In the time I've spent out on the ocean and in PS a good percentage of fish I've seen released have not been handled “properly”. This is especially true when I have fished aboard charters, but I even see it out fishing for winter blackmouth where someone wants to measure their fish to see if it's legal. Typically these guys are the more experienced fishermen but I can't count how many times I've seen nets fly and a few minutes later a fish gets plopped over the side. Whether it's a hatchery fish, manmade run, whatever, good release practices should always be employed, if not then why have selective fisheries at all? Why not just keep the first two fish caught and go home? Now I can understand how it may be difficult for a charter when you are on a 50' boat and are 6' off the water in big seas but it doesn't make it acceptable. Find a way, figure it out. A lot of these boats have a perfect opportunity to educate 20+ people per day.

Grandpa, I wish I agreed with you that everyone is getting better at CNR but I think you may be looking through some rose colored geriatric glasses.

I do agree with Doc though, I wish the WDFW would state their reasoning for this rule change. When they don't they can expect to get heat from a lot of different angles.