I agree with Finegrain (Mike). The nates do their best to make it back to the rivers only to have fisherman jerk them off the spawning beds. Do you actually think this does no harm? And folks often go to their 'favorite' spot which is the same location, over and over, catching the same fish multiple times potentially.

If your truely concerned about the health and well being of the nate runs, you will focus your efforts on the hatchery fish and minimize your nate fishing. I'm not saying end it, but in years of recent, there is way more boats on the rivers during the nate run than there is during the hatchery run. The recent closure of all fishing during the nate run didn't bother me at all. I was amazed at the people whining about not being able to fish for them because all they do is C&R. It may be better than C&K, but it still does harm. If the runs ever become viable again, this is a mute point, but for now, it is something to consider.

As for bonking 'a slab', I'd say thats been covered pretty well.