quote:Originally posted by Steelhead S2
Well Mr. Magician, I'm not sure how to take the "ouch" from your previous post, but after reading your links and some other info., it seems as though my position on C&R mortality was based on outdated studies. I based my arguments on what I learned from Fisherman's Fall. Although other studies suggest a lowere survival rate than that promoted by Langara, C&R may not be as bad as I thought. My only criticism of all the recent studies and analysis I have found is that salmon were only studied for 24 hours. These short term studies tell us alot about mortality as it relates to handling and hook wounds, but has little to say about longer term survival. The best I found was a government study that noted more research was needed in this area. So I am, I suppose, an agnostic on the effectiveness of C&R. But I am also largely a C&R fisher.
Fish stocks are clearly in trouble, and every responsible angler, whether we fish in fresh or saltwater has to start taking conservation seriously. Likewise, irresponsible anglers, no matter where they fish, must be educated or taken off the water. To that end, perhaps a harshening of penalties for illegal fishing practices is in order?
- S2.
P.S. I fish commercially as well as for sport, I fish in both fresh and salt water for sport, and I have done some guiding in both fresh and saltwater. Please don't think I'm just some ignorant, navel-gazing flosser with 3oz lead and a 2/0 hook.