One of the many things I hate

[Sarah]

The practice of catch and release.  Not so much when people use barbless hooks, but most of those I know who fish this way use regular hooks, which often injure the fish to the point where they will not recover.  Even if there is no significant physical damage, the horror of being caught, reeled into the open air, and handled while the fisherman wrestles the hook free often traumatizes the fish so much that it dies of shock.  And yet catch-and-release types think they're superior to those who plan to eat their victims.  Stupid stupid stupid.

Sorry for the rant, but I was just sitting on my front stoop communing with one of my cats when a fellow I know walked by and told me proudly that he's one of the catch-and-release crowd.  I made the above points to him, but I don't he was swayed.  And I am irked.  Though it was pleasant sitting outside for a few minutes on this cool and blustery day, seagulls wheeling and shrieking overhead, while my cat showed his affection by inflicting multiple small wounds as he ecstatically kneaded my bare flesh and the boxer hurled himself repeatedly against the window behind me to show his disapproval.

Now back to editing a book about nuns and their art.  You're free to go.

[Denim Gremlin]

i agree. animal torture as sport is about as sadistic as it gets.

[chrisfoll577]

although i acknowledge your point, as an occasional angler who both practices catch and release and kill fishing, i respectfully disagree.  i don't feel morally superior to those who take all the fish they catch and i understand that taking the fish out of the water and wriggling a hook from its mouth is the equivalent of shoving a stick through a human's cheek and plunging into the water for a prolonged period of time. i use circle barbless hooks that are much easier to remove and am very careful with the fish i let go. all in all, i'd like to believe people who fish ethically, release or kill, are good for the environment and the fish at large because we have an interest in seeing the larger ecosystem thrive.

[LostInReno]

The craziest thing is that I fish and hunt and that also bothers me. But just like chrisfoll said if you do it in a  respectful and right way its not as bad as you think. But on the other hand it does make me feel fucked to take a hook out of a fish's lip. The fish doesn't look happy and sometimes the hook does not come out the way you like. But i guess even though it makes me feel bad its a sport. But one of my favorite things to do is be in the thick of nature fishing as the sun comes up it truly is a beautiful sight.

[Denim Gremlin]

barbless hook or not how is it not cruel to enjoy hurting animals for fun? i feel like there's really no excuse

isn't animal torture part of the profile for a future serial killer? then again the Best Show does seem to attract alot or preverts and mutants.

[Andy]

barbless hook or not how is it not cruel to enjoy hurting animals for fun? i feel like there's really no excuse

isn't animal torture part of the profile for a future serial killer? then again the Best Show does seem to attract alot or preverts and mutants.

you can't be serious.

[Sarah]

I know many hunters and recreational fisherman who cite their pleasure in and love for nature as one of the reasons they pursue the pastime.  And I always find it sad and puzzling that they can't get this enjoyment without having to kill or at least inconvenience something in the process.  I realize that the purpose behind catch and release is not to kill the fish, and, as I said, it disturbs me less when barbless hooks.  But I still think it's wrong.  How would you like it if you were suddenly caught by something from which you couldn't free yourself and then dragged, struggling, someplace where you couldn't breathe?  After that, some large alien creature looms over you, forcibly holding you still as it clumsily extricates you from the trap.  Even if you were then returned unharmed to your own element, you would be justifiably miffed.  Now, of course I'm anthropomorphizing here, but the gist of the experience is the same.  And you can't tell it doesn't suck to be the fish in this equation.

All in all, I am bothered less by people who eat what they catch.  There are plenty of poor people up here who use the fish they catch and the deer they hunt to supplement their food supply, and I have no problems with their doing so.  But when it's just for fun, I say it's spinach and I say to hell with it. (Points to anyone who gets that reference.)   

[Andy]

A few points that I don't care to work into one coherent post

• I don't hunt or fish.  I don't get it
• While I don't believe that it's the reason that people hunt, I do think that hunters thinning the population of animals that no longer have natural predators is a good thing. Especially in areas like Oklahoma, where I live.
• To the people who don't like hunting/fishing for food: do you not eat meat or wear any leather?

[Denim Gremlin]

"While I don't believe that it's the reason that people hunt, I do think that hunters thinning the population of animals that no longer have natural predators is a good thing. Especially in areas like Oklahoma, where I live"

unnecessary "helpful" or "sporting" hunting is the reason there are no more predators in the first place.

"To the people who don't like hunting/fishing for food: do you not eat meat or wear any leather?"

no.


p.s. though i do think fishing is cruel, i was joking about the serial killer thing.

[GetOffMyBone]

I'm sorry I can't share that sentiment. Fishing and going to baseball games are the only things I am willing to do with my dad anymore. We keep fish for food but sometimes we release fish that are too small to really cook. They are better left in the water for food for another fish then letting it go to waste by trying to cook what little meat is on it. There is a degree a cruelty to it and I won't lie about that, but it's just as cruel as squashing a spider that crawls on your floor (it's the insects who have it worse then anybody). I simply can't help to worry about every living thing in this world when I have a hard enough time with those of my same species (and my cat who is a handful in itself). My father and I don't mean to be barbarians, but we don't have very much in common.

But I do find it overly cruel to kill a fish only to have it sent to person who is trying to do a radio show. That is terrible.

[Denim Gremlin]

But I do find it overly cruel to kill a fish only to have it sent to person who is trying to do a radio show. That is terrible.

i think we can all agree on that

[Sarah]

We keep fish for food but sometimes we release fish that are too small to really cook. They are better left in the water for food for another fish then letting it go to waste by trying to cook what little meat is on it.

This is precisely the approach to fishing of which I approve.  Hell, I've fished in my life and may fish again.  I just think catch and release is the bunk. 

it's just as cruel as squashing a spider that crawls on your floor

Now that's something I never do. I value them for their fly-catching abilities.  And their good manners.

But I do find it overly cruel to kill a fish only to have it sent to person who is trying to do a radio show. That is terrible.

As I believe I pointed out elsewhere.  What a waste of a big, beautiful, tasty critter!

[chrisfoll577]

As I believe I pointed out elsewhere.  What a waste of a big, beautiful, tasty critter!

that is so true... although i'll admit if he sent over a cod or halibut i would flipped out like tom.

barbless hook or not how is it not cruel to enjoy hurting animals for fun? i feel like there's really no excuse

isn't animal torture part of the profile for a future serial killer? then again the Best Show does seem to attract alot or preverts and mutants.

i'd like to make a witty comeback, but my neighbor's dog's talking to me.

[GetOffMyBone]

it's just as cruel as squashing a spider that crawls on your floor

Now that's something I never do. I value them for their fly-catching abilities.  And their good manners.

You are a saint. I remember when my friend once told me he woke up with a spider in his mouth and it terrified me. I don't mind one passing through my kitchen, but all bets are off when they appear in my bedroom.

[Sarah]

Well, if I woke up with one in my mouth, it would like pay the ultimate price, for the breach of etiquette alone.

By the way, this thread isn't reserved for things I hate; everyone is free to post their own.

Spiders in GetOffMyBone's bedroom--check.