I believe catch and release evolved as a conservation tool to combat increasing pressure on a limited supply of resources. It has proven to be a very effective way of managing our quality fisheries, and I am all for it. What it does, however, is turn what was essentially a blood sport into a “game”, and this “game” is being played live. To PETA, what we do with our fly rods is similar to what a rodeo cowboy does with his calf rope. I’m sure that fish experience some trauma when they are hooked and played. PETA probably opposes fishing either way, but I bet the fish are happier going back into the water than into a cooler. And, as a sportsman, I am happier to have a chance to catch them again myself, and/or to give someone else the same chance.
Using animals for food, clothing, labor, and sport is part of our heritage. I personally believe humans are of a higher order than animals, and it is OK for us to dominate them for our needs as long as we aren’t wasteful or cruel. In my experience, most of these PETA types are hypocritical to some degree. Tell me these Hollywood stars that fund PETA don’t eat meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, or honey, and don’t wear anything made out of leather - shoes, belts, or clothing. Whether you buy the finished product at the store or obtain it with your own hands should be a personal choice. I agree that in either case limiting the suffering of the animal should be a goal, but PETA is attempting to create legislature that imposes their ethics on the rest of us. I don’t think we as sportsmen can sit back and hope they’ll go away. We need to support the organizations that champion our rights (TU, FFF, DU) to balance PETA’s efforts.
