04-09-2014, 07:15 PM
[#0000FF]For what it's worth, I think more waters might be designated "artificials only". A good example is where there are slot limits...or lower possession limits...without restrictions on bait fishing. Not unusual to see lots of floaters after a few folks gut hook and "release" large numbers of fish on bait. We all know there is at least some mortality even when being careful and using artificials. But we also know that an improperly handled fish is much more likely to die, even if it swims off after release. And ripping out a treble hook from a fish's innards before releasing it is not "proper handling".
My primary aim in airing out these thoughts was to get a little discussion going on how everybody has his or her own ideas of what is the "best" way to fish. And that one way is not universally better than another...nor is it any more or less prestigious. Similarly, catching a fish on one bait or lure...or one type of tackle...does not in any way demean either the angler or the fish.
Too bad we can't introduce angling as a potential solution to some of the world's problems. Casting contests are preferable to catastrophes. And trout fishing is infinitely better than terrorism. If nothing else, we could get the leaders of the world to settle down, calm down and enjoy the wonders of nature...rather than blowing off steam by blowing up their adversaries.
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My primary aim in airing out these thoughts was to get a little discussion going on how everybody has his or her own ideas of what is the "best" way to fish. And that one way is not universally better than another...nor is it any more or less prestigious. Similarly, catching a fish on one bait or lure...or one type of tackle...does not in any way demean either the angler or the fish.
Too bad we can't introduce angling as a potential solution to some of the world's problems. Casting contests are preferable to catastrophes. And trout fishing is infinitely better than terrorism. If nothing else, we could get the leaders of the world to settle down, calm down and enjoy the wonders of nature...rather than blowing off steam by blowing up their adversaries.
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[signature]