I'm a fly fisherman, and I fish the river for trout often. I'm a big supporter of the slot, because, in my opinion, it has improved the fishing. Studies have shown that trout survival rates vary by fishing method: trout caught on flies typically survive at a high rate, those caught on other artificials do slightly worse, and those caught on bait have a tougher time. (No surprises there, really.) I'd estimate I've caught about 350 fish in the slot this year, and I can only remember a couple that appeared to be in anything other than perfect shape when released. I really don't believe I've killed any this year. (I typically use tiny flies, so they hook on the lip and are easily released.) I think the slot has returned a lot of healthy fish to the water, from all types of fishermen. I think the slot is important given how much pressure there is on the river, compared to what there has been in the past. There are plenty of fish in the river that aren't in the slot for those wishing to take some.

As for catch and release, I'm against it for the Cumberland. I think the majority of fisherman would like to take some fish, at least occasionally, and they should be able to. (I don't, but that's just because I'd rather have them alive in the river.) I think catch and release makes sense if the fishery can't handle harvest levels - which isn't the case for the Cumberland River - or if the fish are a native population that would be damaged by a harvest - again, not the case. I fish some places where those things are true, and catch and release is the only way those fisheries survive.

Basically, I think the fishing in the Cumberland River is terrific, and I don't see a need for more restrictive regulations than what we now have. Almost all the fish are from the hatchery, meaning people have paid for them and should get to use them, so long as the fishery can handle it.