I have no interest to debate flossing ethics. DFO allows the fishery. They also put the rules in the book about illegal fishing techniques. I appeal to those who are not die-hard anti flossing fishermen to read the spirit of the law instead of the letter of the law. DFO's allowing the fishery while they also prohibit snagging must point only to one thing, that they think the spirit of the law is justifiable for flossing (for whatever reason). There is also the danger when we take any text of book (including the holy scritpures of the world religions), and interpret it to the extreme. Wars & killings of even the innocents have been waged based on just the letter of the law. If you don't like the flossing in Fraser, then so be it. No words are sufficient to pursuade you. Even if Fraser sockeyes do bite in clearer water, you will still oppose to it because of the chaotic scenes out there and the possible consequence to spread to the smaller system.
By the way, Gooey, thanks for the observation. I also notice that in places where sockeyes are in the travel mode, they don't bite, much like coho & spring. If you find them in a staging area of rest, the incidence of hooking in the mouth increases. Lower Pegleg has that huge diagonal shallow ledge at the top as a barrier to migration, so I think a lot of fish pause below it, making it easier for them to bite. I also fish another exclusive spot above Rosedale with a formation which cause them to rest in front of the formation, and that is another spot there is a higher incidence of mouth-hooked sockeye lately. But that spot is quite snaggy inside, so we cast further out, then at about 60 degree, I start releasing the line and about 30-40 degree is where the fish gets hooked. Just an interesting observation of late.
I don't intend to challenge some notable members' idealogy, but this is factual observation by being on the river.
Tight line.