You notice that Fishermen are not on this sign. It is a sad fact that fishermen are historically and traditionally not forthright with facts when it comes to their experience and catch. I know the truth hurts but there it is.

Even the most honest fishermen stretch the sizes, numbers, and stories about their fish. The best and most honest anglers may be in the 20% range of the truth. It is just a part of the sport. We have all watched the videos and YouTubes of the 20-inch fish that may be 15 inches on a fat day.

Many fishermen stretch the lie by holding the fish closer to the camera. Their arms are extended to make fish larger. Honest fishermen may include a hat, rod, net, or objects laying next to the fish to avoid criticism. Extremely honest anglers will place a tape measure alongside the fish.

Hunters lie too! That great critter looks even bigger when the hunter backs further behind the carcass or rack. Other more confident hunters will lay an arrow, bow, rifle, or gear alongside the critter to allow the viewer to compare sizes.

Its ok to lie a little. That is just part of the sport. You just need to work within some reasonable limits. Viewers are not stupid. Staging your pictures aesthetically may be more important than worrying about size. Adding some foliage, gear, garments, cleaning off any blood, tucking in the tongues, and being respectful of the fish or critter is more important than a big, bloody, thing.

After a lifetime of fish pictures, does it even matter? How many pictures do you need? Why do you need to brag at all? The best and most truthful pictures are the ones about where you were, who you were with, and the story that made the day special. Does a picture of you with a stretched-out fish, or huge racked critter, or a pile of dead birds boost your ego? Maybe you are fishing and hunting for the wrong reasons.

Every legally and ethically caught fish is a trophy. Its just in the eye of the beholder.

Say Cheese!

Montana Grant