I think this discussion has been mainly about people who intend to release fish but are keeping them in their livewells all day or are keeping them out of the water for a long time for pictures and bragging, not about people who intend to eat what they catch.

I agree that if you want to eat fish that you caught legally it is your right. You won't get an argument from me there.

What I do hate to see is fish that were intended to be released alive ending up dead because of the way they are handled.

One of the most successful things that has help was the Bass fisherman practicing catch and release,,and the state of Texas for there breeding programs,,do you think that the native bass would have gotten that big, No,,,the florida strain is what brought Texas fishing to what it is,,,And as i have said before even before Bass and FLW went to these lake go spend a day at the cleaning stations,. or watch the Border side fisherman keep everything they catch

So Marc, I'm assuming you're not a proponent of the Sharelunker program? I'm not experienced enough to have an opinion either way so I really want to hear your thoughts. Are all sharelunkers taken to Athens? I thought there were several hatcheries around the state they can use, which would reduce the travel time.

I read the article on the study that was done in Oklahoma about the mortality rate. I think it was an interesting study but I would want some more information....Like what size tournament was it and what type of boats were being used (new vs. old- big difference in livewell systems). Also, what depth were the fish caught from vs. what depth they were being held at. Fish coming out of deep water in the summer and then being held in shallow boat stalls could have an effect on them vs. them being released and being able to quickly get back out to a comfortable depth and temp that they came from.

I believe that most serious tournament fisherman that fish large tournaments do everything they possibly can to ensure the health of the fish throughout the day so that we are not penalized for dead fish at weigh in.

What I would like to see is for all tournaments to identify the fish that are weak or at risk of surviving and set those fish aside so that they can be cleaned and eaten vs. released to die and be a waste. But of course if they did that, then we would be having the discussion of tournaments cleaning and eating fish!!! It's a shame you can't just do what is the most logical thing for a resource because of the backlash from others opinions.

Those that don't fish tournaments think it's wrong to carry a fish in a livewell, those that don't eat fish think it's wrong to filet them, those that don't fish at all think it's wrong to set a hook into them because it puts them in pain, those that are vegetarians don't want to catch, kill or eat anythin that is alive.

For the record, I have no problem with someone legally catching a fish and choosing to eat it. I am also not a tournament fishermen. My opinion of tournaments is the same as my opinion on the SAL program. In my not completely informed opinion, both cause the unnecessary death of large fish.

I'm sure their are noticeable advantages to the SAL program and tournaments with regards to the sport of fishing. Having not participated in either, I just don't know what they are.

I just dont see a point to killing a big hawg, you can catch plenty of smaller fish. Its a crime to kill a pregnant woman right!?

I practice quick catch and release. I feel that if any one of you catch a fish legally then that fish is your property rightfully so, if you want to eat it, fine. Some of you have a lot of money invested in your passion, I'm not going tell what to do. But, if your intent is to release a heathly fish, then take some time to inform yourself. I will continue to catch fish regardless.

Having said that, have fun.

i agree, but most of the fisherman/women who are cleaning lots of bass at falcon more than likely dont frequent the texas fishing forum. keep the word spreading tho, every bit helps

Well said Bazz

Nice post Bazz....we can not force our on opinions and beliefs on others but there is nothing wrong with a little education.

good points Bazztex. I would take a little exception to your statement about tournament fishermen remembering that recreational fishermen have no education on fish care. That applies to tournament fishermen as well. You still see and hear about tournament fishermen hauling fish around without taking proper care of them, taking the fish to weigh-in with no water in their bag etc etc. But I completely agree that it is up to us to to help educate and get people to change their ways.

I wish tournaments would enact a rule that does not allow weighing in of a dead fish and enforce the rule of no culling dead fish. That would be good incentive for people to take better care of their fish.

+1 I agree

Its a crime to kill a woman period, its 2 crimes to kill a pregnant woman. not that you didnt know that already.

Maybe at some of these shows someone should do Fish Care Seminars....for FREE and maybe educate the more weekend fisherman.