Catch and Release. . . . A Personal Thing

Often I am asked “Why do you go fishing and then throw ‘em them back after you catch ‘em?” Seems like a logical question from the non, occasional, or even dedicated angler. I most often answer by simply stating, ...“Because the fish I released was my competitor and friend.” That answer generally only begs for a series of more questions to be asked such as, ...“That’s weird, friend and competitor, are you being serious?” ...“Don’t you eat ‘em?” ...“Do you just let the little ones go and keep the big ones?”, or my favorite, “That’s stupid, then why do you go fishing?” The continually asked questions prompted me to think about my reasoning for practicing catch and release. I decided to develop and rehearse a short concise explanation that might make some acceptable sense regarding my personal reasons and belief for practicing catch and release, in addition to the standards of conservation and fishery management. And, my personal support for the vision of Trout Unlimited.

My response now is ...“If I want to eat fish I generally will order it in a restaurant or buy it in a store. I may fish for bluegills, perch, or walleye with the purpose of eating them. In fact, I occasionally enjoy a meal of freshly caught, pan fried bluegills. But, I limit my kill rather than killing my limit. Fishing to me is a contest of wits ...knowledge against instinct ...a competitive event taking place within the environment of the fish. On their “home waters” so to speak! It is the sport of catching not killing.” When my response initiates further clarification or the conversation has created questionable understanding, I detail my explanation which generally results in the thought that, yes, he really is weird! But my answers reflect an accurate description of my beliefs, as difficult to understand as it may be.

Furthermore, I shall continue, “I have developed a respect for fish, particularly trout, in which my relationship with them is that of a friendly opponent. I match my knowledge and skills in catching them against their natural instincts and behaviors. I don’t need to kill them to be victorious. I don’t need to kill them to validate a superior level of fishing ability. I don’t need to kill them to stroke my ego or “show-off” my catch to others. I can do that with photographs! If I catch an extraordinarily large fish, I think to myself as I release it ...“You met your match today, big guy”! And, if I lose a fish, no matter what size it was, I think to myself or maybe even acknowledge aloud without much disappointment ...“You won this time. I better sharpen up or it will happen more often”! Actually, it isn’t a matter of winning or losing as much as how it is played. It is a contest that ends with both of us going home and possibly meeting again someday.

Most often as the conversation continues fly fishing becomes a topic of discussion and the ultimate concluding question is asked, “Can’t you catch more fish with a worm, minnow, wiggler, or some sort of live bug like a cricket rather than that tiny little hook with fur and feathers on it?” When I answer the conversation generally ends in total bewilderment. With a smile and a look of total seriousness I respond ...“Probably, but that wouldn’t be fair, would it?”