I had to delete a couple of posts this morning. Just because you have a different opinion on an issue, it doesn't make those who disagree with you any worse than you. This issue obviously can get people involved emotionally, but I would suggest to minimize the personal attacks and focus on the issue if anyone wants changes.
Although I employ different fishing methods to those who fish at the more popular locations, my main concern is not how fish are caught on the Vedder River. Who am I to tell other people how to fish? Who am I to tell people that my way is the correct way, when people are simply doing what the regulations allow them to do? The last thing I would do, would be to venture down to Keith Wilson Bridge and start preaching to each individual on the "correct fishing method". Why not? Well, I'm do not wish to be yelled at, beaten up, stabbed over a fishing method. Instead, I prefer to share what has been successful for me to others, who have the intelligence to choose whether they would like to try it or not.
Please don't confuse the above view with snagging, which involves repetition of strong rod jerks in short intervals. Under those situation, a call to the ORR line would be your best option.
My main concern is the treatment of released fish.
Yesterday while waiting to have lunch with Chris, we ventured down to just below Keith Wilson Bridge to get some photos that I wanted. Several observations that we made, seem very consistent and strange. The thoughts will follow this series of photos below.
Itosh and I had the same question. Why do people start walking back, and REALLY far back, when there is still so much line between the rod tip and the float? Wouldn't it make more sense to reel some more line in so you can reach the fish more easily?
The fish are usually dragged onto the mud bank. Once the fish stops flopping, the individual walks back to the fish, casually takes out the hook and nudges the fish back into the water with his foot.
If this was a fish to be kept, I would not question the actions. I personally do not mess around with a fish that I intend to harvest. It usually gets scopped up onto the beach with my hands or legs, before a quick bonk on the head to end things as quickly as possible.
On the other hand, if a fish is to be released, I will do my best to make sure that fish remains in the water at all time. Usually I bring the fish into the shallows so it would turn sideway slightly. This provides me an opportunity to tail the fish. The rod and reel usually go in the water if two hands are needed, the least I can provide a released fish is to ensure its safe return into where it belongs.
Improper release is an violation of the fishery regulations, which can lead to fines and confiscation of the angler's fishing equipment. The actual physical damage to a fish when its body is scrapped on the mud and sand is unknown, I think it is often exaggerated by those who condemn these actions. Salmon are tough, if they can withstand and escape from predation by seals, killer whales, bears, and the pounding of river rapids then a brief moment on land should not do a great deal of harm. However, is it necessary when you have the opportunities and equipment (waders) to avoid these stresses?
An easy way to prevent this from happening is to ask the angler if assistance is needed when he or she is attempting to land a fish. Usually the response would be positive. The message of proper catch and release will eventually be passed on.
A couple of years ago, I wrote up an article on proper catch and release, you can find it
here.
The other main problem with crowded fishing spots. as mentioned before, was the accumulation of garbage. I hope, those who are so concerned about the mayhem at Keith Wilson bridge, will attend our Vedder River Cleanup on Sunday after some first light fishing action. A few words make some noises, a few actions make some differences. I'll see you on Sunday.
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Topic: Mayhem at Keith Wilson bridge (Read 18566 times)