]

I like to eat bass, so I'll keep about 4 a season. I like teen fish for the table. The only time I'll keep a big fish is if it's imjured and likely to die, or if I land one in a place where it's too risky to try to revive it and release it.

Personally, I could give a rat's patootie if anyone believes me or not if I mention that I released a 40 pound + fish. I know I caught it--why should I care whether anyone else believes it?

[nightfighter]

I primarily fish from private properties, or use private accesses to public spots. I always repay the owners who grant me access with a side from one of the first keepers caught from their property or access, if they are interested AND can cook it that day. I filet it for them and leave it iced in a cooler at their door for them. Blows them away. Guarantees me years of access. If I leave them both sides, their friends are often invited and if they are shorefront owners.....you get the drift. Two filets got shipped from my freezer to Chicago and we got a ten pound Christmas roast in return. I really enjoy having people eat striper that was swimming just hours ago. As I mostly fish predawn, most fish are released. (I do have to go to work from the beach) I would guess that I keep one in twenty legal fish and don't ever recall keeping more than one on a day. And I don't consider myself a trophy hunter. Most of the fish I can fool are 30-40 inch. If I need someone to vouch for that, I can often call Clogston or Luds48 over.

[topwatertom]

I keep enough fish to keep my family and friends bellies full, all right, I do keep a small pouch of wasabi with me at all times. STRIPER SHASHIMI!!, but I never kill more then will be consumed. Hey, with the cost of fishing: boat 3000/year, fuel 2800/ year,rack fee 1800/year, insurance 500/year, winterization 450/year, ice, bait, oil etc 3000/year.11,000 plus per year! I'll keep what I want and sleep well at night. Target the dredgers and netters that leave em dead as by catch!!! My 10 fish each year are well paid for.

[jkswimmer]

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT GUYS WITH BIG FISH PICTURES