[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by screaming reel

My vote is to disband the WCW. How many people does this contest draw in? In this day and age of potential closures, and declining fish stocks world wide, it is somewhat sick that there is a year long contest that awards a person a prize for the most fish killed! What is the purpose of this contest? How about a catch and release WCW! Love to see some of these big fish released. I kill fish too, that is the idea, for food, right. I just don't see how this contest can be justified! Who in the world needs that much fresh fish. My god even a flippin Great White does'nt eat that much fish!!!!!!! If you guys think that an average post of a fish here and there draws in the crowds, I encourage you to look in the mirror and see WHAT IMPACT THE WCW has on crowds at LJ! If you live in a glass house, don't throw stones.

For the record, Last year, I caught 4 WSB and released 1. It was bitchen watching a 40 lb swim back down. I encourage more restraint and conservation when it comes to the resource! Maybe if we start restraining ourselves from killing everything in the ocean, the ocean and the fishes will be around for a loooooooooong time, and the Feds won't give fishermen a bad rap.

How about a contest where the PRIZE is won by the most fish meaasured and photographed that swim back down. Now that contest is worthy of some respect!

Think about it....

It's obvious by my number of posts that I use extreme discretion. As a general rule I only post once a month (well after the bite is over) to protect the resource. The jury is out if you are ignorant or just stupid, I'm guessing stupid. After reading your post I felt inspired to type, so thank you. If anything, WCW encourages catch and release. Like you said "who in the world needs that much fresh fish". Maybe you should read the rules before making a fool out of yourself. This tournament doesn't give out awards for who kills the most fish. Or else the numbers would be a few thousand pounds as apposed to a few hundred. The obvious goal is "two" solid fish a month. I have "never" kept a fish that wasn't a definate upgrade since the beginning of the season. I'm sure other competitors would say the same. Before I was in WCW there was that dreaded descision to make where the life of the fish was on the line. Something that I struggled with, especially with giant fish and possible personal best. I still kept over a 90% release rate, but now the descision is clear. I'm one of the blessed people with ample opportunities to spend time on the water. From all of my time on the water I have developed a great respect for the resource, to the point of being very protective of it. This doesn't mean I don't like to see others having a good time and catching fish. More often than not it makes my day to see someone who is stoked with their catch, as happiness is contagious. I have no problem with the occasional post of a worthy trophy, as it makes my coffee in the morning taste better. Although, the wording of the random post is a fine line that needs to be straddled with caution. For example, let's use this post as it is fresh on our minds. I'm stoked for Tom, as I know this is a personal best White Seabass for him. Although, mentioning that others were caught and spear-fisherman having success as well is a whole new ball game. You have now invited the entire coast of fisherman to come on down. Before the once a month guys team up against the regulars, "please" pay attention to the results of your actions before you descide what to do in the future. Yes, this may require you to go fishing in the days following your post. For people who have an opportunity to see the results again and again it get's old quick.


p.s. I refuse to get into an internet pissing match, so you can expect my next post in two weeks.