Rich


I don't want to start something here that gets misconstrued, but I have a few questions to ask you. First off, that a nice fish!

Secondly, it appears to have a full adipose fin intack, indication that it was a wild fish (is that correct?). If that is so, why would you be using a size 3/0 hook in waters that are holding wild steelhead?

I thought it was the general consciences of this board from reading the numerous posting about hooking mortality that the larger the hook size was, the higher the fatality rate will be on hook and released fish. It has been my experience as a guide, that when I was using hooks in the size of 2/0 and up, I experience a lot more bleeding and possible body damage to the fish that we had hooked. A 3/0 hooks leaves a lot larger exit wound then lets say a 1or 1/0 hook does.

Rich, please don't take these question personally, I do not want to offend any one, but I did find it strange that hook and release advocates such as you, would be using hooks in that size range in waters that are holding wild native steelheads. I find it even stranger that fellow c&r members hadn't already asked you the same question!

Am I missing something here? If so, what is it?

Was it a "hatchery" fish?



Cowlitzfisherman