Honesty in photography

Which photo do you prefer? I'm kinda torn, as I like elements of both. The top photo is more "honest", but the bottom photo is more eye-catching and interesting, in my opinion. Is "honesty" in photos always of the utmost importance? Ever? Do you appreciate a little artistic license? Note the higher detail in the "enhanced-photo" trout's eye - is that worth the added saturation? Do you feel "lied to" or cheated if the photo has been enhanced beyond the real-life scene? Lay it on me!

'Tis better to fish alone...

...than wish you were. I have fished with no one but my dog for the past three weeks, and I can't complain.
You get first shot at the water, you choose where to go and when you want to leave, and your day won't be ruined by being out-fished (common occurrence around here).
Fishing buddies are good to have and important, but not just anyone with a fly rod will do. Most of us who fish hard are somewhat selective regarding with whom we will fish. I have an outstanding group of fishing buddies, but when they're busy - that's cool too.
One problem, however, is that you usually don't get the photos you'd like (see below). It's often the fish-on-the rocks-compared-to-the-net or -rod, or just the fish's head, or the fish in your hand as it droops away from the camera.

Incidentally, today I found a nice little spot where hoppers are working like gangbusters, far from the unending pelotons of the major rivers. I've never skittered so much - they would slash at it, then slash again. Then, they'd swipe at it, then slash at it another time or two. Eventually, you'd hook a fish. Makes me wonder if they were keyed on craneflies - I noticed a couple big ones.

Fisherman's camera

It wasn't that long ago that I was saying that all I really want in a camera is a big sensor and a pocketable body, so I can fish with a camera that takes good images without lugging around a backpack. HD video and a big zoom would be nice, too, but not necessary. Lo and behold it's been around the whole time. Sony's NEX cameras are about the size of a pack of cigarettes (lens excluded), have the APS-C sensor, and shoot HD video.

The lenses aren't tiny, but should still fit into most fishing-jacket pockets. They take 14.2-megapixel images, which is more than I'd need, but that's okay. I bought one that should arrive tomorrow. I even bought a lens adapter that is supposed mount my Canon lenses, which kind of defeats the purpose of having a small body, but now I can (assuming I like the new one), sell the old DSLR and still make use of the macro and 70-300mm lenses when I want to (there are literally only three lenses currently available for this camera, so far).
I have 15 days to decide if I like it - if so, the old Canon goes on the market. I think I'll like it...