ray in galway

Anyone who doesn't see a problem with the photo doesn't know to respect their quarry, or handle fish properly. If the angler was so concerned for their welfare, then why not return them immediately, or shortly after they have recovered in this magic pool? And I'm sure it took several minutes for that photo to be taken between taking the ray out of the "pool" one or two at a time, arranging them belly up (hmm, they look very much alive that way alright) and then returning them to the water. Thats several minutes out of the water for some of those fish - just for a photo.
Disgusting pic to be honest, think this is something the mods need to look at or there will be a flame war every time someone posts a similar photo.

Good catching Must have been a dream to fish on a day like that
Well done

Fantastic Catch.
Disgusting pictures IMHO I'm afraid. I do a lot of Ray fishing over that direction (I just hope it wasn't one of my Ray marks ) and for the life of me I'm not sure why they would have to be displayed on their backs. One must bear in mind that Ray do not live or their backs , all of their fantastic colorings are on the other side and IMHO a single photo of each one and a quick release would have been the better approach. In that photo I see many tiny young Ray that personally speaking I would have returned straight way without the need for a photo. If you say they all went back alive then we must take you at your word however after a while in a pool and then you having to take them out and place on their backs etc, I'm not sure the phrase "alive and unharmed" would apply.
Again well done Dave on the super catch but shame on you for the photo

Don't know why anyone would want a picture like that. Ray in a rock pool. Exposed to bright sunlight, water probably warm on a bright day like that and low oxygen levels. Whether the fish appeared to return well or not no-one knows how well they will do, and that is no way to treat them.

davequirke@hotmail.com

that first pic is a F*cking disgrace...dead or not that wont help any fishes chnaces...

I sure you pm'd about marks down this way before and to say the least im damn glad i didnt reply to you..disgusting

lads lads lads calm down yes it was a big rock pool and there was more than one big rock pool that they were in witch was below the high water mark well below and all the fish that swam away did so and looked healthy ok by the way sorry for the pic the mate taught it would better for the pic

had them in a rock pool behind us

lads lads lads calm down yes it was a big rock pool and there was more than one big rock pool

bit of a change there. Was there several, or was there one?

had them in a rock pool behind us

lads lads lads calm down yes it was a big rock pool and there was more than one big rock pool

bit of a change there. Was there several, or was there one?

makes no difference how many there were. Fish should not be kept in a rock pool. If not keeping for eating all fish should be released straight away.

well done lads great session of ray

Fantastic Catch.
Disgusting pictures IMHO I'm afraid. I do a lot of Ray fishing over that direction (I just hope it wasn't one of my Ray marks ) and for the life of me I'm not sure why they would have to be displayed on their backs. One must bear in mind that Ray do not live or their backs , all of their fantastic colorings are on the other side and IMHO a single photo of each one and a quick release would have been the better approach. In that photo I see many tiny young Ray that personally speaking I would have returned straight way without the need for a photo. If you say they all went back alive then we must take you at your word however after a while in a pool and then you having to take them out and place on their backs etc, I'm not sure the phrase "alive and unharmed" would apply.
Again well done Dave on the super catch but shame on you for the photo

Couldn't agree more. Well put.

Out of this world session you’s had there lads,

And me thinks a good lesson learnt with some kind advice from the lads, Me also thinks theres not a person on here that aint done something that on reflection we wish we hadn’t so don’t start getting a complex thinking some people hate you for what you done because they will hate you anyway for catching more then them so why worry about it… as for my feelings on the subject Well I only hate you because the one you cooked might have turned into the monster I want to catch before I knock the fishing on the head,


Well done on the catch,

Well done on a superb day's fishing.

I hope the negative reaction to the photo of all the ray won't put you off posting shore reports in the future. A classic example of double standards - I reckon it is far more traumatic to a ray to suddenly have a hook penetrate its mouth - then have somebody start hauling it out of its natural environment no matter how hard the fish fights against it. Then to be hauled out of the water, manhandled while the hook is removed and then held up for a photo before been released. OK maybe it wasn't a great idea to keep a bunch of rays in a rock pool and then place them upside down on a rock for a photo but no worse an experience for the ray than been caught initially.

Most peoples concern here is for the welfare of the fish. Nothing to do with any twisted thinking regarding jealously.

I am sure the fish do suffer trauma being caught, that is the nature of angling. I am also sure that proper handling and quick release back into there natural environment greatly improves their survivability. No need to make an already traumatic experience significatly worse.

thats a nasty pic ok

Hopefully beginners and less experienced anglers looking in on this thread will now understand that it's not a good idea to pose with so many fish. The idea of this forum is to learn so hopefully novices will take on board some of the good points made in this thread.

serious days fishin there Lads - fair play to ya's. definitly one to remember.

Think the issue with the photos been done to death at this stage - maybe time to give it a break ?

nice one - and look forward to more reports

davy

davey never a better word said put it this way I KNOW that the fish wernt stressed for any longer than they would have been even if i tuck pics one by one and if any one doesent belive me i dont care i had one of my best ray days and i know that i looked after them

seems obvious to me that those ray werent released,they were all winged for the table as any decent angler with intentions of c&r wouldnt ever dream of doing such a thing.......disgraceful.

this picture debate has gone round in circles - if you want to continue it start another thread in angling issues