Like almost nothing else in the angling world, the issue of catch-and-release can turn friendly banter at the boat ramp into a yelling match. It’s a polarizing topic that most people fall on either side of with little middle ground, yet as a predominantly warm water fly angler, I find myself in a strange spot.
A few great friends dedicated to the pursuit of trout on fly have brought me to their waters many a time, and I understand the high level of importance that the catch-and-release practice serves in all these watersheds. To this day, I’ve yet to harvest a trout, and I’m sure the trout nerds appreciate that. I even appreciate the decision a little bit, too. It really is important to the wellbeing of the beautiful cold water rivers I’ve had the privilege of fishing.
My local situation, however, is a bit different. There are generally three types of fishermen: the catfish fishermen, the panfish fishermen, and the aspiring Bassmaster Classic competitors pursuing largemouth. The first two are out exclusively to grocery shop: they want to fill the cooler. The latter are out to fill the live well first and the scale second. Then, they return the fish back to the water.
Admittedly, I fall into some sort of middle ground on the catch-and-release debate. I release most of my fish, but I harvest a few. Ironically, the fish I harvest are the ones most people in southern Mississippi always release: bass. I find it fascinating that a sort of taboo has grown out of the idea of harvesting bass. I speculate that some of this stems from the strong following of competitive bass tournaments, where catch-and-release is practiced by nearly every competitor. Nevertheless, the unpopularity of harvesting bass has given birth to the assumption that they aren’t tasty table fare.
Frankly, I couldn’t disagree more. I love Baja bass tacos, fried bass filets, and lemon butter bass from the grill or the oven. They’re excellent for cooking, holding that they’re harvested thoughtfully and responsibly. The reality of bass fishing in the rivers and lakes of southern Mississippi is that a degree of harvesting in moderation is good for the fisheries. Harvesting some of the smaller bass and releasing the larger ones can be quite beneficial to the given population. The way I go about it is by setting a size limit when I am looking to harvest if given the opportunity. Usually, nothing over 1.5 pounds or 15 inches as a general rule of thumb keeps the bass populations healthy for the next guy.
Though I’m unfamiliar with the science behind the harvesting of smaller bass, I’ve seen it benefit ponds and lakes firsthand with larger populations of older, stronger fish. And though the black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass, that is) can be a culinary treat in its smaller sizes, there is an incomparable mystique in catching a large bass on a popper and freeing the fish back into its home after one hell of a fight.
I can see both sides of the coin, and I plant my stake in the uncomfortable but rewarding middle ground of the catch-and-release debate. Every fishery is different and should be treated accordingly. Then, I decide what to do and ultimately whether or not I’m hungry. For me, the experience of getting on the water in the first place eclipses whatever happens next.
Randolph Mikell is a Christ-follower and outdoorsman. A native Mississippian, Mikell decided to explore his local fly fishing scene. He found an unsurprisingly small number of fly anglers and a large number of fish willing to take flies. His time in the outdoors has brought about friendships and experiences that he cherishes continually.