Is Fishing Cruel?

[Cindy1302]

When I was growing up, my dad took me fishing a few times. Thought it was incredibly boring. I'd catch a few fish, then we'd eat them, but still boring. My dad still fishes a lot, and sends me photos of his catches. I normally say something along the lines of "nice catch" or "cool". I feel bad because I'm probably encouraging my dad to continue fishing. It's just cruel to me. Putting the fish through the trauma of a hook being pireced through their mouth, and dragged out of the water. What do you think about fishing? Is it cruel, or not?

[Buenchico]

Yes, it is:

https://www.peta.org.uk/issues/animals-not-use-entertainment/angling/

[calmck]

Have you sorted out the issues with your aunt?

[barry1010]

He is eating the fish. Unless you are vegan you are in no position to accuse your dad of being cruel.

 

[davebro3]

Yes I think fishing is cruel. Humans do lots of cruel things to animals but to do it for sport is beyond the pale. Unfortunately banning it is not on the cards presently.

[netherfield]

Even Carrot's have feelings.

[Gill1941]

Yes.

[Khandro]

I hate it, I live in a small village on the bank of the beautiful River Neckar and men* come from afar to fish for the trout, I wish they would leave them to be.

I don't mind when I see the herons taking them for their food, that seems to be natural, & they are despatched quickly, death by 'drowning' in air is not pleasant.

* never women!

[DDIL]

I don't know if I consider it cruel, I would prefer it if the fish were eaten and not thrown back.

But I don't know if I would use the word cruel.

Are you a vegetarian?

[barry1010]

Do they eat the trout, Khandro? 

[barry1010]

Most fisherman who catch by rod put  the fish in a keep net, in the water, until they are ready to kill by clubbing or spiking. A good fisherman will do this swiftly and cleanly - much more humane than just leaving them out of the water.

[New Judge]

Coarse fishing is certainly cruel. It's being done purely for entertainment and, whatever explanations are given, the experience must trumatise and probably injure the fish..

Mind you, anyone who feels the need to pit their wits against a fish is probably easily amused.

 

Unless it's done of necessy for food, yes iy

[naomi24]

Yes, it's cruel.  

[albaqwerty]

We fish, mainly for trout and or salmon. Quickly despatched and frozen or eaten on same day.

Never though of it as cruel. For sport, it probably is.

[Chipchopper]

Allowing the rivers and waterways to become polluted and lifeless....now that is cruel.

[Khandro]

b. //Do they eat the trout, Khandro?//

Who the fishermen or the Herons ?

I know the herons do, but the fish I see caught are quite small, hardly worth travelling, dressing up and all the effort for, so it seems to me they are in it for 'sport' not sustenance.   

[Chipchopper]

Enjoy some quality time with your Dad, in years to come, I think you will be glad you did.

[davebro3]

Angilng is for those who can't afford the hunting & shooting - gives them a feeling of superiority at less cost.

[ladybirder]

Yes.