Recreational fishing
is generally done with a (fishing rod) and line
with any number of Lures or bait this is a
technique known as angling. Laws exist that limit
the number of lines and hooks that one fisherman
can use and the number of fish that can be
harvested. Popular sport species of freshwater
fish include Black Bass (Black Bass includes the
entire range of Bass fish), Pike, Muskellunge,
Perch, Trout, Salmon, and Sunfish. Saltwater fish
that are caught for sport include Swordfish,
Marlin, Tuna, ect.
Laws generally prohibit the use of nets and
catching fish with hooks not in the mouth. However
some species can be taken with nets for bait and a
few for food. (Non-sport) fish considered of less
value can sometimes be taken by multiple methods
like snagging, bow and arrow, or even gun because
they are seen as competing with more valuable
fish.
Recreational fishing laws also include other
aquatic species, such as frogs and turtles.
Sport fishing is a recent phenomenon of
recreational fishing where fishermen compete for
prizes based on the total weight of fish caught in
a time limit. This sport evolved from local
fishing contests into a large competition circuit
in the U.S.A. where professional fishermen can
compete and be supported by professional
endorsements, and other large-scale tournaments
around the world.
A statue of a well endowed, naked fisherman has
caused some raised eyebrows after it was displayed
in the centre of Chepstow.
The Boatman was designed to
reflect the town's industrial heritage but his
naked form has caused some criticism.
Former shipyard worker, Marion
Carter, said the statue was an "insult to
fishermen".
But the town's mayor said no
formal complaints had been made about the
sculpture.
The statue, which has been
erected on a plinth in the centre of the town, is
part of a £2m regeneration project, which many
living in the area said was well overdue.
But Ms Carter said that the
naked statue was not an appropriate figure to
represent the town's past.
"The fisherman was always
dressed, he had a cap on and a waterproof coat. I
mean it sounds a bit dangerous to go out fishing
naked," she said.
"I'm not narrow-minded but it
just doesn't blend in with the rest of the town."
"None of the older residents
like it at all."
But Chepstow Mayor, Phil Hobson
said that the council had not received any formal
complaints about the bronze sculpture.
Although he did admit to being
aware that a "a few people are a bit upset".
But, he said: "It seems to me
people are suddenly getting quite attached to it.
"Everyone is talking about it
and in that regard it is very successful."
And his comments were supported
by many in the town on Monday.
Elaine Watson approved of the
statue and said: "I think he is beautiful. I'm not
offended by him at all," Elaine said.
John Lacy, a financial advisor
for Moon and Co Estate Agents which is directly
opposite the statue said that he had no problem
with the sculpture.
"If it brings a bit of
controversy, well that is great for Chepstow
because it will bring people in to have a look,"
he said.
"I haven't got a problem with it
at all."
Shopper Claire Mason said that
she hadn't thought about whether the nudity of the
statue was appropriate or not and said: "It isn't
going to make me run in the opposite direction."
While Clare Robertson added: "It
is fine - it is art. And at the end of the day it
looks great with all the work they have been doing
here."
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