As a catch and release advocate, I’m always in favor of respecting
fishing regulations specific to the region/area that applies. Unfortunately,
I’ve personally experienced far too many situations where another fisherman, or
more appropriately: a person fishing, purposely keeps young or obviously
spawning fish, without regard for the law. Also, ignorance is by no means a
viable excuse in this matter, as numerous signs are posted at known fishing
spots, listing the appropriate standards.
Surely, the U.S. is a massive cultural melting-pot. Diligent working-class peoples from other
nations may have learned different (maritime/inland) environmental
regulations than we know domestically. Still, if someone can acquire a job, attain a
driver’s license, and maneuver throughout American society as a whole, he or she can
recognize and ABIDE BY fishing regulations that are publicly posted.
Everyone is different and there is no ONE
standard perspective, but ultimately there must be an authoritative
environmental presence that not only appears in times of need, but is idealized
in the minds of all those fishing, as a force to be reckoned with, which causes
us ALL to check ourselves. Regardless of which U.S. states I’ve fished in
(which are many), I’ve seldom personally experienced groups of organized
officials with proper funding and training who embody recognizable potential
to lead a game-changing, innovative mission of fisheries preservation.
We need to realize that
we're all playing catch-up when it comes to fish population management
worldwide. It is an important issue that can only succeed if people begin to
take personal responsibility. Ask yourself this: regardless of species or
region-do you think it's EVER the case that on a Tuesday, there are more fish
in existence than there were on Monday? Of course not. Therefore, it is a harsh
reality that must be addressed. Otherwise, your great grandchildren will have
to go fishing at the local virtual reality arcade.
