Another case for setting new take regulations for pelagic sharks ( makos, threshers)
Its hard to believe this sort of thing still happens. It's actually really dissapointing to see this time and time again. Real bummer.....

Great job KD ! Thanks for making yet another stand on this issue.

"Speed,Muscle and Teeth"

As an avid fisherman growing up, I understand the thrill of the sport, but SCUBA diving changed a lot for me. Granted diving isn't for everyone, but it gives you a secondary perspective on the sport.

To illustrate how big a problem overfishing and shark finning can be, I'd like to share a recent experience. We actually went snorkeling with mako sharks about a month ago, off the coast of San Diego, and spent some time swimming with makos. Despite waiting hours for the first one to show up, we learned via the radio that one nearby boat had caught and kept 4 mako sharks in the span of about 2 hours! If that is happening in one small spot on one day by one sportfishing (non-commercial) boat, you can see why our shark populations are so depleted and threatened.

I can't argue with people keeping legal catches they intend to eat but just invite everyone to please consider future generations, current laws, and the animals involved when out fishing. It's a much bigger and more widespread problem that most people realize.

Buckhunter,

Those are valid points. It would be interesting to see the survival rate of big game fish which are released after a long hard fought battle and are completely exhausted. At least by releasing them they have a chance as opposed to getting a gaff or an arrow in the gills.

Unfortunately killing big breeder females not only kills that fish but wipes out multiple generations. It surely has a big impact on a species which has declining populations.

"I know, rules are rules." Not all rules are good and some should be changed. I think "Chumming" for fish, bear, big cat or anything should be totally against the rules and only fair chase is true hunting, regardless if with bow or powder. Fish in a barrel is easy, takes no skill and admittedly I've fished area's where the fish are flooding a hole. That is a total estrogen rush for me as well. However, chumming some thing into to be killed...totally cowardly.

Sayfu. roflmao ololololol

Same reasoning applies to a lot of our fisheries. Remember that even legal limits set for fish to eat are set by states that have to sell licenses to try and meet budgets.

release is all in the technique. If you are right handed, you wiggle your left hand fingers in front of his face getting his attention, and then quickly release the hook with the right hand...old Indian trick.

Buckhunter..Ya gotta be quick!... know when to hold'um, and when to fold'um. You were probably trying to impress some gal in a two piece on the Cedar Point beach, and weren't focused on what you should have been focused on. And a bass big enough to swallow your whole hand?! Not even Bill Dance can tell one that big.