Catch and Release Fishing

[bradslam]

During the recent "discussions" about fishing for native steelhead, some were criticizing catch and release, saying that a good percentage of the fish actually end up dying.  That is true if it is done incorrectly, so I thought I would throw on a link to an article about reducing fish mortality.  I've seen lots of people who are either completely ignorant about how to go about it or they just don't give a damn.  There are fish that are caught over and over in popular fly fishing waters by people who know what they are doing (heck, some of the fish end up getting named).  This is just one article.  There are plenty more out there.

http://www.ginkandgasoline.com/fly-fishing-tips-technique/14-ways-to-prevent-fish-mortality/

[singleshot12]

It would be nice if everyone was educated on proper c&r but both you and I know that will never happen and I've witnessed more people than not handle fish so poorely and rough I had to look the other way. I've tried to educate a couple once but they seem to always get offended and a bit angry

[MtnMuley]

Some of the biggest pushers for C&R only, are also some of the sloppiest releasers I know.  Irritating isn't the word.

[deltaops]

Are we directing C&R to a specific species or just C&R to any fish? Just want to clarify before I make a comment here. Thanks

[singleshot12]

C&R advocates can not really justify the method. The only real reason it is aloud is because we have lost so much fishing opportunity. But I say too leave them alone until we get fishable numbers

[singleshot12]

Are we directing C&R to a specific species or just C&R to any fish? Just want to clarify before I make a comment here. Thanks

I would think it would only or should be endangered native salmon,steelhead and sturgeon

[bradslam]

Are we directing C&R to a specific species or just C&R to any fish? Just want to clarify before I make a comment here. Thanks

I just put it on here as general education for any fish.  I know where you are probably going with this regarding native steelhead populations, but if people are going to C&R native steelhead the same principles apply. 

[Bullkllr]

Thanks for posting!

[wapiti hunter2]

The only time I believe in catch and release is for barbless hook fly fishing.  it doesn't work for any kind of bait or other lure (treble hook) fishing because the mortality is to high.

Let the people keep what they catch or close the fishery.

[Bullkllr]

The only time I believe in catch and release is for barbless hook fly fishing.  it doesn't work for any kind of bait or other lure (treble hook) fishing because the mortality is to high.

Let the people keep what they catch or close the fishery.

Probably why fresh water selective fisheries rules allow only single-hooked artificial lures.

[BigGoonTuna]

if it wasn't for catch and release opportunity, steelhead fishing would be limited to areas with hatchery releases and only when those fish are in the river.  don't think for a second that we'll ever see increased sport seasons on any wild steelhead in this state...it just ain't gonna happen.  close fishing, and the number will still decline. when you close it down, people cease to give a damn, and you lose your advocates for the fish.

CNR is the best band aid for the situation, the impact isn't big enough to warrant closing it down totally so we can still have some opportunity.  as far as bait goes, i've caught hundreds of steelhead over the years(hatchery and wild) and i can think of about a handful that have swallowed the hook, and it was about equally bait and artificial.  the only technique that tends to commonly result in deep hookups is backtrolling divers and bait.

it seems to me that a lot of the anti-CNR guys out there are clinging to some romanticized notion of providing food for their families.  get over it, this isn't the 1930s, and one fish isn't going to sustain your family.  if you're that desperate, you shouldn't be burning gas to go out fishing, especially not driving all the way out to the peninsula.

[Bullkllr]

if it wasn't for catch and release opportunity, steelhead fishing would be limited to areas with hatchery releases and only when those fish are in the river.  don't think for a second that we'll ever see increased sport seasons on any wild steelhead in this state...it just ain't gonna happen.  close fishing, and the number will still decline. when you close it down, people cease to give a damn, and you lose your advocates for the fish.

CNR is the best band aid for the situation, the impact isn't big enough to warrant closing it down totally so we can still have some opportunity.  as far as bait goes, i've caught hundreds of steelhead over the years(hatchery and wild) and i can think of about a handful that have swallowed the hook, and it was about equally bait and artificial.  the only technique that tends to commonly result in deep hookups is backtrolling divers and bait.

it seems to me that a lot of the anti-CNR guys out there are clinging to some romanticized notion of providing food for their families.  get over it, this isn't the 1930s, and one fish isn't going to sustain your family.  if you're that desperate, you shouldn't be burning gas to go out fishing, especially not driving all the way out to the peninsula.

BGT- Thanks for your well-informed and thoughtful post. It reaffirms my faith that the conversation can be based on something other than pure emotion.

Your 1st paragraph is a great synopsis of the reality of the situation.

The sentence I highlighted is a vital and IMO unrecognized (by many) part of the argument  for C&R.
Folks, if it's shut down it ain't likely to open again in our lifetimes.

[singleshot12]

Fish(steelhead) were created to sustain man for the long term. People shouldn't have the attitude that it is over and it will never come back. Of coarse it's not the 1930's- but the main mind set and goal should be to restore wild runs to what they once were. And it would happen faster if  we can get past all the political mire. Wild strains can be established again if nets are banned and more spawning streams become restored. C&R may be a privilege but only feeds ego's and keeps tackle businesses in business which I guess is important too .

[Bullkllr]

Fish(steelhead) were created to sustain man for the long term.
But clearly not the technology and civilization that man has created, true?

Of coarse it's not the 1930's- but the main mind set and goal should be to restore wild runs to what they once were. And it would happen faster if  we can get past all the political mire.
I wish there was more evidence of things at least moving in that direction.

Wild strains can be established again if nets are banned and more spawning streams become restored.
And chiefly if we as a society have the will to make this happen.

C&R may be a privilege but only feeds ego's and keeps tackle businesses in business which I guess is important too .
See point above and BigGoonTuna's post

[singleshot12]

Fish(steelhead) were created to sustain man for the long term.
But clearly not the technology and civilization that man has created, true?

Of coarse it's not the 1930's- but the main mind set and goal should be to restore wild runs to what they once were. And it would happen faster if  we can get past all the political mire.
I wish there was more evidence of things at least moving in that direction.

Wild strains can be established again if nets are banned and more spawning streams become restored.
And chiefly if we as a society have the will to make this happen.

C&R may be a privilege but only feeds ego's and keeps tackle businesses in business which I guess is important too .
See point above and BigGoonTuna's post

I think things are slowly moving towards a more positive future. Some of the salmon runs have made quite a come back and are spawning naturally again. Man I think is finally waking up and working on ways so that civilization and technology can adapt to more fish friendly ways. Unfortunately it costs businesses and corporations more doe to keep operating. I think it is very possible to have harvestable numbers(sport cuaght) of wild steelhead in the near future. Once the steelhead is de-commercialized and the environment cleaned up a little more .