PAFB Commissioner Concilla against catch and release

[Acristic]

I am not a fan of this PAFB commissioner after reading he is against Catch and Release fishing in Pennsylvania.

Here is a direct quote-

"We don't need to get rid of bait. We need to get rid of catch and release,"

Here is a link to the article:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_634048.html

Here is a link to his dossier on the PAFB website:
http://www.fish.state.pa.us/comm1.htm

Turns my stomach.

[alanb_ct]

Please be careful of the context in this article. Here is the full quote:

""What we have to find out is whether or not the use of bait in a catch and release situation is unnecessarily hurting our fish populations," Bachman said.

Concilla, though, remained unconvinced.

"We don't need to get rid of bait. We need to get rid of catch and release," he said."

The commissioner is talking about the effect of bait fishing in catch and release areas, thinking that if there is indeed very high mortality, it might be better to allow anglers to keep fish. He is not saying that he is against catch-and-release entirely.

[sholgate]

I know 3 things about all of this...

1. It would seem to me, there are almost always some fish to fool. Yes, even in July and even in July in the "put 'n takes".

2. Most PFBC believe their jobs are more of fish management and a fishery industry. I am not saying that many are not conservationist, but several I have talked to speak of numbers of people fishing etc. and not of where trout or any other species are naturally reproducing.

3. Special Regs give us a chance to be really challenged by fish that at this point "know better".

I always educate those around me about the merits of catch and release. Even those who keep and kill, when they begin to become passionate about fishing, they begin to see the importance of C&R.

IMHO

[Walshmiko]

Wow I guess pa peeps like fishing the boarder line temps... Anyways that was a ignorant comment bythe commissioner, Im sure all of us have killed a fish by mistake once or twice, but we always try to use are better judgment on the temps and over fighting fish..I really don't understand the whole stocking thing with people cleaning them right out to eat anyhow, Isnt it cheaper to just buy store bought?

[Walter1023]

I'd like to see an end to stocking during the fishing season....ie: no more opportunity to follow around the hatchery truck. Either stock a month before the season opens...or after the season closes. Then you can argue the fish are in there - but it won't be stealing candy from a baby. However - I'm also conflicted because when I was a kid I did "massacre" trout as soon as they were stocked in the lake I grew up on...with my parents blessing because they truly loved eating trout for either dinner or breakfast (stockies in the pan w/ butter in the morning). There was no such thing as "freezer burn" cause they never lasted. Also...while many of us have evolved to a level where we no longer follow the hatchery truck (hopefully..LOL)...to alot of kids that may be the igniting event that gets them fired up about and loving fishing. The masses need easily catchable fish in large quantities to draw them to the sport..and to buy fishing licenses ($$revenue)...for better or worse..especially kids. Hopefully something draws them to progress past that thereafter. So in theory....I'm against stocking the way its undertaken now - but in practical terms I understand it.

[AaronJasper]

Walter, that is a pretty good idea. This way the fish have a chance.

Also, another option is to do what Massachusetts does and eliminate opening day altogether. I like that idea because it eliminates the ensuing circus that is part of opening day.

[Walshmiko]

True.. Opening day is a freaking joke!!!!

[Walter1023]

Hey Aaron:
I've thought about the abolition of opening day - but i'm against it. Personally I crack up because friends and colleagues of mine - that only know I like to "fish for trout" - assume its a big day for me. Obviously most of us here consider it "amateur hour"...and generally avoid it...and thanks to catch/release areas we have access to this sport all year. However...it generates alot of press and news stories - pix in the paper - quotes in news articles from TU chapter presidents...etc...and this is invaluable in promoting the sport. As I said...its about appealing to the masses and getting as many new people involved. Most of the posters here are choir members preaching to each other. That being said....in my opinion this site does as much as any TU chapter in advancing this sport...re: you make in "cool" and give any beginner - including myself over the last couple years - awesome access to great advise. So my theory is you can keep opening day....but the date of actual stocking must be a sworn government secret.

[NJFred]

Stock away please... just put'em into rivers that have easy access and don't hold decent wild trout populations.

The masses will fish there on opening day and follow the stocking trucks. I'll happily fish difficult wild trout fisheries year round which don't attract the masses.

[LopatNympher]

Opening Day has a little more meaning to me than just going out and stockie bashing with the hordes. It marks the beginning of spring with the promise of the sensational fishing that will be coming. Its a date on the calender one looks forwards to when "the Hawk" is blowing hard from the north in mid January. Its a date that symbolizes the rebirth of nature and of spirit. One doesn't have to fish for it to be meaningful.