[VFB] quote

[Richard Zieger]

"The apparent contradiction of catching and then unlatching a fish is not only difficult to understand, but also offers an argument in favor of keeping fish.  A famous naturalist recently suggested that sport fishing is a  perversion itself, and that the only reasonable justification for fishing is to acquire food.  After all, some would say that humans by our very nature are hunting animals who survive by killing and eating lesser animals, and in a way those  innate acts are genuine and hones.  But to make a sport - a kind of game - out if that experience, and possible to traumatize a wild animal for sheer pleasure , may well be a diversion that lessens a person's dignity. For most civilized humans, killing and eating the catch is probably the closest thing to the basic hunting experience; the kill is the logical conclusion of the hunt, and no one should ever be made  to feel ashamed or guilty about wanting to consummate a fishing experience by keeping the catch.  However, there are also valid arguments to be made in favor of catch-and-release."   Mel Kreiger in "The Essentials of Fly Fishing"   Rick