I had a fun time today, tracking those babies.
That makes sense; thanks for the answer.
When it looks like they won’t make it I taken them home out of respect.
I think that’s a good attitude.
I also take trout home every now and then, but only a few at a time—because nature isn’t a supermarket with an endless supply.
Those fatso though I fish them in the « Meuse » and it’s a heavy-metal and various polluants prone river. It’s even prohibited to take home eels...
We have the same problems on the Rhine. Heavy metals accumulate primarily in fatty tissue, which is why eels—as migratory fish with a high fat content—are particularly affected. By the same logic, large catfish (and especially fatty parts like the yellow subcutaneous fat and the tail region) are likely particularly affected as well. That said, I’d rather let large specimens swim away… In my opinion, you shouldn’t kill a fish that’s older than you if you have other options for food (even if that’s required by law in many bodies of water here).
Well, in any case, congratulations on your great catch and have a great rest of the week!