Catch and release-is it the way to go?

[finaddict]

quote:As soon as you remove the slime-coating (by touching) from the body of the fish it becomes vulnerable to a host of pathogens, ie. bacteria, fungus, virus's, pathogenic protazoa etc. A fish's slime-coating is the same as what a condom is to your schmangee.

Very true. Salt water Chinooks do not have the same resilience as they do once they begin to mature in freshwater. Unless you can release without touching, the mortality rate wll be very highdue to the fungus that invades. Knotless nets and wet hands without gloves will help. but if you really want to ensure that fish makes it to the spawning grounds, release it in the water and slide a gaff up the leader to the hook.

quote:As a couple of the boys pointed out, if the fish bleeds - it's done. Fish have no coagulants in their blood.

Also very true, but latest studies that other than arterial bleeding, coldwater fish may be able to survive some blood loss. I wish I knew more about the studies or how it is that they can survive.