Where does it begin?

The problems it causes

What can be done

We as anglers spend lots of our time and even more of our hard earned cash on the sport that we have all fallen in love with and are quite frankly mad for, but there is always debates over certain subjects.If you are active on any type of forum, Facebook group, or indeed socialize with a number of other anglers there is no doubt you will have heard a catch and release rant.I feel its important for me to take this moment at the start to say, I think it is the most important part of fishing. Don't get me wrong I have fished a number of competitions where the fish had to be killed and weighed in, however, it was always at rainbow trout fisheries where the fish are bread to be killed.I don't even eat fish before there is any doubts.The clear argument that often takes place is when a picture appears of a decent fish that appears dead, this is usually followed by a barrage of abuse, then it can be worse if the angler attempts to defend themselves, the internet can be a cruel place.Personally, I think that there has to be a lot more common sense used, not only by the angler who has spent his time catching the fish, but that of the ones judging the fish, and whither it should hav received the priest or not.The best example of this I have came across was on a Fish of the Month thread on line. There was a small boy about 5 with the biggest grin on his face holding a brownie about 3 pounds, it was a nice fish but there was no doubt that the fish had swam its last length. Under the picture was a number of comments slating the childs dad for not making him return it.What makes this unacceptable is the picture was clearly taken at a fishery, where the fish are put in to be taken out and killed by anglers. I think it is important for the ones behind the key board to look at pictures properly or it can put honest anglers and young kids off going fishing and stop them from being happy doing it.Haven been fishing for as long as I can remember, and been very active online I have seen many fish, pike, perch, carp, bass but to name a few, been held up in kitchens with the guts hanging out, and frankly it makes my blood boil.My wild brownie caught whilst worming, to have a judge of the size, its a 40 sized reel next to it.Safely unhooked, swam away strong to breed and produce more quality fish.This can cause a number of problems, not just for the anglers, but for the eco system.I have fished for pike all of my days, and it remains one of my favorite fish, my favorite species is perch before you all ask.Big pike are essential in any freshwater eco system, one of the main jobs that they do is they get rid of any fish that is diseased. This is essential as it stops, or at least reduces the chance of the disease spreading to the other fish. So, when you see a picture of a dead pike nailed to a fence its not only that fish but many others that could be killed by it not being there.Disease can spread easier in a water than many realize, as it is the younger fish that are most easily effected and it can stop there being more fish for the future.It is important, not just for pike, but for all fish to always keep breading if we are going to have a chance in the future of having a decent stock of fish. There is seasons put in place for a reason, and that is to give the fish the best possible chance.I do a fair bit of sea fishing, mostly LRF and lure fishing, but that of one of the main areas I have noticed the problem, as the average size of the fish seems to be getting smaller every year.I have seen this question asked many times, and apart from the more violent and often sadistic answers that are suggested online, in my opinion it comes in one word. Education.There are now many organizations that educate anglers on proper fish handling and techniques to make it safer for the angler and the fish its self. Personally I think with the greater amount of support that these are generating it will make a difference.It will be important for people not to kill fish for the sake of it, many times I have seen people kill fish to take home and show their family, what is wrong with a picture?Also, if it is fish to eat, consider the size of the fish and if it is worth your time killing, gutting and preparing it. The supermarkets have a very large range of fish now, from all over the world, pre filleted and ready to go fresh.It is important for anglers to be prepared, too often have I seen anglers, off all ages I will add, being terrified of pikes teeth or a bass spines, please take appropriate un-hooking equipment, such as a pliers and hook cutters, they're not deer to buy.Please leave any comments or advise, It will be greatly appreciated.All the BestReel Fishingman