....and I still feel bad for the little fella. Let me start by saying that I am a major advocate of 'catch and release' and I have never done something like this before. I caught this brave little bass today at Grapevine lake. He was just under 14" (below the slot on this lake). There was a Hispanic family fishing a ways down from me that saw me catch it and came walking over to me. I had noticed that they weren't having much luck fishing for cats. They had a little boy with them that spoke English for the rest of them and as I was measuring it (just for the sake of knowing whether or not it was a slot) he asked me if they could have it so they could eat it. I can honestly say that I didn't hesitate for one second to give it to him, despite my firm belief in 'catch and release'. Had it been a slot, I would have obeyed the laws of the land and released it, no question. I can't believe how bad I still feel for the bass. My grief right now far exceeds the 'good feeling' I SHOULD have from giving someone a meal in these tough economic times. The young boys father (or grandfather) came to me and asked the boy to thank me. I then showed the gentleman and the young boy how to Texas rig a shaky head worm.....I took one last pic of the line-bust'n little monster and handed him over. I know this is going to start a debate on this forum and I am certainly not asking any of you if I did the right thing, I'm merely sharing my story.

I keep fish that size a lot of the time, but obviously release anything in the slot, and over the slot. It was a very nice thing for you to give that fish to a family in need.

is that a Spot?

I have never been in that situation but I would have done the same thing. Any man should have done the same thing.

the good thing is you showed them how to fish ,not just given away you gave the boy a lesson in life not just a fish,i'm sure he we remember it for a long time CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE teach them young an they will carry it for life

No and there is no slot for spots on this lake.

man i fish catch and release as well but i have no problem giving someone a fish to eat as long as i know its not going to waste for myself i can't tell you the last time i brought home anything but crappie or a big blue now and then but i don't see anything wrong with giving a person or family a fish and teaching them how to catch them at the same time..

I am a firm believer in Catch and Release aswell but would have done the same thing given the situation. Thanks for sharing!

You definately did the right thing. Very cool story. Thanks for taking the time to share.
Jeepthing

These last several years, I've seen more families fishing, because they cannot afford the grocery store prices....anytime I am at the lake and or the coast, I look for families in the area. I may not take the fish with me, but there is always someone/families who can use what I catch. I firmly believe in catch and release, but when they are hungry.....and looking to feed the kids? Yes, donate the fish everytime! You probably don't know how thankful they are....good deeds are a good thing....

I would have done the exact same thing. No doubt. No regret.

Thank you fellas...I knew my brothers of TFF would stand behind me on this.

give a man a fish and feed him for a meal. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. But I think in this case, your good deed will be the LESSOn for others to do good aswell, atleast it will be for me. Good job!

No need to feel bad. I bet you made their day.