Gabriel052 Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 So, this morning, my good buddy and I set out to do some kayak fishing at a lake near by. We got an early start and got a few fish, but nothing to brag about. Unfortunately, about 15 minutes before leaving, I landed an awesome 5lber that fought like hell. The unfortunate part is that the fish swallowed my bait the second it hit the water, and when I set the hook, gut hooked. It took me about 3-4 min before I finally got the hook out, but it was too late for the fish. I swam her back and forth, but she didn't make it. Ok, I get it, sometimes it happens. Now, the question is, what do you do with the fish? This particular lake has a huge problem of people fishing it and keeping all of the catches. Catfish, bluegill, crappie, bass, anything! They are clearing out the lake, and soon there will be no fish for anyone! However, many of these people are of a lower income and are trying to feed themselves, as well as their family. What should I have done? Leave the fish floating belly up, and let nature takes its toll, or, give the fish to some of the people who were fishing from the bank and letting them take this big ol bass? My fear by doing the latter is that I will be condoning that behavior. Just curious as to see yalls opinions! Thanks in advance for your responses -Gabe Quote
Super User F14A-B Posted September 21, 2014 Super User Posted September 21, 2014 What's wrong with keeping legal fish? What's wrong with home cooking said fish? Personally I don't get it... As far as you're dead bass, let the turtles eat it, give it to someone who will eat it, or... Cook it yourself... I don't see any other useful alternative. Quote
Gabriel052 Posted September 21, 2014 Author Posted September 21, 2014 Its a catch and release lake. Nothing wrong with harvesting your own fish. Do it where its allowed. Just my two cents.. Quote
Super User aavery2 Posted September 21, 2014 Super User Posted September 21, 2014 The fish could be used as food by someone you say could and would use it properly, anything outside of this is waste in my opinion. There was no gain to be had by leaving it to float. 1 Quote
Skeeter Dan Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 It would have made a nice meal for some one. 1 Quote
Super User F14A-B Posted September 21, 2014 Super User Posted September 21, 2014 Its a catch and release lake. Nothing wrong with harvesting your own fish. Do it where its allowed. Just my two cents.. Seems like you answered you're own question... If its a catch & release lake, then there is no legal alternative, details can and do vary from state to state and from lake to lake.. So I think you're only choice is return the fish to the water,as far as other fisherman keeping fish out of that C&R lake.. You can report them if you're so inclined to do so... Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted September 21, 2014 Global Moderator Posted September 21, 2014 I'd have given it to someone else if possible. If not, then there's nothing you can do but leave it unfortunately. Quote
Super User BassinLou Posted September 21, 2014 Super User Posted September 21, 2014 Since I don't eat bass, I know that sometimes a nice fish dies. I would find the first family that is bank fishing and give the fish to one of the kids. They will go crazy for that fish. The fish served a purpose. It fed a family. Leaving the fish discarded would not make sense. Quote
Super User K_Mac Posted September 21, 2014 Super User Posted September 21, 2014 The people who fish for sustenance don't care if you approve of the practice or not. The idiots who have no regard for the law don't care either. If legal, I would either keep it myself or give it away. I would not leave it for nature to reclaim unless I had no other option. Quote
NDH Fishing Posted September 21, 2014 Posted September 21, 2014 You just have to know when to say the hook is to deep. I carry a pare of pliers that can cut hooks which helps a lot with getting the lure out. When I gut hook a fish I cut the hook right behind the barb, and slide the hook out. BUT it all depends on what kind of hook and how deep. There are a few different things you can do. Quote
Super User Catch and Grease Posted September 21, 2014 Super User Posted September 21, 2014 Learn how to get a hook out of a gut hooked bass in less than a minute. Its one skill in bass fishing you MUST get good at. 1 Quote
Gabriel052 Posted September 21, 2014 Author Posted September 21, 2014 Agree with everyone. I tried removing the gut hook from behind the Gill but it was just so d**n deep. I had never seen anything like it. As far as the fish went, I don't support taking fish from a catch and release Lake. However, since it was already dead, I didn't want the fish going to waste so I brought it to the bank and gave it to them to eat. My fear is that it'll further support the illegal activity they are engaging in and give them the impression that other anglers will support their actions. Quote
Super User Scott F Posted September 21, 2014 Super User Posted September 21, 2014 If it's a catch and release lake, isn't it illegal to keep fish? Even if it died, you aren't allowed to keep it or give it away. If it isn't against the law, you did the right thing giving it to someone who can use it. 1 Quote
Super User F14A-B Posted September 21, 2014 Super User Posted September 21, 2014 Undersized LMB or bass caught on a C&R lake are illegal to keep.. Period .... Otherwise some folks would Lilkely hurt otherwise heathy fish (Bass) to keep/ fry... Dead fish, contrary to what some people may think.. In no way shape or form go to waste. 1 Quote
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