Go fish, young man

[primroselane]

From the icy north to fly-fishing streams in Texas, angling is on the rise. For families, it's an inexpensive outing. Those with a knack for it can trim their grocery bills. And for newly unemployed, it's something to do.

Hard times have had this effect on Americans before. In the last U.S. recession, from 2001 to 2002, spending on fishing rods and reels rose 12 percent to $343 million

In Texas, fishing license sales have increased considerably in recent months

http://www.reuters.com/article/domes...52I01Z20090319

In the depression, in the South, catfish was the major source of protein for many families. Many just had no money for chicken, much less beef. Deer had been hunted completely out in some areas, even squirrels were hard to get. But just a hook and line was all that needed to be purchased as poles and bait were everywhere. The catfish were almost as plentiful. And catfish, plus lard, corn meal and salt, could take away some off the rough edges on the Depression, at least for awhile.

[Beeman]

I can walk right down the road to the river, I wouldn't eat a fish from there on a large bet. I'd say many of our waterways are the same, we've pee'd in our soup bowls.

[primroselane]

You would if you were hungry enough.

Affluence breeds fussiness, even for those on welfare.

Store bought foods aren't always so safe either.

[Louisiana Mom]

My husband & son are out on the lake fishing right now! We bought a used Jonboat with a 25hp motor on it a couple weeks ago. Certainly does the job. We're within a 7 minute drive from a lake so they've put that baby to use. We normally eat bass & perch, but have gone catfishing many a times since I've lived here. If it's cleaned well it tastes great. Rolled in seasoned cornmeal & fried is what we usually do.

[Beeman]

Originally Posted by primroselane

You would if you were hungry enough.

Affluence breeds fussiness, even for those on welfare.

Store bought foods aren't always so safe either.

Not much on store bought either. Have you priced a fishing license lately?

Funny how we destroyed our God given natural resources for money and yet that's where we need to turn when the money runs out. We deserve to eat garbage.

[frogmammy]

We ate a LOT of fish while I was in college...made it so I didn't have to buy meat.

Back in the '50's, if someone caught river catfish from a muddy river, they just kept the fish outside in 50 gallon barrels of clean water (in the shade) for a week or so to give the "muddy" taste a chance to clear out.

Mon

[ThreeRivers]

We catch catfish all the time. My grandfather still runs boxes and trot lines at 85 years of age.

[soulsurvivor]

There's a mud vein that needs to be discarded when filleting out a catfish or carp. Get an old timer to show you how and where to find it. It's like a lateral line running down the middle of the fillet. If removed correctly, it will greatly improve the taste of the fish. You won't have that stinky pond taste.

[lonelytree]

$74 for truck fuel. $36.00 for snowmachine fuel. $7.50 for bait. $32.00 for lunch with tip. $3.00 for coffee.

Only caught 2 between us. None kept.

Good thing I really love the experience.

[Micheal]

Can't wait, here in NY Trout season opens in 10 days (4/1).
Renewed the ol' fishin' license - bein old(er) now (retired too) it only cost $5; last year it was $19 just for the fishing part.
Dug around in the garden; snow/frost is gone, found some worms so bait is avail.
And am even thinking of getting out the old canoe and getting that ready.
Guess the warm weather and open waters have me upbeat this year; sure isn't like years past!

[big rockpile]

Yelp there is Meat in them there waters






But here is what I'm wanting to catch


big rockpile

[George in NH]

To me there is nothing more relaxing than a day out fishing. I don't care if I catch fish or not, I just love the relaxation. When I was a kid us boys would hurry to get the chores done and then we'd head out with a packed lunch and spend the rest of the day fishing. We'd make it home in time to clean the fish and then my mother would fry it for dinner. I still love coming right home with the fish, clean them and fry them.

[Pelenaka]

On that last pic that BRP posted was is it? The fish that is as big as the boy?

~~ pelenaka ~~
who's on sabatical & has been newly granted permission from the govnernor of New York

[holleegee]

I went snagging for paddlefish/spoonbill last week. My brother in law caught 2, one was 95lbs! I only caught a carp and had to let it go. If you've never had spoonbill it is one of the best tasting fish I have ever had!

In Missouri our fishing license is $12, I don't think that is too bad. (cheap family entertainment if you ask me!)

[ladycat]

Originally Posted by Beeman

I can walk right down the road to the river, I wouldn't eat a fish from there on a large bet. I'd say many of our waterways are the same, we've pee'd in our soup bowls.

I'd eat fish from the local waters if I was starving, but not otherwise. They are VERY polluted.

[Chuck R.]

We've got a 9 acre pond stocked with bass, crappie, and bluegill. We eat fish a couple times a week once the weather warms up.

Chuck

[WAFisherman]

Hi. New here but just had to share. Here in WA, we still have plenty of cold clear running water and mouth watering salmon, trout, and steelhead - fresh water and salt water.

[big rockpile]

Originally Posted by Pelenaka

On that last pic that BRP posted was is it? The fish that is as big as the boy?

~~ pelenaka ~~
who's on sabatical & has been newly granted permission from the govnernor of New York

Thats a Spoonbill.

The first is Redhorse Suckers.The second is Trout and the Third is Goggle Eye.

Here is a Pic of a bunch my Buddies caught today


big rockpile

[r93000]

Hey- nobody has mentioned noodling! Big catfish if you're brave enough I personally am too much of a chicken to catch, but don't mind doing the frying...

BTW, great lookin' catch big rockpile!!!

[big rockpile]

Originally Posted by r93000

Hey- nobody has mentioned noodling! Big catfish if you're brave enough I personally am too much of a chicken to catch, but don't mind doing the frying...

BTW, great lookin' catch big rockpile!!!

Yea I was talking with some Noodlers.One told me if you have a Flathead get you wedged in a hole,just remain calm and trust your Man on the outside. Yea right Remain calm while your stuck in a hole underwater. Well I've done decided.There is no way in heck I'm going to put myself in this position.And just for the record you Guys are nuts.

big rockpile