Comments on: Where Has the Sport of Fishing Gone?

By: LucyLu

LucyLu — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:13:42 +0000

Hi Mike-
I agree. The topic is one worth considering and while we might not all agree, at least we have the ability to at least consider each other’s opinions.
Thanks for taking the time to write us and share your view.
Best-
Lucy

By: mike

mike — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:38:36 +0000

im divided on this topic. i personally use both mono and braided lines. i use braid for my lures so i can retrieve them if i snag on something. with mono, i would have lost the lure and left line in the water. i like the sensitivity of braid, which is awesome for when u have to work a lure real slow.

i dont think its fair to blame the current problem on braided line. i personally dont think it diminishes the sport, as it has its disadvantages also. rods and reels have evolved and advanced steadily in time. are we now considered unsporty if we choose to use the lastest combos?

i think it goes far deeper than that with many variables in play. who is to deciede what is “sporty” and what is overkill? does the persons fishing abilites come into play, like a handicap? how many fish is a safe amount to keep before you are considered a “meat fisherman”? is it the legal limit or less than that? if someone uses an 8 ballbearing drag system instead of a 5, is that person less of a sportsman?

too many questions that cannot be answered by this riddle.

By: LucyLu

LucyLu — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:47:27 +0000

Hi Mike-
Thanks for your feedback. Yes, you do have a valid point worth considering… The good thing here is that both views have merit and that we all strive to be better sportsmen.
Best-
Lucy

By: John

John — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:35:40 +0000

I enjoyed the article and you raised many valid points. The sporting element has been diminished. However, there is a positive to braid. The strength of braid enables you to boat fish more quickly, allowing for a safe and quick release, leaving the fish unharmed.

By: Vic Van Wie

Vic Van Wie — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:19:31 +0000

The sport of fishing is alive and well with true sportfishermen. I can understand your frustration observing “tourists” fumbling with their equipment and trying to catch and kill as many fish as possible, as their guides count the money.

I don’t think it’s the braided line at fault here, I think it has more to do with ignorance and greed. When I fish off the beach, I am constantley asked why I release my fish. I hear people that pass me by mutter, “that’s good eating” when I catch a big ladyfish?

Braid, in my opinion, is fantastic stuff. I love the sensitivity, line capacity and I don’t have to replace it like I had to with mono. It casts great too, but then again anyone can cast with a spinning reel.

Vic
Sarasota (formerly So. Cal.)

By: Mike

Mike — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:22:17 +0000

In the age of catch and release and conservation, the big fish on light line has been looked on as a no-no by sportsman. The braid offers the “feel” of light tackle equipment while at the same time landing fish in short time because of the strength of it. Braid has probably been an inadvertant benefit to conservation by being able to whip big fish quick and suitable for release.

By: Preston Jones

Preston Jones — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:39:38 +0000

I could not agree with you more regarding the need to put “sport” back into fishing. While the modern equipment is partially to blame I think there is a historical problem also. Many fisherman, particularly the old-timers were brought up to believe that the reason for fishing was to fill a cooler, or two or three, etc. We call the meat fisherman. Unfortunately their offspring inherited this attitude. I married into a family of such attitudes. As a catch-and-release fly fisherman my sanity is extensively questioned not only by my in-laws but many others. They can’t believe I fish for Snook with a 6 wt rod and 10# tippet. Their Snook rod is a broomstick and 80# test line. Along with equipment, an attitude change is essential.

By: LucyLu

LucyLu — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:17:38 +0000

David,
Your points are very valid and it is great that you have such a great consciousness for the environment.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it.
Best-
Lucy

By: David Beede

David Beede — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:19:08 +0000

When in Rome, do as Romans do. That is the mantra as fishing guides need to produce to stay in business. The point of contention I have with the braided lines is that it tangles wildlife. The person without a accurate cast tangles into the mangroves. The birds wade through the mangroves and get tangled. The birds also eat the bait off your line and get tangled. I am consistently trying to catch terns, gulls, egrets and pelicans with braded line wrapped up in their wings or feet from people who just cut it off. That is a death sentence to these birds. It is a constant appearance. I spend a extra 1/2 hour or more untangling, holding down the bird and involving my clients in the removal process. They get some pictures, gain a little on karma and the fishing gods and feel like they experience something most have not. We let the birds go no worse for wear to hopefully live out their lives. If you hook a bird, hold its head in a towel or shirt, pin back its wings and remove the line. Hopefully there will be less of our feathered friends with dangling line out there.

By: T.J.

T.J. — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:09:26 +0000

I belive the story is right. The majority of people want instant gradufaction. Instead of enjoying the thrill of hunt and angling your catch. I feel you should go back to the basics just so you don’t lose touch of what fishing is all about. Loving your surroundings,exploring,storytelling about past adventures and always the possibilities of whats out there for you to hunt and see. Ask yourself if you didn’t have all the new gadets would you still enjoy it.