FishN--

So, I agree with you in theory, but wonder with the realities that many do NOT handle fish well: What would be better for good fish management and long term protection of the fish stocks?

While in theory I think clipped fish retention is smart, my experiences on the water tell me that there is excessive mortality. I think your numbers are accurate-- 80% probably seems about right from some of the boats. Despite our attempts to be conscious about it, I bet that some days we kill 40-50% of the coho. We only use spoons, but it seems like some days are just like that.

What I want for my fishing experience this year (longer season, more opportunity) may not be best for the long term fishery management and wise use of resources over time.

One thing I've learned in environmental management is don't go with options that are theoretically better if in practice they cannot be effectively implemented or enforced. In this case, I think the theory of saltwater selective coho retention maybe isn't the best way to go.