Seriously disturbed

So, rumors are circulating that a local bp breeder is using water snakes are bait for fishing cat fish. I was pretty shocked to hear this. Now this is all assuming up to this point so no names will be mentioned, but I'm truly bothered by this. Should I be? Is this common practice among anglers?

Is it any worse than using small fish or worms, probably not.

Personally I enjoy fishing, but am strictly catch and release so I just stick to artificial bait/lures...

I never heard of using water snakes as bait, but when I went fishing in Texas I met lots of people who used mice and toads as bait to catch alligator gar and catfish. Using a water snake as bait sounds messed up but it might be something that catfish in your area feed on regularly.

As long as it lies within the state's law regarding the species, I don't see it as much of a problem.

I agree, I do not see the issue as long as it is legal. Who decides what the a "morally right" feeder/bait?

Ok, reading all your replies makes me realize I'm being a little unfair in the situation. I guess it's because I really like water snakes but people love rats and I feed them to my snakes. Or maybe it's the irony snake breeder uses snakes as bait. Either way I suppose I should overlook it.

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Originally Posted by ChrisS

Ok, reading all your replies makes me realize I'm being a little unfair in the situation. I guess it's because I really like water snakes but people love rats and I feed them to my snakes. Or maybe it's the irony snake breeder uses snakes as bait. Either way I suppose I should overlook it.

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When I'm fishing do I like using live bait like minnows or worms? No, not really.
Some people up here use alot of mud puppies and frogs as bait, I wouldnt be able to do that.
I definetly wouldnt be able to put a mouse on a hook...
I prefre to use manufactured bait...but above all things, fishing is just that, sticking a fish in the mouth with a hook. Whatever you use as bait is going to hurt a creature anyways.
But no I wouldnt be able to use snakes as bait either.

I fish for food, and prefer nightcrawlers, but have used minnows. A local bait shop is selling larval tiger salamanders as bait. I feel bad for them, of course, but I also realize that, objectively, a salamander or snake is no different in its ability to sense pain than a fish is. Salamander, snake, mouse, fish--they all feel pain, so there is no real difference.

We treat fish quite horribly, don't we? I do it to put extra food on the table, and admit, I enjoy fishing.

I wouldn't use a mouse, frog, salamander, or snake, either...but I recognize that my bias is neither logical nor ethical, it's just an emotional bias.

WingedWolfPsion that is so true. We are accustomed to treating fish very badly. If you crushed and suffocated cows there would be no end to it but most fish this is the method of killing used. I usually feel worse eating tuna than steak. The cow got off easy, truth be told after seeing live swimming Tuna I could no longer eat them just too amazing a critter to make into sandwiches.

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

WingedWolfPsion that is so true. We are accustomed to treating fish very badly. If you crushed and suffocated cows there would be no end to it but most fish this is the method of killing used. I usually feel worse eating tuna than steak. The cow got off easy, truth be told after seeing live swimming Tuna I could no longer eat them just too amazing a critter to make into sandwiches.

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Anyone seen the movie The Other Guys? Such a funny movie, everyone watch the video its only 2min and funny haha. Your post reminded me of this Kitedemon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFSwqsnsF8g

*Dont worry mods, no swears in it, i checked :)*