25 Pound Brown Caught

[Danoinark]

And yes.....powerbait is for fat kids and hillbillies although that has little impact on this discussion.

-Jerod

I choose to fish with a fly rod simply because I enjoy it. Not to say I don't enjoy taking a fish on a light spinning rod either, but fly fishing is just my passion. I would never though take away from anyone who wants to fish however they please. The big fish was taken legally, and the gent has a right to do with it what he may. I don't take them because I number 1, don't even like the taste of trout, #2, I enjoy the aesthetic value of the stream and want to do my part to keep it viable.

Would I like to catch a fish the size of the one we're discussing, of course. If I was unable to revive it I am sure I would do what I felt best and in this case, take pictures to share with others how great of a resource from where the fish came, and if the fish died then I would actually feel obligated to have a replica or have it mounted, again for the pleasure of others.

And Jerod, I do hope the above quote from you was meant as sarcasm or at least tongue in cheek.

Dano

[Leonard]

Taxi..

Everyone on here just posted there opinion.. I dont think anyone here is going to hunt this man down and beat him with a baseball bat because he kept a fish.

there is one thing that I see every year here on taneycomo.. Alot of DEAD brown (22-30). People catch them, play them to death and then try to release them.

Yes more of the bigger fish should be taking out.. Simple fact after a 20-30 and even 45 minute fight (on 6 and 7x tippet) for these fish will cause them to die.

******* revive them if you can...... if not take them out*******

I know there are alot of guys (and gals) who has mounts on there wall on this board.

Honestly... If I had caught that fish and it didnt recover I would have taken it myself.

I have followed fish for 30 mintues to make sure they had recovered and even came back later to check on them.

(over the last few years the DO levels were DEADLY low.. and it cause a lot of fish to die after being caught.)

If I understand some of the story the "ol'timers" tell around here on Taneycomo... back in the early 80's (maybe earlier) a 5 fish limit would weight 50-60lbs ( yes 5- 10lb trout).

I have seen 1 mount that is like this total weight of the 5 fish was 53lb and 8oz. (All rainbows)

[Bman]

It is his choice of what to do with the fish not yours. Don't allow PETA to rule your life, to set your standards.

Proud member of PETA here P. people E. eating T tasty A animals.

What an awesome fish!

Leonard, You put it well, couldn't agree more.

[vanven]

And Jerod, I do hope the above quote from you was meant as sarcasm or at least tongue in cheek.

Dano

The statement was meant to be tongue in cheek, although I would only consider using powerbait, live bait, or scented baits if it was a matter of survival. I feel they remove the sport from fishing, so there is a small element of truth to my statement as well. Understand that I am not trying to subject my opinion on anyone else, just expressing it.

That might be a subject for another thread and another day Dano.

-Jerod

[Danoinark]

The statement was meant to be tongue in cheek, although I would only consider using powerbait, live bait, or scented baits if it was a matter of survival. I feel they remove the sport from fishing, so there is a small element of truth to my statement as well. Understand that I am not trying to subject my opinion on anyone else, just expressing it.

That might be a subject for another thread and another day Dano.

-Jerod

I figured as much Jerod...and I appreciate your opinion on this and other threads. I agree with you about the use of any baits as to survival. But I can't fault someone for using power bait or other forms if they are taking legal fish. I just don't do it myself. One can almost correlate this to hunting. Which is more sporting, muzzle loaders or center fire deer rifles capable of multiple shots. I suspect its all in the perception and what you are used to.

Dano

[Chief Grey Bear]

The statement was meant to be tongue in cheek, although I would only consider using powerbait, live bait, or scented baits if it was a matter of survival. I feel they remove the sport from fishing, so there is a small element of truth to my statement as well.

-Jerod

Isn't the whole concept fishing, regardless of method used, except snagging and noodling, to fool the quarry in believing it is hungry and needs to eat your presentation for survival? That is the sport of it. Out foxing the fox.

If you want to get back to the "sport" of it, maybe you should use a cane pole and not the technology offered in today's rods, lines, tackle, etc.......

Just a thought.

[Guest rwolfe]

What a sad, sad thread. I understand that this is a forum for discussion and opinions, but speculation, jealousy and acting like ones fishing methods are above another? And we wonder why some people look at fly fisherman as hoity toity. To my knowledge, nobody has even heard the story behind the catch. Yet some are ready to crucify the guy for keeping the fish. Even if the fish was able to swim away after the catch, it was HIS decision, not yours. How much longer would a fish of this size live anyway? How many more times do you think it would survive being caught? If everyone were to catch and release, this lake would not be what it is today. I don't mind those that are strictly C&R, but how many of the fish that you release do you think survive? You're quite naive if you think they all do. Some of you need to bring your nose's back to the 9:00 position and get over yourselves.

[patfish]

Dano or Bill, please close this thread before it gets outta hand. I can appreciate everyone's opinion, but this has become no longer informative or more importantly NO fun to read. JMO.

[Danoinark]

What a sad, sad thread. I understand that this is a forum for discussion and opinions, but speculation, jealousy and acting like ones fishing methods are above another? And we wonder why some people look at fly fisherman as hoity toity. To my knowledge, nobody has even heard the story behind the catch. Yet some are ready to crucify the guy for keeping the fish. Even if the fish was able to swim away after the catch, it was HIS decision, not yours. How much longer would a fish of this size live anyway? How many more times do you think it would survive being caught? If everyone were to catch and release, this lake would not be what it is today. I don't mind those that are strictly C&R, but how many of the fish that you release do you think survive? You're quite naive if you think they all do. Some of you need to bring your nose's back to the 9:00 position and get over yourself

wolfe,

I just don't find this thread as fly fisherman vs conventional anglers. I think its more about what one would do if he was in the same situation. Keep it, release it, stuff it, etc. Generally speaking I think there is just two trains of thought. Whether to keep it or release it. But most are in agreement that if the fish succumbed, then most would probably take it and make use of it in some form.

General reminder, Lets keep it civil, no name calling, no individual bashing and so far it appears every thing is running smoothly.

Dano

[Don Allenbaugh]

Great going. A wonderful catch that will last the rest of his life. Dano, there is hope for us flyfishers, the one in my picture was taken with a #20 nymph (who would figure?).