I always find the flossing threads so interesting and at times laughable. Could you imagine a time when flossing (to the extent that it exists today) was not even an issue. I do and simply put it ended when they first opened the Fraser to sockeye retention. Prior to that, flossing/snagging fish was not as prevelent on rivers, it became a learned practice to anglers with its introduction and high success rate. Through past learned behaviour one will stick to what works for them and unfortunately, due to its success on the Fraser it has spilled into other systems by those who know no better (or plead ignorance) or simply don't care. Our craving for "meat" (please do not refer to flossing on the Fraser as sport) or the fact that we should have access to those fish (whatever..I don't really care) has created this flossing monster that has reared its ugly head on other systems. I know flossing existed prior to the sockeye fishery, however my personal experience has definately seen an increase in the method since the opening of that particular fishery. I long the day when fishing for sockeye wasn't allowed and my favorite river did not have springs that looked like Christmas trees because of all the coloured wool ties. Those of you that say bottom bouncing offers an alternative to bar fishing I have to ask, what did you do prior to the sockeye fishery and the " effective method" of flos...excuse me, bottom bouncing. The introduction of regulations, letters of protests, line restrictions, weight restrictions, hook restrictions, retention limits blah, blah, blah.......will do absolutely nothing to the environment that already has been created by the sockeye fishery. If your a "sport" fishermen you protest silently by not participating in that fishery/method and vocally by informing/educating others that what they are doing on our fragile systems is unacceptable.......regardless of species. What I find amusing is that some of you (I know, not all) will get up at God only knows what hour to drive 45-min to an hour to stand shoulder to shoulder, in brown water next to somebody that may or may not be able to identify what they are catching (pink year this year), has hopefully showered at some point in the weeK, won't bite off your head or send his dog to do so, but with any luck can at least cast. Not to mention, untangling buddies fireline 150 yards up stream from you, avoiding 4 oz betties wizzing bye your head and keeping your temper in check while breaking off your 10th set up because of that stupid snag you just can't avoid. All in hopes of "catching" and I use that term loosely to describe a method that incorporates a fish, who really can't see it coming until it is too late, running into a 50lb line that is attached to a 4/0 hook, two fish and if your lucky, yes lucky (little skilled involved to floss) a spring may figure somewhere in your equation. Sounds prestine and sporting :- Ahhh......I can hear it now on the Fraser....what colour are you using.........as if it actually matters.
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Topic: Fraser chinook opening (Read 10595 times)