Fish are healthier when they stay in lake

Re “Something Lake” (July 19) –

With regards to the comments of Andrew Pallotta, of the Competitive Sports Fishing League, I take some issue with his unfounded denial that his tournament was responsible for the death of many bass, on Chemong Lake.

Mr. Pallotta claims that with “science” on his side, in the form of biologists, professors and universities, the death of the fish is not his fault. He clearly is of the opinion that his brand of “science” is irrefutable and absolute, as he made no attempt to actually contact the residents about the dead bass, nor did any of the scientists, whose research he trumpets.

Well, I’m no scientist, but it does strike me that largemouth bass have a lower mortality rate while in the water, in their natural habitat, as opposed to a hotbox on a speed boat, where they routinely and allegedly “get healthier” for up to eight hours. It then strikes me that stressed fish would be better if returned to their original habitat, as opposed to being unceremoniously dumped in the middle of the lake by a Shimano barge.

fishy on Chemong

Perhaps Mr. Pallotta should stay behind for a day or two after the tournament, so that he can measure the true effects of his tournament on area lakes. At the very least, he should have the courtesy of coming to collect the seven dead fish (or as he calls them, “partners”) that were left behind on our property, after his weekend of resource conservation. BRENTMIELKE Nicholls Blvd.

Bridgenorth