Bruce,

Review the "hooking mortality" thread. In summary, Canadian studies found hooking mortalities between 3.6 and 5.1%. The 3.6 figure was from broodstock collection efforts during which, if a fish was bleeding it was let go instead of carted to the spawning facilities, so the figure is probably a little low. The 5.1 figure counted all fish and mortalities on one river over 2 winters (336 total fish caught; 17 mortalities), but fish were caught by biologists or techs with a great deal of fish handling experience. Again, considered somewhat of a low number.

Given the general and wide-ranging experience level of most sporties, the Canadian managers generally assume a figure of twice that of above--i.e., 7-10% hooking mortality.

Given the data, and how it was collected (and who), I think its pretty reasonable to assume that if you release fish in the Sparkyesk fashion, hooking mortality would more likely approach those found by the Canadians--say 4-5 percent. Any more handling, and the percentage just increases dependent upon how much. This is probably the most important point; that you can MAXIMIZE the survivability of the fish.

I can see how enforcement will be tough with this one, but I think fishermen should view it as: yes, the fish needs all of its scales and it needs to breath to live. Gamies should probably view it as the old saying: "I don't know how to define porn, but I know it when I see it"

I don't think lifting the fish out of the water for a few seconds to get a hero shot will hurt the fish, but have the camera out and ready to shoot (how long can you hold your breath after running a 440). I personally won't take pics of a fish when I'm by myself just because of this and the hassles that Sthder 1 stated in his example.

The debate here is probably good just because it raises awareness that 5 seconds out of the water is ok; 15-30 seconds--hurry up and take the damn shot; anything more and you really bump up that mortality percentage. I really don't think the gamies are going to enforce it unless they witness someone being a real a**hole.

All in all I agree with the new reg, because I've fished in Canada. Those folks know how to release fish. Sockeye during the closures, wild coho, wild steelhead; hell even pinks in the Vedder (natures fertilizer) are all released with feet in the water, holding only the line, and using a pair of pliers. The worlds not ending up there; PETAs not taking over; fishing privileges aren't going down the tubes.