[BinasiDombrs]

My biggest problem with recreational fishing is the disregard for the fish as a living thing. Because they can't scream or show emotion, people can ignore it being a living thing feeling pain.
If you caught rabbits in the same way and had to watch it go mental, screaming, bleeding and hopping for it's life, I'm sure that would be a far less leisurely or popular sport.

I'm fine with fishing for food, but not for fun.

I have utmost respect for the fish I catch and realise they are living beings (Do you eat cow or chook? How much respect do you pay that?). Whilst not dismissing the fact that fish must feel some type of distress when hooked, I'm not entirely sure you can compare a cold-blooded creature's feelings with those of mammals and other warm-blooded critters (no idea if my argument holds up, happy to be corrected )

I fish for food and for fun. By fun I mean enjoyment, and the enjoyment is the experience, not the act as such. I'll be first to admit there is a certain element of thrill to the hunt, but it's being out and about and seeing other things/places. Don't get me wrong, I'm not in favour of catching fish simply to let them go again. My aim is to catch enough for my immediate needs (1-3 fish), after that I'm happy to give up (concede that I may well catch several undersized/unwanted fish as well).

As teleost has also eluded to, a lot of recent changes in fishing methods, tackle and hook design have also decreased injuries to fish.

When I was four or five, my dad started to take me fishing. I'd get bored in ten minutes and be off lifting rocks to catch crabs or check out huge blood-worms the ol' man would have craved as bait. Without that upbringing, I'm not sure how much I'd care about fish or the environment in general.

I can understand if others don't share my stand, but I just wanted to point out the reasons I fish aren't to satisfy some sadistic urge, and I do respect the animal I catch.