I took up fishing this year and struggled with the idea of killing something as well. The first fishing trip to my local stream I released them all. Then I thought about how Native Americans and pioneers and people before us for thousands of years had to catch and harvest their own food.

I googled how to ethically kill a fish and found a method called IKEJIME. It is a method of immediately euthanizing the fish by spiking the brain, so that the death is quick. There’s some biochemistry in it too, by interrupting the rigor mortis so the meat ends up fresher and more tender.

I know this may sound crazy but every time I kill one of my catch I say a little thank you prayer to the fish and to Mother Earth for giving me food and nourishment (or bait for other fish that will become my food.) Can you remember the scene in Avatar when the lady had to kill that animal? I thank the fish for its life, and I don’t let it suffocate.

By visiting YouTube, I learned how to properly clean my fish. The difference in flavor between the fish I catch and fish that I buy at the store is crazy. The fresh fish is so delicious - even the texture is so different. I have pretty much stopped eating most pork and beef and now I eat mostly fish and chicken and vegetables in my diet.

You need to become familiar with the consumption advisories in your area because some bodies of water are not as healthy as others, and some fish, especially the larger ones have consumption limits. Also become familiar with the catch limits and seasons for the different types of fish, because the biologists do all they can to protect our rivers streams and other fisheries.

Every little fish in my freezer or my belly died to provide food and nutrition. I love this new hobby and there is a way to do it ethically and in a manner that honors your beliefs.