Well there's no actual confirmation that the fish was released but judging by the color, we can only assume that it was released. I mean, why would anyone kill a fish like that? If he bonked the fish, then I have no problem with the fingers in the gills. But, and a big but here is if the fish was released, then this is definately not the proper way to be handling a fish. Who cares, how he handled it if he planned on bonking it? I guess only if the fish managed to get away but I think it was clear this fish would go no where once it was on the sand. The question is, what happened to it after the video ended?
Just for the record, if anyone plans on releasing a fish................please do not slide it up on the sand, stick your fingers in it's gills, lift it vertically in the air by under the mouth, or bring up on shore to take a picture. As one post already said, having waders is very helpful for you and your fish. Spend the money and get a cheap pair of waders because you had a perfect spot on the sand bar to take your hero shot without barely removing the fish from the water or any other fish that you may have released. If you plan on releasing a fish, do it the right way and only have it out of the water for a few seconds, take your pics right down at the water with waders on and cradle it from underneath on both ends.
When a fish is slid onto sand like the way this one was, it is so easy for sand, gravel, muck, silt, and leaves to flood into the gill plate especially when the fish is heavily gasping like it was drawing in that type of crap. A fish should be handled with care to ensure that future generations are not compromised. We all love fishing, so let's treat them with the respect they deserve to ensure we always have a bountiful fishery like we do.
Assuming that this fish was released, these are the sorts of things we need to eliminate on the river. I don't have an answer on how to end this type of behavior, but I do know there is no need for it on any river.
I completely agree with Dennyman. Sure, there are lessons to be learned, some are learned the easy way, and some are learned the hard way. For the most part, people should do a little background work on what they plan on doing before they jump right into it. This guy has been around long enough to know what the difference between right and wrong is.
At this point, who cares about the flossing, everyone has done that whether they like it or not. If you do it intentionally, then thats a different story and we have no idea if thats what was done here.
Very nice video of the swimming salmon though.
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Topic: Video from our trip to BC Chilliwack 2009 incl underwater video (Read 5498 times)