When discussing issues as divisive as a bait ban conflict is inevitable and unavoidable. In order to have an effective conversation on the issue both sides must be presented and the arguments of both sides dissected for flaws in logic.

Where above am I trying to impose to my fishing ethics on others AuntyM? By explaining my ethics and how I have I come to adopt them? By encouraging others to do the same? By pointing out the flaws in the 'no bait ban, period' argument?

Just because I take a position counter to yours and defend it well doesn't mean I am looking to cause conflict, it means I am constantly comparing my ethical stance vs. that of others. Having the flexibility to change or adapt my ethics when presented with new information or ideas should indicate to you that what I am after is your (the board's) general opinion. If you make a statement whose premise is faulty and I say "Your premise is faulty" this is not an attack on the person, I am questioning the premise.

Now...calling me a hypocrite for being concerned about smolt enough to change my approach but not discontinue fishing entirely is an attack. Using this faulty argument I could infer that fishhead5 does not care about Native fish because he believes that anyone who does believe so should discontinue fishing. I don't believe this to be true at all, just pointing out the flaw in the argument.

Am I looking for conflict? No. Am I looking to discuss issues which people are passionate about? Yes. Should I expect conflict as a result? Yes.

The question is how responsibly have I dealt with that conflict. Well, I haven't attacked anyone or called them names, I may have called their ethical practices in to question but the whole point of this thread is that I questioning all ethical practices that surround the use of bait, including my own.

Again it seems like some people can't make the distinction between a personal attack and someone questioning their position in an argument. Too bad because for me, I believe that once you have become intractable (will never change your opinion) you have stopped learning. I feel strongly that I need to listen to people who try to tear down my arguments, I learn something almost every time.

Smalma -

Sorry about continuing a discussion that has apparrently already been beaten to death...

Thanks for posting in spite of that....