For generations you’ve known them as walleye, crappie, catfish and bass.

They’re now to be called “Sea kittens,” according to an animal-rights group wanting fish to have a cuter, more cuddly name.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is hoping a new moniker will bring an end to man’s dastardly act of catching and consuming fish. . . .. I mean sea kittens.

No problem with the name change for me.

I’ll love their cute sea kittens – right next to hushpuppies on my plate.

But PETA’s logic seems a few fins short of a full flounder. It’s trying to add human qualities to everything from guppies to giant tuna.

Among other things, PETA claims sea kittens are sensitive, intelligent animals that build relationships, show affection and grieve the death of other fish.

Are we talking the real world or Disney?

Whoever wrote the release hasn’t been reeling in a 20-pound tuna when a shark bent on a “relationship” turned it into just a 2-pound gasping head on the hook.

A school of big wipers don’t seem too sensitive, or show much grief, when they ravage a school of tiny shad they’ve corralled to the surface.

Hey, if sea kittens can eat sea kittens, why can’t I?

Actually, PETA should be proud of angling folks like me. No doubt every big crappie, walleye and white bass I clean has eaten hundreds or thousands of itty-bitty sea kitties to get so large.

“Saving sea kittens one fillet at a time” could be a catchy campaign. Sign me up for a bumper sticker.

I’m in great company.

And did Christ feed the 5,000 plus with five loaves of bread and two tubs of tofu?

Nope.

He performed his miracle with sea kittens.

Half of the 12 Disciples were sea kitten catchers.

I don’t recall ever reading “catch and release” in the New Testament.

Catch-and-release purists, don’t think you’re immune from accusations of sea kitten abuse.

PETA says they’ll be exposing your sport, where sea kittens are “maimed,” to elementary schools near you. They’ll especially target schools where sea kittens are served for lunch.

Who knows, maybe the sea kitten name will catch on.

But I’ll always have to snicker when I tell a waiter, “I’ll have the sea kitten of the day, please, grilled with butter and lime and seasoned with a little dill.”

I have no intention of abandoning an important part of a lifestyle that’s allowed me times outdoors with my children and, hopefully, future times with grandchildren.

I’ll teach them the natural solitude of a quiet pond and the simple enjoyment of watching bobbers dance and bass smash poppers.

I hope they’ll learn the satisfaction that comes from furnishing their family a meal that’s well-earned, delicious and nutritious.

And sometime during one of those meals I’ll probably impart on them some sage, grandfatherly wisdom.

Never apologize for your position in the food chain, kids. Now take some more of that delicious sea kitten and pass it on.