Common Dilemma - Returning Big Fish

[Ell]

We must all have faced this problem at some time or another returning a big fish. I speak mainly about Cod(ling). What do you do with a Good size fish. 10lb plus, no camera, could be returned safely and you\'ve got plenty chicken dippers in the freezer. I\'ve never been put in such a horrible dilemma. I have an awful feeling I might keep it but a conscience that says I shouldn\'t. I\'m glad I\'m never going to have to face this situation in reality. Whaddayous reckon?

[TC]

Got to admit, Ell - I have kept fish even when the frezers been full of cod, ling, coalies, whiting & mackerel.
I fillet them and either dish them out to the neighbours or the lads at work.
I\'ve still got some fillets in the feezer from Summer trips out with Dave.

[mark]

I made the conscious descision, with much soul search a while back that any cod I catch that is over 25lbs will be returned poste haste. The last one I caught near that size left me in a similar dillema, but once the staff at the sea life centre had threatened police action and barred me for life the descision was a bit easier. They confiscated me hand line as well. I would of gotten away with it if me wellies hadn\'t come off in the tank

[Ell]

Aye Tony, many of us do that m8. What I am getting at I suppose is the difference in the way some fish are treated in a conservational sense (Not to be confused with conversational sense, we all talk to fish that\'s not at issue) e.g. Bass, specimen fish are returned to live and fight another day, spawn more and generally increase the health of the whole stock. Mullet, Wrasse, Tope and many other species are treated in a similar way. I get the feeling that Cod may be getting the poo end of the stick.

[Ell]

I\'ll leave it to someone else to do the ROTFALMFCABO Mark- just cut and paste it next

[mark]

WTFITSTMCIHTFIWYATA

[Ell]

Got as far as \"What the **** is that **** that Michael Caine is hiding .......\"

[TC]

I knew what you were getting at Ell and I think I was looking for a reason / excuse as to why I\'d keep such a fish.
I fully agree that this is a dilema. And, like you - I\'d INTEND to return the fish..........but would probably end up keeping it.

I also think that you\';re right in what you say as regards other species; bass, wrass, etc. I think I WOULD return them on \"conservation grounds\" - so why not cod.

It\'s strange, but when fishing from the shore, I\'d (and I dare say MOST of us would) keep a codling of 2lb. When boat fishing - the self policing of sizes seems to increase and I\'d probably return any under about 3lb.

[mark]

I\'ve always thought there is a strong argument to keep the smaller ones and release the bigger ones on the basis that if they made it that far they must be good survivors, so their genes would be better put to strengthening/furthering the species rather than keeping my chips company

[Ell]

Points taken lads and agreed with. I think the Dilemma as I put it is genuinely about these proper big fish. The buggers are as rare hens spectacles and I think my desire to at least beat the wife over the head with a double figure fish 1. to make up for the constant taunts of being not up to it in the fish department. and 2. It would hurt but leave few marks (Forensics found fish scale like identations in the victims side head area and a faint whiff of luggy on the breath. Free digital cameras for all sea anglers, and therapy for the partner could be the answer.

[Ell]

Err just to clarify.....would you return a 15lb shorecaught cod?

[TC]

Not intentionally

[mark]

not up to it in the fish department

hmmnn, you might want to think that part over again!

[Ell]

Aye very funny Cutter This site is visited by many people that catch big fish on a regular basis. Gogs and people who fish near Gogs to name but a few. I\'m sure this issue is discussed on a regular basis at clubs stretching from Cleadon (just north of Gods own Country) to the badlands of Longbenton and beyond. Maximum size limits I think should be agreed upon.

[mark]

Aye very funny Cutter Cleadon (just north of Gods own Country)

EH! when did they move cleadon?? Hope they all satisfied lengthy quarantine and body cavity searches before they let em over the water