Camp

[Sheryl]

Hi Joanne

There is fishing (catch and release) at my son's day camp. I'm uncomfortable about him participating in this...but don't want to come off as an over involved mom. Any suggestions?

[Joanne Pentangelo]

Sheryl, I u sed to be a Cub Scout leader, and there is a HUGE fishing derby that all the "packs" look forward to each summer. I too, was uncomfortable with this. I remember voicing my concerns, and being assured that catch & release doesn't hurt the fish. I still never bought into it. Just last week, I was in Florida on vacation. We were strolling a fishing pier and there were some men fishing, catch and release. My 15 year old son said to me "what is wrong with those men? why do they want to torture the fish? Can't they just look at the scenery?" My point is, this son went catch and release fishing, once. Because of our influence (perhaps) he knows it's not a nice thing to do. He empathized with the fish, and didn't grow up thinking this was a fun thing to do. I'd let you son participate, if he has a desire to, I don't really think it causes pain to the fish, but I think that eventually, he will realize that fish don't exist for our entertainment, and will choose not to do this. Just my .02!

[Sheryl]

Thanks...I've asked, via camp forms, that he not be encouraged to engage in this activity but to allow him to do so if he chooses...Maybe the influence of his parents will keep him from doing so in the first place.

[Joanne Pentangelo]

Well hey, that's about what I said too! I agree, don't encourage, but let him choose!