Yes very common on the island to net a steelhead for C&R as it the fast rushing waters especially on the Cowichan, it can be very dangerous to try and tail a fish over the side of a drift in fast currents. Still think its safer for the fish than coasting it up on the rocks or sand to release it.
Going to hit the river at some point tomorrow with spey rod , but if i get lucky and get a fish to hand and take a hero shot i will not post it. Even if i don't i am going to have a good day
The fish in these videos may have swam away but chances are died.
I'm all for proper fish handling... Let's get serious though, these fish in the video didn't die. If they did, then clearly we shouldn't be allowed to fish anymore at all.
BGM, I understand the need to talk about fish handling so that everyone can improve and so that we can call do our part to reduce harming wild fish.
My issue is that compared to 90% of the anglers I see, these guys did a pretty good job of releasing their fish. Could it have been better? Sure. But they had a C&R net, no wool glove to hold the fish and all but one fish spent very little time out of the water.
Anyways... I don't really want to get involved anymore than I have. Good luck today KCW
Oh by the way there is a petition that was started by Mr D. Gunn of River Quest to get the Hatchery program started up again.. This would be a good thing as then us guys can have our so called HERO shots.. At least someone is doing something positive !!