String or Swim (Long Read)

[jpchavez23]

maaannnn dduuuuuddeee, if i catch it i can play god wit it dummy. Aint like there is some kind of heb right down my road i can get food at stupid. fishin' is about killin, out smartin that creature and just takin its stupid little life. what are you some kind of liberal hippie?

I've caught and released plenty of trout over 5 lbs this winter maxing to 7, catching multiples in one session. If you have that mind set of keeping a big trout makes your wiener bigger, then do the rest of us a favor if you can afford it, go buy a corvette. Or a rig that we all want, that you potlick in.

Funny stuff and I agree.

[jig head]

What would you do if you caught this fish?

News Release
Media Contact: Tom Harvey, 512-389-4453, tom.harvey@tpwd.state.tx.us
June 28, 2004
Rowland’s Record Trout Shows Texas Potential

AUSTIN, Texas — While many anglers along the Texas coast were complaining about unusually poor catch rates during 2002, Carl "Bud" Rowland was enjoying a record year. While flyfishing the lower Laguna Madre on May 23, 2002, Rowland caught and released a spotted seatrout that measured 37 ¼ inches and weighed 15 pounds, 6 ounces — a new line class world record and eventual Texas state record.

[FLAPPER]

What would you do if you caught this fish?

News Release
Media Contact: Tom Harvey, 512-389-4453, tom.harvey@tpwd.state.tx.us
June 28, 2004
Rowland’s Record Trout Shows Texas Potential

AUSTIN, Texas — While many anglers along the Texas coast were complaining about unusually poor catch rates during 2002, Carl "Bud" Rowland was enjoying a record year. While flyfishing the lower Laguna Madre on May 23, 2002, Rowland caught and released a spotted seatrout that measured 37 ¼ inches and weighed 15 pounds, 6 ounces — a new line class world record and eventual Texas state record.

If I am ever fortunate enough to land a fish that size,it's going to die on my stringer and go straight to Bob Harris at Saltwater Taxidermy.

[jpchavez23]

What would you do if you caught this fish?

News Release
Media Contact: Tom Harvey, 512-389-4453, tom.harvey@tpwd.state.tx.us
June 28, 2004
Rowland’s Record Trout Shows Texas Potential

AUSTIN, Texas — While many anglers along the Texas coast were complaining about unusually poor catch rates during 2002, Carl "Bud" Rowland was enjoying a record year. While flyfishing the lower Laguna Madre on May 23, 2002, Rowland caught and released a spotted seatrout that measured 37 ¼ inches and weighed 15 pounds, 6 ounces — a new line class world record and eventual Texas state record.

I've contemplated that very question on many occasions. That fish was released successfully and Bud is currently the state record holder. If it came down to killing a fish of that size, a potential state record fish, I would release it with no regrets. I’m a firm believer in “practice what you preach.” I understand the controversy that decision would create but I feel like it’s the right decision. I don’t fish for fame or accolades. I fish because I love the sport. I hope I'm forced to make that decision one day.

[WestEndAngler]

I would throw that fat girl in my livewell & run straight to Sea Center to breed that girl!

[txkngfish]

Very good story. Only way I keep a large trout now if it hurt in such a way that it won't survive. Other than pic say bye and watch her swim off to the wild blue yonder

[WestEndAngler]

Very good story. Only way I keep a large trout now if it hurt in such a way that it won't survive. Other than pic say bye and watch her swim off to the wild blue yonder

Where are you fishing that you see blue? I only see toilet bowl water all around me

[Gilbert]

If I am ever fortunate enough to land a fish that size,it's going to die on my stringer and go straight to Bob Harris at Saltwater Taxidermy.

x2 but a different taxi.

[MVP]

Great story...I just need to catch the 30"er and then I will make the decsion )

[Rolltide]

Back in my bass fishing days we always had the option to donate them to the "Share A Lunker Program". They were used for breeding. Any fish over 13 lbs was eligible and you got a free replica from the Texas Fisheries Dept. Sounds like the best option if their is such a thing on the coast.

[jpchavez23]

Back in my bass fishing days we always had the option to donate them to the "Share A Lunker Program". They were used for breeding. Any fish over 13 lbs was eligible and you got a free replica from the Texas Fisheries Dept. Sounds like the best option if their is such a thing on the coast.

It works well with bass because they're a fairly hardy fish. Not sure that would work well with trout. They stress much easier and it can difficult to keep them alive.