I can't post a reply on the first thread so have to start another.

The issue is what makes a species desireable for fishing. I think there are two parts to this.

Most people go fishing hoping to catch something to eat. This certainly isn't subsistence fishing but rather people like to eat fish they have caught themselves. In our fast food society, species that are easy to clean and easy to cook have the upper hand. Thankfully, there are many exceptions to this. Many people like to eat carp, Winnepeg smoked goldeye are loved in Canada and many people like pickled northern pike.

A smaller group fish for "trophy fish". These are usually top predators but sometimes are just big fish such as sturgeon.

Species that don't fit into one of these categories are usually considered "trash fish". Think of green sunfish or bullheads.

In our area, goldeyes are considered "trash fish". Many people slit their throats and throw them back when they catch them. I consider them a great species in our lake. They jump and fight like the dickens.

This is a good subject for us to discuss and I'd like to hear other ideas.

Norm Kopecky