15 lbs is not that big for a Sooke wild Coho but is certainly a very nice fish, especially for recent years. Over the years we have caught a few in the 18lb range in Oct that we were able to keep and one in the fourth week of Sept that was around 20 that we had to release. I recall that Profisher has caught the odd one in the lower 20's. Usually the hatchery marked fish tend to be smaller but this year we caught a clipped ho that was 11lbs on the scale, which is the largest Sooke hatchery Coho for us to date. When we caught it and saw it at a distance we were thinking dam, that is too big, it will be a wild we are going to have to release but were thrilled when it was clipped.Wow that’s a big ho!
Why are you releasing oversize Springs ?stoped just in front of the trap and started fishing, headed out towards Secretary in 300-400’. Fairly productive considering, but not the best size. Released 3 (just over) springs, caught 3-4 wild coho that were average size.
Sorry, just over 45 cmWhy are you releasing oversize Springs ?
No size restrictions now.
Thanks for dropping the coho head in outside Clipped HD fridge will put in the freezer in the warehouse tomorrow morningSorry, just over 45 cm
Fish that were released without being held out of the water had a 12 percent mortality. Fish held out of the water for 30 seconds had a 38 percent mortality rate; more than one in three fish died. Fish out of the water for a full minute saw a 72 percent death rate.No one should be weighing fish they are releasing. Those coho if your not retaining shouldn't go into a boat, and stay in the water. Weighing one your retaining totally get it.
BTW Thanks to everyone that are putting heads in.
Can you posts links to your study on a separate page?Fish that were released without being held out of the water had a 12 percent mortality. Fish held out of the water for 30 seconds had a 38 percent mortality rate; more than one in three fish died. Fish out of the water for a full minute saw a 72 percent death rate.
Very nice Z! Kayak fishers rock!Possibly the last kayak fishing of the season, woke up dark and early, checked the weather and reports, despite Roy's report which almost had me roll over and snooze, the glassy conditions motivated me. Got on the water at the g spot around 7: 30. Perfect kayak fishing conditions, gentle flood on glassy water. No guides, few boats. I trooched my way down current, made my first turn, and got the softest of hits, two tugs. Started reeling in and thought small ling? Reeled in until I got a good look and found a late season, lazy beauty on the line. Got a hold of the line, hand over hand down the leader to bring the fish close. Tried to land it but got a face full of spray as the fish woke up and finally ran, quickly back on the rod, tired the fish out and after a bit of a fight and patience by me, landed this fat 84 cm chinook. Great way to finaly my season. Usual 28 pulls, green on green anchovy.
Gotta say thanks to all those who give reports.
To those that choose to drive at high speed between the shore and boats tacking close to shore, why? You have a motor just drive outside, its super bad etiquette to rip up the inside, and disruptive to anyone who might be fishing shallow and tight to the kelp.
Possibly the last kayak fishing of the season, woke up dark and early, checked the weather and reports, despite Roy's report which almost had me roll over and snooze, the glassy conditions motivated me. Got on the water at the g spot around 7: 30. Perfect kayak fishing conditions, gentle flood on glassy water. No guides, few boats. I trooched my way down current, made my first turn, and got the softest of hits, two tugs. Started reeling in and thought small ling? Reeled in until I got a good look and found a late season, lazy beauty on the line. Got a hold of the line, hand over hand down the leader to bring the fish close. Tried to land it but got a face full of spray as the fish woke up and finally ran, quickly back on the rod, tired the fish out and after a bit of a fight and patience by me, landed this fat 84 cm chinook. Great way to finaly my season. Usual 28 pulls, green on green anchovy.
Gotta say thanks to all those who give reports.
To those that choose to drive at high speed between the shore and boats tacking close to shore, why? You have a motor just drive outside, its super bad etiquette to rip up the inside, and disruptive to anyone who might be fishing shallow and tight to the kelp.