I found myself on a pontoon boat in the middle of a pond stocked with feisty rainbow trout. My companions on the boat were three novice fisherwomen. The results, frankly, were hilarious. Not much thought had been given to what to do with the fish once they were reeled onto the boat. The first catch of the day brought this oversight to light. I removed the hook from the fish's mouth and asked, "Well, do you want to eat him?" (All fish are considered male, in case you were wondering.) She seem convinced that yes, she did want to eat the fish, so I said, "Well, you're going to have to kill him then." (This is why all fish are male, because it's easier to dispatch a male fish.) I will happily tie lines, bait hooks, and help with a cast, but I only kill my own fish.
She seemed less than thrilled about the prospect, but proceeded to grasp the trout in both hands firmly by the tail and went to swing it against the aluminum railing. It went like this:
"Awwww..."
Thunk!
"Sorry!"
Thunk!
"Ewwww...."
Thunk!
"I think he's dead..."
There's nothing quite like the sound of squishy clang of a fish's ahead against a metal bar.
I also wonder, does helping a girl clean her fish count as an act of chivalry?
Definite act of chivalry. Although, in a family of all girls, one's Dad may force you to learn such things at a young age. (Just because I know how doesn't mean I like to do it).
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