Have to let them go, its the law, period...

It is one of the unfortunate drawbacks to C & R. In recent weeks I have been amazed at the recovery abilities of Steelhead. I have caught at least two nates with net marks ripped clean through their skin, they had obviously bled alot but had a chance to recover because, as stated above, they were still in the water.

I have released fish that I thought would die, always feeling horrible about it and reticent to let the fish go. Again, to practice ethical C & R you must be able to let these fish go in spite of your misgivings.