Sometime back, I found myself in the fishing section of the local Wal-Mart. While browsing around through items that I should have memorized, I noticed an older Philipino man who was wearing a Spiderwire fishing cap. I made the comment to him, "that spiderwire is great stuff isn't it" ? He replied, "It sure is. I have been using superline for quite some time now and I can't imagine going without it." Before we knew it, we were into one of those long, deep fishing conversations that only an angler could relate to. He told me that he fished in the San Francisco bay a lot of the time for striped bass and salmon when they were running. I explained that I have fished for just about everything, but had really been bitten by the "big bass bug" for the last few years. "Oh yes" he said, "My son fishes the bass tournaments all the time". "By the way" he asked, "Do you release your bass" ? "Absolutely" I replied. He then said that of course his son released all his bass too, because that was the norm among tournament anglers.

He explained that he would usually keep a couple salmon each year, because they were very good smoked. But once he had one or two at the house, he would start releasing them. "No sense in being greedy" he said, "as you can see I have plenty to eat" he said while patting his stomach. However he stated, "I release all of my striped bass. They are just a lot of fun to catch". I agreed.

He then began to tell me a story about one of his trips for striped bass. "There were a couple guys near one of my favorite spots when I got there. While I was getting my gear ready, I was able to overhear them making a comment to the effect of there goes all the fish". I had just made my first cast and whammo, fish on ! I preceded to fight, and eventually land a beautiful 10 lb striped bass. The guys who had made the comments, ran over to see the fish. After briefly admiring it, I went down to the edge of the water and gently released it. The two guys who were still watching, were in absolute shock ! "Don't you eat fish" ? one of the men asked. "Sometimes, but I prefer salmon, and I have one at home which I haven't finished" replied the Philipino gentleman. "I can't believe he let that fish go" one of the men said, as they walked away. The Philipino gentleman then stated to me, in a heavy Philipino accent, "I guess dey tink because I pilipino, dat I eat every pish within 100 miles. What you call dat, stereotyping" ? "Yes sir, that's exactly what that is and that's really a shame" I replied. "I don't let it bother me though, some people are just that way" he said. Yes it's true, some people are that way, but that doesn't make it right.

My suggestion is, the next time you happen upon another angler, try to get to know that person. See what they are about. Give credit where credit is due. And realize that the size of a mans boat, the quality of his fishing gear, or the color of his skin, does not make the man. And not just on the water, but on the street, in everyday life. After all, we all want to receive respect, so we should start by giving it.

	Respect Your Fellow Anglers
	by Fish Chris