Keeping fish in trophy water

[gonefishin]

js:

Nah, I'm not worked up. Just chattering about a subject that doesnt want to go away. Sorry if I offended anyone. Ferrets (Errrr Mink....sorry Phil) are more fun to talk about. Personally if I want a trout to eat I want a smaller one... the big ones aren't as tasty. And to be honest Walleye or Crappie are better. If someone wants to talk to me about a subject I am open and willing but when someone starts harassing me for not agreeing with their view and for doing something that is legal and within my rights I stand my ground.

Fox said something I agree with. The mortality rate is to high to ethically practice catch and release. That is my opinion but, I keep my opinion to myself. If someone wants to practice catch and realease it is fine by me because it is legal and it is in their right to do so. Especially so as it is part of our fishing culture and the MDC stocks enough fish to offset the loss. Eventhough it is kind of a shame to think of all those big fish dying and going to waste. I did see three Eagles the last time I was there so I reckon the dead fish are serving a purpose.

As to Ferrets or Mink I think probably the best way to cook one is to nail it to a board , cook it at 350 degs, baste it liberally with Chevas until the board is totally saturated..then throw away the Mink/Ferret and eat the board.

[Jayhawk Chris]

" As to Ferrets or Mink I think probably the best way to cook one is to nail it to a board , cook it at 350 degs, baste it liberally with Chevas until the board is totally saturated..then throw away the Mink/Ferret and eat the board. "

Now that's funny...I don't care who you are or what you believe!

[gonefishin]

lilly:

I had not read your blog when I made that post where I used the term holierthanthou. I certainly did not mean to offend you or anyone on the site. I did not use the word as a slur or with any religious thoughts at all. In hindsight there are words that would have been a better choice. Again if I upset you please accept my apology.

gonefishin

[knuck]

Ditto to what Gonefishin said but """"""HOLY TROUT""""" this topic will have to go down in the Ozark Anglers topic hall of fame. Phil it is fantastic you have as much passion for the great outdoors to spend this much time and effort(and money I'm sure) to get this site up and running. It is nice to see a volatile topic can be discussed without anyone going completely ballistic. I only hope the other fisheries get the same volume as Taneycomo does. If I can coerce my family into skipping Florida this year, I will be spending many evenings in June between 8PM and 2AM hunting the monster LMbass that threw my Culprit PW 2 years ago. Talk about some awesome C@R fishing. There is nothing better than fishing under a full moon on a beautiful summer night. Now back to that ferret, did anyone mention a cooking time...

[Phil Lilley]

I probalbly can't say "never" but it would be very close... I have learned in the Word (Bible) that a Christian should never be offended. "Easier said than done" is a phaze that comes to mind, but I do strive to let any comments directed to me fall to the wayside. If a person is securely founded in his idenity (in my case it's who I am in Christ and the relationship thereof), then he should be unshakeable if life's experiences. Gezzz- I go on and preach if I'm not careful.

Anyhow- I don't offend easy so don't hold back. And I didn't take any post personally but thanks for asking.

But in saying what I've said-- my views, my actions and my heart aren't perfect (bad grammar but I can't figure out how to put it). I will say stupid stuff- and I have you all to set me straight.

[jdavis]

Thanks to everyone for all of the responses. I did not know this would turn into such a spirited debate, but I feel like it has been productive in educating all of us as to others opinions. And it certainly let some get some things off their chest.

After reading what everyone has said, I think it is important that all of us return to the water in a respectful manner. Respectful of the laws and regulations. Respectful of the fish (weather keeping or releasing). Respectful of the habitat. And most of all, respectful of our fellow anglers. Remember, fishing for most is a hobby. There are more important things in life.

Happy New Year!

[Ffer]

PLEASE-- do not call 911 if you see someone keeping trout you don't think is keepable. 911 is for

EMERGENCIES. That is NOT an emergency.

[gonefishin]

I think it is great that there were a lot of posts on this subject and I think it is great Phil has set up this forum that gives us all place to discuss these items. I for one was never mad at anytime or at anyone. To me a discussion is a lot like a ball game, if there is no opposing team then it isn't much of a ball game.

My wife and I were down at Bennet last summer. I was fishing on a bend in the river, to my right and somewhat around the bend there was this really nice flyfisherperson (being politically correct) who had a great casting form. To make a long story short my wife thought I was looking over my shoulder to much. I had a really hard time convincing her (my wife) that I was just watching my backcast.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

I know of very few people who would approach any fishing angler and just start giving advice. I would not fish with people like that.. that to me is always viewed as "unwelcomed" advances by not only the angler but also people around who see / hear it. (i see it happen quite a bit, more than you would think)

The beauty of fishing is solitude. Solitary by choice. Of course there are plenty of times when you got a group of ya out there having fun (quietly) and enjoying the fishing. But if someone in my party goes up to a fellow angler they do not know and say " hey I noticed you werent catching as many as us.. here is my fly pattern I have been catching lots of fish on.. right in front of you.. " --- that is a snide angler. I would not ever fish with that person again. Poor communication is just that, poor.

As far as calling a phone number to report poaching / anything to the MDC - call the agent directly.

Charles BUCK Nofsinger - office 417-546-2990

Quenten Fonterhouse - cell 294-5543

[Seth]

I've had a couple run ins at Taney w/ folks trying to tell me how to fish, or what to do with my fish after I caught it, and I've witnessed others being subject to the same "harassment." And it was always a flyfisher doing it! I'm a devoted fly flinger but it just irritated the hell out of me when that stuff happened. Ya know, if you're so darn concerned about a fish, then why are you trying to drag it in with a hook in its mouth anyway? Seems kinda hypocritical don't it? Yeah, if I see someone doing something outrageous, like netting, keeping dozens, etc. I will call MDC. But if someone puts a 13 incher on a stringer, something like that, man, let it slide. Like the above posts show, if they're stocking on average 2000 per day, learn to pick your fights, ain't right to mess up someone's day by showing them up. And if someone suggests you let your 20 incher go and just make a replica mount, tell em sure, if you'll pay for it. Let's see just how concerned they are about the poor fishy then.

Hopefully this thread will make those folks inclined to bug other anglers about releasing fish to think. You mean well, but just donate an extra buck or two to Trout Unlimited rather than make some guy feel guilty for doing what the law allows.

Well the way I see it is that if somebody keeps a 13" fish in the trophy are, then they are breaking the law and that is no different than keeping too many fish. I know it wouldn't destroy the whole fishery or anything, but still rules are rules.

On the other hand, if you catch a 20" trout and somebody recommends you release it and get a replica and you choose not too, well there is nothing wrong with. It's legal and your choice to choose what to do with it. If you let the people who make suggestion to you bother you, you need to lgrow up and learn to worry about yourself and not what others think of you.-

It is nice to see a big fish released I will agree, but not everybody releases them and there are plenty of them in Taney to make up for it due to how awesome this fishery really is.