Reading Mr. Bjork's answers, it is clear to me that if a guide hooks a fish he can hand that rod off to a client AFTER the client reels in his line out of the water first. That's how it is now legally accetped in Oregon. It's also clear that when any angler tags out his limit of salmon and/or steelhead (which is to be done immediately after bonking a fish) they have to put their rod down and quit fishing for anything. If you want to help your friend get his springer limit after you have gotten your limit by "fishing for bass or whatever" you will be illegal. If you are intent on fishing for the other species (ya, right) then only bonk one salmon or steelhead and fish with more proper gear for the other fish! Not intentionally try to sidestep the intent of the law while continuing to target salmon after tagging your limit. Technically this would apply to young children also. If Dad has tagged his limit he cannot legally help a child land another fish by essentially controlling the rod - although I bet many gammies would not cite Dad, by using his discretion. The correct way to do this if Dad just can't release fish after catching one salmon or steelhead is for him to give verbal instruction while holding onto a thin rope tied around the reel seat in case a rare child hooked salmon or steelhead pulls the rod out of the child's hands, so you won't lose a rod. In my opinion, any dad or mom that keeps a small child out long enough to help take home extra limits of fish by having the kid essentially be an extra organic rod holder and tag slots (which is often the case), is not properly parenting in this instance. Make the fishing experience enjoyable for young children by not keeping them out too long - and teaching them the value of conservation by not being a slob hog in taking a bunch of salmon/steelhead home (during what will be a very long day to most kids). ... My $0.02 worth.

RT

[ 07-29-2001: Message edited by: RT 1 ]