Well, my opinion has always been:

1) Fish not hooked in the mouth are snagged fish.
2) Snagging fish is not angling.

If you disagree with that, fine. You think about things differently. I respect people who spear fish, net fish, and snag fish. I don't think it's angling, but Wendy is correct in that it's still a form of outdoor experience.

If you flyfish because you think it's more of a "challenge", then why not challenge yourself to actually hook the fish in the mouth? It isn't that hard, man. If you're having so much trouble getting the fish hooked in the mouth, then admit it and ask how to improve your technique, maybe somebody can help you!

ESub - Good points; I know you and I went through this same discussion in the past. I'm happy to report that I've learned a lot since then, and this time I behaved better than I did years ago.

By the way, I have never kicked anyone off this board for their opinion, I have only kicked people off for posting pictures of mutilated, naked people with a pole up their butt - and for posting excessive profanity. Nobody has earned the punishment of being banned in this discussion.

I locked the thread because it was drifting off-topic. Bob's question was answered and the long list of argumentative posts, while constructive in addressing the snagging debate, was not contributing additionally to his answer. Everyone is free to keep arguing about it endlessly in this or another thread.

Good day to all, best of luck in finding whatever you seek.