New rule would allow you to fish for only ONE species next year!

[TOP SHOT]

So which species is it?

There is no such rule of course (so far!) but the point is, per the article in the Nov/Dec issue of SPORT FISHING (and the survey on this site) rating the performance of game fish:

If in fact you had to select just a single type of fish to target -- which would you choose, and why? Take the challenge. Think it through. Any game fish.

Make the call. I did.

Mine? Came down to a species that is one of the world's best, wildest, most relentless jumpers; a species generally incredibly aggressive and fast at homing in on lures trolled or cast at high speeds as well as baits and flies; a species that travels in schools or groups generally; and a species that is mind-boggling in its hues and brilliance (and if that weren't enough, changes those colors from yellows to greens to blues as if lit by neon from within). Plus it's found in tropical seas the world around. And, yeah, it's damned tasty. What else? The dolphin (aka mahi or dorado). On light tackle, sightcasting, I rate no game fish more exciting.

So what's YOUR "one-and-only"? Let's see which game fish gets the most votes (and why)!

[Warren_Brantley]

Makaira nigricans (any ocean); weekly would be nice; daily would be better. Size is of no concern and the more the merrier. Hey that rhymes! Cheers all, Doc

[Seth]

I am going with the blue marlin, as well. Having fished all over the world and caught many different species in both fresh and saltwater, there is not a greater feeling than tangling with a nice blue. Stand up or in the chair, I will take the challenge either way. Elusive in nature, they are the toughest fish to catch. Time and money are a must. The thing I love is all the wonderful places I have visited and the good friends I have made chasing these blue beauties around the oceans. I vote Blue!

[fishfishfish]

I'm an inshore fisherman. I say tarpon! Best fighting inshore fish there is -- acrobatic, powerful, loads of stamina... They're not food fish, of course. But most of the time, I'd rather release whatever I catch.

[TOP SHOT]

well, you're not alone there, bro'! if you have had a chance to see the big feature in SF, you'll note that the concensus of 68 experts from all over agree with you, rating tarpon the no. 1 game fish of all, inshore, (and in fact you guys voting tarpon and blue marlin have it covered -- those two species among dozens rated in a near tie well above all others!) (but as a light tackle sight-cast i'm sticking with dolphin/mahi!)

[AusomeAngler]

Have to agree with you, Top Shot. My vote goes to the dolphin. Not only are they a fun fight, but they are the coolest looking underwater.

[ncsharkman]

Shark Yeah!!!!!

[peterdk]

I love the bonefishing...Hot shallow water, cant beat that.

[TOP SHOT]

no doubt about that.... there's not much in fishing to compare with the smoking, gut-wrenching 100-yard run of a big bone over a flat barely covered with water!

[Oliver]

Even though I am a HARDCORE blue marlin angler, I would have to say Wahoo on light tackle. I get to focused on the marlin fishing to have fun, wahoo fishing I let my hair down and enjoy it more while waiting for a bite than I do with the marlin.



Ollie