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bigsteel
Reading and viewing this thread and many others, I not only see some nice fish, but I also see what seems to be a lot of nice fish being handled unnecessarily. IMHO. Wouldn't we all be doing the fish and our passion a favor by not handling the fish unless absolutely necessary? Especially the natives. I struggle to remember the last time I needed to hold or handle a fish to remove a fly. Shoot, I release a lot from a distance longer than the rod!!! Some forceps for removing a barbless a hook works so well and the fish is off and swimming.
Dale
i know how to handle fish and i appreciate the insight but when your standing in 4 foot rushing water and the fish has swallowed the fly you have to do what u have to do.all fish were released unharmed....im all about caring for native fish but there is an overboard point of view,,,none of these fish died so i feel good about thatReading and viewing this thread and many others, I not only see some nice fish, but I also see what seems to be a lot of nice fish being handled unnecessarily. IMHO. Wouldn't we all be doing the fish and our passion a favor by not handling the fish unless absolutely necessary? Especially the natives. I struggle to remember the last time I needed to hold or handle a fish to remove a fly. Shoot, I release a lot from a distance longer than the rod!!! Some forceps for removing a barbless a hook works so well and the fish is off and swimming.
Dale
i know how to handle fish and i appreciate the insight but when your standing in 4 foot rushing water and the fish has swallowed the fly you have to do what u have to do.all fish were released unharmed....im all about caring for native fish but there is an overboard point of view,,,none of these fish died so i feel good about that
Apparently my post hit a nerve. I wasn't suggesting inappropriate handling of fish. However, I do see one photo of the fish lying in the dirt. What I was suggesting is, we don't need to take all our fish out of the water, cradle or otherwise and take photos. If it were a Bull Trout, you'd be in violation of Oregon fishing rules. We can actually leave them in the water to take a photo, remove the hook and cause less harm, especially when handling with dry hands. Everytime we touch a fish, we remove some of the slime on their skin, which is the protective coating to keep away disease. They likely won't die in your hands or when you finally release them. They'll develop problems in time and expire days or weeks, well after you've gone home.
In response to the question from LilSalmon, releasing a fish at a distance longer than the rod is quite easy. I'm sure you've done it yourself. Also called an early release, or long distance release. Usually refers to the one that got away!!!
As for the use of forceps, this allows for a simple and effect means for removing the hook without the need to touch the fish. Even when they swallow the hook, which in my experience is very rare when fly fishing.
Dale
that fish your refering too is not in the dirt,,,ive never put a fish in the dirt,,,,as far as your handling issues with fish,,,,,dont you think the hooking fighting and landing a fish has more impact on that fish then unhooking it snapping a photo and releasing it,,WELL I DO AND FOR THE PEOPLE SUCH AS YOURSELVES THAT ARE SO WORRIED ABOUT HANDLING A FISH YOU SHOULDNT FISH IN WATERS WITH CUTTHROAT OR NATIVE FISH......ive fly fished since i was 14 and ive had plenty of fish swallow the fly.....if y9ou dont like the photos then dont look.
After much thought and consideration, I decided you are absolutely right bigsteel. I do care too much for the fish and want too much for their future. I do have grandchildren and would like for them to be able to fish for native trout in our waters. So rather than trying to change a few opinions and behaviors of people on this forum, I really need to address the issue directly with the Department of Fish & Wildlife. I've been successful in this regard in the past and should continue to work with those who can change the rules. It's people like you that help others to see the light and find ways to make things better for us all. You are an inspiration. Thank you.
Dale