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Fishing - A Dilemma

Freddy55 replied on 29/12/2019 19:59

Freddy55 profile picture Member

Freddy55

Caravanner from Bath&NthEstSomerset

Posted on 29/12/2019 19:59

Hiya folks. I used to enjoy fishing, found it very therapeutic plus lots of extra benefits. Fished mostly lakes and thoroughly enjoyed it. Then along came golf, which meant I had a choice to make, given the time constraints...golf won. I now have the time to indulge both. The problem I have is this. I am now mindful of the distress that being ‘caught’ might cause said fish. I am fully aware of the good that anglers do, when it comes to husbandry of our waters, but bottom line, is it a cruel sport/pastime?

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Wherenext replied on 29/12/2019 21:32

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Wherenext

Caravanner

Posted on 29/12/2019 21:32

I've always taken the view that any animal that has nerve endings and a brain must feel some pain if a hook hits said nerve. In addition they seem to be under distress when pulled from the water and left gasping. I always think of people gasping for air. Maybe I'm too empathetic. Doesn't stop me eating them though which kind of makes me a hypocrite. Another dilemma.🤔

mickysf replied on 29/12/2019 21:36

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mickysf

Motorhomer from South Humberside
Posted on 29/12/2019 21:22 by Tinwheeler

Thanks👍🏻

Seriously, have you considered removing the barbs from the hooks to prevent damage and stress to the fish? I know someone who does that.

Posted on 29/12/2019 21:36

i don't use barbed hooks these day. i don't dangle worms or drown maggots either. I only kill those fish  I wish to keep for the table and then only those bred for the table. Still my dilemma pricks me!

Tinwheeler replied on 29/12/2019 21:39

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Tinwheeler

Campervanner from Cornwall
Posted on 29/12/2019 21:32 by Wherenext

I've always taken the view that any animal that has nerve endings and a brain must feel some pain if a hook hits said nerve. In addition they seem to be under distress when pulled from the water and left gasping. I always think of people gasping for air. Maybe I'm too empathetic. Doesn't stop me eating them though which kind of makes me a hypocrite. Another dilemma.🤔

Posted on 29/12/2019 21:39

Internet research shows opinion is divided as to whether fish feel pain or not. I guess we can’t know for sure.

At least using barbless hooks leaves fish relatively undamaged if returned to the water.

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 29/12/2019 21:39

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Rocky 2 buckets

Posted on 29/12/2019 21:39

You can get barbless hooks👍🏻. I think a lot of Fishermen do it for the ‘sport’ I don’t understand that tbh but if the fish fights hard then the damage to its body will be a lot. I don’t do it. I’m more than happy to sit on a river bank & just enjoy the tranquility & views without the aggression bit😊

Freddy55 replied on 29/12/2019 21:41

Freddy55 profile picture Member

Freddy55

Caravanner from Bath&NthEstSomerset
Posted on 29/12/2019 21:32 by Wherenext

I've always taken the view that any animal that has nerve endings and a brain must feel some pain if a hook hits said nerve. In addition they seem to be under distress when pulled from the water and left gasping. I always think of people gasping for air. Maybe I'm too empathetic. Doesn't stop me eating them though which kind of makes me a hypocrite. Another dilemma.🤔

Posted on 29/12/2019 21:41

Yes, a very good point. We all (?) eat meat/fish.  It’s something that I struggle with, when I think about it. Could I eat it if I had to kill/prepare it? I suppose I comfort myself in the knowledge that ‘we’ are meat eaters, always have been. I suppose my dilemma when it comes to fishing is that it’s for ‘pleasure’, I don’t eat what I catch.

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 29/12/2019 21:43

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Rocky 2 buckets
Posted on 29/12/2019 21:32 by Wherenext

I've always taken the view that any animal that has nerve endings and a brain must feel some pain if a hook hits said nerve. In addition they seem to be under distress when pulled from the water and left gasping. I always think of people gasping for air. Maybe I'm too empathetic. Doesn't stop me eating them though which kind of makes me a hypocrite. Another dilemma.🤔

Posted on 29/12/2019 21:43

WN I don’t think it’s possible to be too empathetic👍🏻. Feeling empathy for any suffering living creature is to be applauded👏🏻👏🏻

Freddy55 replied on 29/12/2019 21:53

Freddy55 profile picture Member

Freddy55

Caravanner from Bath&NthEstSomerset
Posted on 29/12/2019 21:39 by Rocky 2 buckets

You can get barbless hooks👍🏻. I think a lot of Fishermen do it for the ‘sport’ I don’t understand that tbh but if the fish fights hard then the damage to its body will be a lot. I don’t do it. I’m more than happy to sit on a river bank & just enjoy the tranquility & views without the aggression bit😊

Posted on 29/12/2019 21:53

Yes, I always used barbless hooks, and always would. “aggression bit”? Something I never felt. My only feeling was peace and tranquillity, and being in touch with my surroundings. It’s one of those things, if you ain’t tried it, you don’t know what it’s like. Fishing can actually be quite thrilling, especially if you have a ‘rod-bending’ Carp on the hook. But it’s now welfare that concerns me. Hence, the dilemma.

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 29/12/2019 22:16

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Rocky 2 buckets
Posted on 29/12/2019 21:53 by Freddy55

Yes, I always used barbless hooks, and always would. “aggression bit”? Something I never felt. My only feeling was peace and tranquillity, and being in touch with my surroundings. It’s one of those things, if you ain’t tried it, you don’t know what it’s like. Fishing can actually be quite thrilling, especially if you have a ‘rod-bending’ Carp on the hook. But it’s now welfare that concerns me. Hence, the dilemma.

Posted on 29/12/2019 22:16

I’ve watched sport fishermen taking on fish almost as heavy as they are & they truly don’t have relaxed tranquil faces that’s for sure, the adrenaline really is flowing😊

Freddy55 replied on 29/12/2019 22:37

Freddy55 profile picture Member

Freddy55

Caravanner from Bath&NthEstSomerset
Posted on 29/12/2019 22:16 by Rocky 2 buckets

I’ve watched sport fishermen taking on fish almost as heavy as they are & they truly don’t have relaxed tranquil faces that’s for sure, the adrenaline really is flowing😊

Posted on 29/12/2019 22:37

I’m sure that for some, it’s a very serious business. I was much more casual in my approach. Hours spent on the bank, catching nothing. I always remember a time, fishing on the river Avon. The highlight was catching a glimpse of a Kingfisher, as it flashed by me. smile

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