squirrel 0 #26 July 20, 2007 Quote Quote Quote Quote Was releasing it not an option? Walt probably not, due to the phot opportunity and scales generally being dockside I thought most sport fishing was "catch and release" these days. So is deep sea fishing a case of killing a spectacularly large animal and throwing it away like garbage after taking pictures? No wonder he's smiling. If that doesn't make him feel like a hero, what would?Walt Count me among the unimpressed. It is (or was) a spectacular fish and she may or may not have bred; sadly, that is no longer an option for her. For the uninformed, virtually all marlin over 250 pounds are female -- it is even regarded as highly likely that they become female once getting over 250. Catching her was a workout and very impressive indeed, but the pointless taking of such fish is highly discouraged by the International Game Fish Association. Most big money tourneys these days are catch, tag, and release. There is even a highly reliable method of determining the fish's weight using length, girth and certain numeric factor (sbout 1.6 or so, bit hazy on it right now) so that it can swim off and the angler can still have his/her bragging rights. Modern taxidermists don't even need the fish to make an accurate and faithful replica for the wall. For all its beauty, Hawaii is in the dark ages regarding billfish; most other places, including Central and South America have gone to c-t-r. Maybe they'll learn when they can't find any. When I got my first Atlantic sailfish, I passed on getting a replica mount made for the same reason as the OP, but TLML had a poster size photo made for me for that Christmas and it is sitting proudly on the wall to my right as I type this; she was last seen swimming in the direction of Cuba. We love catching fish for the table, particularly dolphin (mahi-mahi) and wahoo, but not bills. Congratulations on your catch, but boo, hiss to the captain. first, let me state that i am not a bleeding heart, left wing, and i support our nuclear program. now, that being stated...what the fuck, destroying a fish like that, and not even using the meat. rediculas! i grew up the last of 8 kids. my dad hunted pig and dear, we took about 2 or 3 of each a year, had them butchured, and put the meat in the freezer in the garage...it made sense. used every usable part. and, when hunting, we let some go, to preserve the stock. edited: well, i have been told i cant say here what i really want to say...so i will just say this...you "took" life...for pleasure. let me justify my response by saying....just my 2 cents...likely the value of this guys soul. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydemon2 0 #27 July 20, 2007 Quote Quote Quote not with deep sea fishing . Pretty much the purpose is to catch fish you can eat. Even if the cather does not want the meat the capt usually takes the fish and sells the steaks at the shore. Some charters are specifically for that. you can fish and take a portion but the fish goes to the Capt. Ok, I really didn't know. I guess deep sea fishing is not for me. Walt It's actually fun... I'd rather catch what I can eat... especially red snappers. Yeah but who brags about catching a big red snapper??? I prefer them small!! Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone! I like to start my day off with a little Ray of Soulshine™!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydemon2 0 #28 July 20, 2007 Nice job, Im sure it was a lotta work!! Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone! I like to start my day off with a little Ray of Soulshine™!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #29 July 20, 2007 Quote Quote So I guess you've never SEEN me do a demo huh?! Shit, demo jumpers have to deal with something far more dangerous than sharks--kids and their parents in the landing area. I'm not sure whether I'd prefer the kids/parents or the pond of vile stuff. Walt Or the fucking high school band taking up valuable real estate because the band director was a prick. I BARELY had enough room to land and stop myself from running into the line of baton twirling girls... Not that that wouldn't be all bad... "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duckwater 0 #30 July 20, 2007 Walt, A truck came and got th fish to be processed immediately after the pics. NONE of it was wasted. I couldnt have any of the meat without taking ALL of it due to Health Regulations. And, im not sure catch and relase would have worked after fighting for 4 hours. Im pretty sure it was near death. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
