B. Gray
A fair question, seeking an honest reply. Let's see, if I heed my own advice, I can answer truthfully or say nothing at all. I suppose I better choose the former. Dang.
While I can say I have done all these good and proper things, I will also have to admit that at times in the past I have not. And looking back I have no doubt now that this was indeed purely out of the greed. Perhaps I would not have admitted it then, but I certainly will not deny it now. The fact is, that whether it’s been out of greed, dishonesty, ignorance, thoughtlessness, lack of respect or just pure laziness, I will also have to regrettably admit that I have on occasion not only fished illegally but unethically as well. While these things may explain my behavior they do not excuse it. Thus I stand convicted.
So B, if you are trying to get me off my "high horse", I thank you and greatly appreciate it. Bob may get sea-sick, but me, I get saddle sore real easy.
If it is to undermine the essence of what I am saying, then I can only say, thankfully, that the truth doesn’t need the likes of Mooch to stand on. The truth speaks for itself and it can stand on it’s own. However, I will grant you, the very point I had hoped to make in the first place, which is that it is a whole lot easier to accept what someone is trying to contribute if it is done in truth. That is why I believe it is so important that we continue to encourage each other to tell the truth and promote honesty, integrity and ethical behavior as sportsfishermen if we want our voices to be heard and taken seriously in the debates that are to come. There are a lot of great folk on this board that have much to contribute to the issues and challenges that face all of us as sportsfishermen and I, for one, would like to see them have a significant positive impact. In the meantime, the fact that I am far less than perfect and may never be counted as one of the MEN who will make a difference, I will not use that as an excuse to not speak out for what is right. So B. Gray, in closing may I compliment you on your excellent technique on releasing steelhead. You are a fine example to us all.
Mooch,
Your Not-So-Great Pretender
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Matt. 8:27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”