Help Me Understand Why........

[GloryDaze]

If any of you have read the article Phil wrote on the main page about the state record Brown Trout- please help me understand and comprehend a few things. I realize I run the risk of getting pummeled here but that's why we have discussion boards right?

Help me understand why the joy and excitement of catching that monster is not enough- why would you want to kill it and then not even eat it? I understand there is a state record at risk here, but aren't the pictures, witnesses and scale you use enough proof you beat it. Does it really take freezing the fish and getting your name in a few books to close the deal?

I do understand he is completely within his rights to do what he did- I was just wanting to hear a different perspective than mine on why he might have done what he did- -

Just seems to me like a waste of a hell of a fish-

Thoughts??

[Gavin]

Dunno...if I was ever fortunate enough to catch a record fish, I'm not sure what I'd do. I can see the logic of keeping a record fish to have your catch recorded and to make a mount. Guess it just depends on your personality. If records and and an acurate mount is important to you...keep it...if not take some pictures, a measurement or two, and toss it back. Either outcome is fine with me. At least its going to a place where they can make a couple nice replicas of it. I'm sure folks will enjoy seeing them when they are done. Cheers.

[jah]

I agree with 2 things you said:

1. He was within his rights to have it mounted

2. Why would he have it mounted rather than let it go??

I would think he would get MORE recognition for showing that he beat the record, but then let the big boy live to be caught again by another fisherman.

Just my opinion.

Jim

[laker67]

I think I remember them trying to keep it alive. It is very difficult with an old fish. On the previous record, hatchery personel and a couple of others spent the best part of 5 hours trying to revive that fish. I'm sure alot of effort was put into trying to revive the current record. These record browns are near the end of their life cycle when they reach 25 to 30 pounds. I am alot happier to see an angler land a record fish, than to find it floating dead due to natural causes or the stress of the battle. Trout records are a big thing in missouri. Big browns are a big thing even if they are not records. Can you honestly say what you would do put in the same situation? This is a good topic for discussions.

[jah]

I can honestly say I would return a big brown, record or not, to the water if I knew he/she would remain alive. For no other reason than my wife would kill me if I had wildlife hanging on ours walls! But seriously, I would want someone else to enjoy the experience, and a picture with me holding the fish is all the glory I need/want. If the fish could not be revived, it is a different story, and I find a new wife. Ha!

[Wayne SW/MO]

Can you honestly say what you would do put in the same situation?

I can't, but I believe I would let it go. The reason for this is at my age a record wouldn't really mean anything to me, and I would hate to see the fish die. On the other hand there is no doubt the fish was old, and may have not even survived being caught if he was released immediately.

[kdan]

Indeed, this is a good topic for discussion.

I, for one, do not know how I would react if ever in the same stituation.

But I know this for a fact, this brown was nearing the end of its life span. Rather any attempts were made to revive this fish, I don't know. But ANY attempt most likely would have been futile. He was a goner, regardless. So the next best thing was to have it mounted or to catch some "smallies" to go along with it and have the neighbors over for one heck of a fish fry.

That is a joke for all you that are all ready up in arms about the smallies comment.

[Chief Grey Bear]

I say who cares. It was a brown trout from Taney. It was not some rare species in danger of extinction. They are neither native to Taney nor this country. They are stocked there to be caught and kept if wanted.

To me, to try and make this an ethical issue is absurd.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Come on Chief, quit beatin around the bush, how do you really feel?

SIO3

[Bman]

I'm a catch and release guy. A quick photo or two, a length & girth measurement. And release.

A point to consider, if I thought I had a record fish I would consider keeping the fish because taxidermists would want to make a mold of the record fish. Then replicas could be made.