Speckled trout
Fellow anglers, if you’re like me, you take pride in catching and releasing speckled trout with care. But even when we mean well, we can sometimes harm the fish without realizing it. Too much handling can remove the trout’s protective slime layer — that slick coating that keeps it safe from disease and infection.
Here’s why it matters: That slime is the fish’s built-in armor. When it’s wiped off by dry hands, rough gloves or too much squeezing, the fish becomes an easy target for bacteria and parasites. Even wet gloves can take off more of that coating than you’d think.
A few small habits can make a big difference: First, wet your hands first before touching the fish. Use a rubber landing net to support the fish and keep it wet. Handle the fish gently and quickly, and avoid putting fingers in the gills. Use long needle-nose pliers to unhook it safely. If you use a lip gripper, keep the fish supported with your other hand.
We all want to keep our local waters thriving. A little extra care goes a long way toward making sure the speckled trout that you catch are healthy after release.
Tight lines, and be kind to our speckled trout friends.
George Kotarides, Lynnhaven River Now Board of Directors, Virginia Beach
Humanity?
Where have integrity and humanity gone in today’s America?
We have a president full of hate and wanting revenge. He hates immigrants, although he married two. We are seeing his ICE agents abuse anyone they assume might be an illegal. They throw people (including kids and seniors) to the ground and zip tie them without even knowing who they are. Where is due process? Who are these masked thugs?
Why are they masked? No other law enforcement people make apprehensions wearing masks, displaying no badge or ID, showing no warrants, etc. Now our president wants to send the military to the streets of cities that he doesn’t like to train to fight the “enemy within.”
This has got to stop. Where are the members of Congress who have a backbone?
Vivian M. Reynolds, Newport News
High costs
The cost of meat is the highest ever. There have been droughts that have caused ranchers to sell their cattle off, causing the price to rise. Brazil is one of our major importers of beef.
Now we have a 50% tariff on the import of it. Because President Donald Trump does not like the fact that the former president there, Jair Bolsonaro, was tried and found guilty of an attempted coup. So, if you want a burger or steak you have to pay more for Trump (Mr. Tariff) sticking his nose in Brazil’s business.
If you drink coffee, you know where we import most of our coffee from? You guessed it, Brazil. Same as above. Thank you, Mr. Tariff.
Should every consumer in the U.S. pay for Trump’s tariffs? Keep in mind, the U.S. has a surplus in trade with Brazil.
So much for putting Americans first. Brazil’s beef exports to China have surged 38%.
I am not a Democrat or a Republican. I want the government to serve all of us, not just the president in this case.
Harry Jackson, Virginia Beach
War on America
President Donald Trump has declared war on American cities. Any resistance gives Trump more reason for his invasion. We the people are helpless and are up against a formidable power that disobeys law and the U.S. Constitution, which is supposed to protect the rights and freedom of our citizens.
All I can do is feel sad because I am not a billionaire; I am a nobody. But is this the way to make America great again?
Donald Lane, Chesapeake
