Catch and Release

[WaveWacker]

It's up to you. If you are going to feel better in keeping that first one to mount and you want it to be the actual fish you caught then go ahead. I have one (this is before the days of good replica's) so who am I to say. Don't know what it would take to consider putting another one on the wall but that one will probably be a replica or maybe just put back with a bunch of pictures. I've been fortunate to boat a number of 7-9lb walleyes since catching the one I have on the wall and there is definately a great feeling of satisfaction for me when I let one go.

[68Goat]

I have a real mount on the wall, 31.5" almost 12 pound walleye caught during a harvest tournament on Lake Erie, that is the only reason I kept it. All the fish caught in the tournament were either kept by the angler, going to the DNR for research or to the local fire dept for a fund raiser.

The replicas do tend to look too perfect but they are super easy to care for and last much longer.

The older fish are not as fertile as younger ones but every egg that is fertile is one more walleye in the lake.

Each to his own but for me.....I get almost as big a thrill letting them go as I do catching them.

JB

[MUSKYMAN1011]

I always go with a skin mount, I think replicas look so fake.

yes never criticize someone for keeping a fish or shooting an animal. if its legal leave them do what they want.

I agree with you 100% Fake, & over exagerated in size is exactly right.

Some people like em Fake! Some people like em real! ......

I like mine real! ;-)

As far as, Are you a trophy hunter or a conservationist?

I'm Both !

[ikatcher]

if you have a skin mount the best way to dust it is with a very soft paint brush.

[looneyducer]

No more mounts for me; I'll stick with photos.

I am, however, always torn on whether or not I should release a large fish that is beyond its breeding height in a naturally reproducing lake.

Well, not really. It doesn't happen often enough to contemplate seriously. I just wish it did.

[MUSKYMAN1011]

No more mounts for me; I'll stick with photos.

I am, however, always torn on whether or not I should release a large fish that is beyond its breeding height in a naturally reproducing lake.

Well, not really. It doesn't happen often enough to contemplate seriously. I just wish it did.

Now aint that the Truth ! ...LOL...

I'm with ya on that!

I have had SOOOO many 50 plus inch Ski's and 30 plus Inch walleyes in my boat over the past 30 years that I get a headache trying to figure out if I should put them on the wall or release them!

[brdhunter]

Keep it.......

http://www.twincities.com/outdoors/ci_11277894

This might put a spin on whether to keep or release your monster!!

[dreaminofjumbos]

I think the choice should be the anglers. I myself look at it like this. When I catch a trophy there is a good chance it has been caught now days. This means someone probably caught this fish at a size that a fair amount of people would consider mounting. If that person had not released it I would never of had the thrill of this fish. I can't deny the next angler the chance as well. I am all about pictures because in reality both reps and skins are fake, but a picture is a live fish with all the excitement still on my face!!!!