Practicing what you preach?

A small, local, "weekly shopper"-type paper in my area carries an outdoors column. When the subject is fishing, the gentleman who writes it usually includes a bit on catch and release, so we "leave some for the other guy." These columns are sometimes accompanied by a photo or two of successful fisherfolk and their catch, with the caption mentioning that the picture was taken before the fish was released. But here's the thing, the photos of his grandkids from a spring steelhead trip showed one of the little sports proudly holding up his fish by the head, kind of using the gill covers as handles. I'm pretty sure the dark streaks down the fish's flanks were blood and I'm pretty sure that fish won't be there for the next guy.

Another recent picture was of a very nice bass, taken in a pond I frequent. Two fingers in the gills, visible coming out the mouth. "Old Bob" was released to be caught another day, but I don't think he'll be there.

My question, dear friends, is "What would you do?" A strongly worded letter to the editor? A note to his publisher? Should I approach him at the next Fish and Wildlife forum and ask to have my picture taken, holding him by the lungs?



------------------
"I'm a man. But I can change. If I have to. I guess." --Red Green, "The Man's Prayer"



[This message has been edited by Tup (edited 04 July 2006).]

Tup,
If you have the pictures available, perhaps just a calm discussion at the next "forum" you mentioned, sharing his pictures with him to support your statements. If the man is a true sportsman, and if you present your concerns in a calm manner, he should respond favorably. Let's hope he does get the message. Please keep us posted.
Mike
OOPS!..Didn't want the "mean face"
------------------
You can call me Mike & you can call me Mikey..Just remember that this site's about sharing!

[This message has been edited by ohiotuber (edited 04 July 2006).]

[This message has been edited by ohiotuber (edited 04 July 2006).]

I agree with Tuber on this. Just quietly let him know that it appears to you that he is sending mixed messages and could possibly have negative results in some way.

Just noticed, I have to remove my mean face.

------------------
Steve (Rookie)

[This message has been edited by rookie (edited 04 July 2006).]