just some basic common sense to allow for good judgement when the laws allow for exploitation, which they most often do.
If the majority had "common sense" and "good judgement" there would no need for laws. Yet we have them. If YOU think that this particular "loophole" should be closed up,,,,,,then go DO IT. And you can also educate those that think that "following the law" is good enough. But to say a person is "unethical" because they are following the rules, yet don't understand the consequences of doing so, seems a little silly to me. I believe this is where the people get he impression that some out there with the rods in hand are just a little to high on themselves and the sport they enjoy.
Look, there will always be ways to skirt the law and "closing loopholes" is not the answer. Like you say, educating people is great. Thats why I am in favor of implementing angler education prior to anyone being licensed. I brought it up in here, where there are people with political inroads, and nobody seemed interested. It was largely met with a "waste of money" response. I do agree that education is paramount.
But to say a person is "unethical" because they are following the rules, yet don't understand the consequences of doing so, seems a little silly to me
lets rephrase then, they display a
lack of ethics and are simply uneducated, which is precisely what you are saying, no?
My "high on myself" response as you are seeing it is not coming from this specific river example either, its the "fish anything thats legal" comment. I'm not some hyper ethical angler....just somebody tired of seeing SO many examples of people doing just about everything in their power to make a mess of what is already in trouble..from reasons that canso has already mentioned.
Canso, I am not saying that your decision to fish this particular creek is unethical. I wouldn't do it, but thats just me. Your argument for why you think its alright to fish it is completely valid, and you don't need me to say that of course, but again this is FAR FAR FAR away from "fish anything that's legal".