G-MAN,
What basis do you use to declare that all gill and tongue hooked steelhead are "DEAD"? Floating along not moving? Likely could die alright, but some rest that way and still recover. I have talked to fish bios and read the definitive study by the ODFW, under observation by the NMFS, of their extensive 2 year C&R survival rate study in which thousands of fish were caught and released in every manner (both correctly and abusively) and tagged as such. It proved a good precent of the gill hooked fish with the leader cut off not only survived, they swam over the Willamette Falls fish ladders and then swam another 100+ miles to salmon/steelhead fish hatcheries. ... [For more study info details or for a copy of the study, call the Clackamas office of the ODFW at 503-657-2000 - preferable to ask for manager Steve King, or Craig Foster].
Also, releasing a fish that might die does not fit the "Intentionally waste Game fish Law?". For even the released ones that do die it has been proven in recent years that their carasses are a vital benefit to the entire river eco-system - particularly in helping increase the survival rate of native fish fry/smolts!
As for your question, "What would you do?", read my post just above your last post there and find a good suggestion for your dilema. Thanks.
RT
Edit: See that KSR? The whole thread still has no bashing. Quite civil in fact. Cool. >
And Salmo, I was typing my reply here as you were posting yours, so didn't see if before hand. Thanks for your input. - Steve
[ 12-27-2001: Message edited by: RT ]