What if the law only allowed each angler one species of fish to catch? What fish would you pick? You may only be allowed a Trout License or a Bass stamp. State and Federal fishing agencies have considered management practices like this for decades. A “One Species Mandate” would mean they could manage anglers pressure on different endangered or threatened species. 

If “There Can Be Only One”, what one would you pick?

The first consideration would be whether you eat fish or not. Some fish just taste better than others. A giant tuna can supply a bounty of meat compared to a sardine or small Brook trout.

Another thought is what fish live where. Location may decide what fish is most or least available.

If you prefer Catch and Release, certain species are better suited. Trout do well when Catch and Release is applied. So do Bass and many warm water species. Sailfish rarely survive a battle even when released. Sharks make a quick meal out of a tried fish.

Big fish can be more fun than smaller fish. The biggest of big fish are saltwater fish. 

Fresh or saltwater fish may be a consideration. You need to fish the water you have. If the water is too warm, some species are left out, etc. 

Cost and diversity of fishing gear needs to be considered. The price of special lures, baits, flies, plugs, or… can get outrageous. 

Most anglers would go crazy trying to decide on just one species. They never catch enough fish let alone just one kind of fish. 

Anglers that enjoy taxidermy would be reluctant to mount just one kind of fish.

Lousy anglers probably wouldn’t care. Catching one fish, any fish, any species, would be welcome. 

Catch a BIG ONE!

Montana Grant