Madam, – What a tragedy that the fine specimen of a bass caught at Courtown was not released alive again (Angling Notes, May 4th). Many anglers in Ireland practise what is known as "catch and release", capturing their conquest for all on a digital camera and then returning the fish unharmed to the water. Clearly the message has not reached enough of them. Shame on The Irish Timesfor the indirect endorsement of the killing (though legal) of such a beautiful old fish by showing a "trophy picture" and for not even using the occasion to promote bass conservation in Ireland though the mention of "catch and release." Surely, a picture of the released fish would have had anglers flooding into the area to try to catch it again, so one must wonder at the loss to the local economy too. – Yours, etc,